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Leave the Drama for Your Mama...Get a LIFE

By
Real Estate Agent with Liberty Homes RS-#62825

Gail Robinson wrote a post Top 50 AR Bloggers in December 2009  and it was about the top (points) bloggers on AR who have remained in the top 50 for the past two years (and still active) and who was included in this list?  Yes, MOI. And it took plenty of dedication, commitment and consistency with blogging on ActiveRain...to get to this point.

That first year of 2007 I was going through my trials and tribulations in blogging. ActiveRain was THE very first real estate network that I joined and it was a new experience for me in the world of blogging and online communication with other real estate professionals.

Oh...the drama that went on with only 19k members and every one telling everybody else how they should blog, when they should blog and about what they should blog about. Talk about control issues! Lol! Fast forward past the drama (that I left behind) and nearing the start of 2010, .... I believe the following can be construed as worthy advice (then again it's just MY opinion) for the new or old member:

  • BE REAL. It's your blog and you can write about whatever you think the consumer, public, members, non members and just plain ole people would like to read. Most importantly, be REAL. Puffing yourself up as a GREAT this or that is not what it's all about. It's giving a piece of you in your post so everyone can read between your lines and ‘feel' the person and professional that you truly are.
  • VARIETY OF TOPICS: In my opinion the REAL estate industry consists of everything and anything. We are ‘experts' in our area and it includes not only real estate in your area but the community, events, businesses, schools, happenings, military bases, loans and stuff about you ...the human being who happens to a be a Real Estate Industry Professional. Just keep balance in your topics and themes so your readers don't get bored.
  • FACTUAL DATA: Don't ‘assume' that the information you're giving is correct. If you don't know ...then research and ask questions but DON'T write something you're not quite sure about. No one will look more the fool than you if you're putting B.S. into your posts. And...you're not  ‘talking' to one person...you're ‘talking' to the whole internet community.
  • RESPECTFUL and PROFESSIONAL: Bottom line is that ActiveRain Real Estate Network gave us the opportunity to connect with our peers and the consumer through blogging on THEIR network. We are courteous, respectful and mindful of others and the community as a whole. Remember, you're showing your TRUE colors when you're ‘conversing' in the comment stream.
  • BALANCE: This is something I have had to remind myself of often. Yes, blogging can be very addicting...ActiveRain and their Point/Feature system is what got me going.... but now....I HAVE A LIFE! We all need to work, make time with family and so forth. I literally had to do some time management and though I love ActiveRain I've had to sometimes put it on the side for the sake of what I came here for to begin with. REAL Estate.

Yup...I got a life ..........NOW.

How about you?

 

Posted by

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

 

 © 2007-2015 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's

Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

All rights reserved.

     

 


 

 

Comments (29)

George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Sally, Gail did a great job with both of the blogs that she did on the rankings. 

Blogging is in many ways like life, and just like it is some times difficult to find the balance that is need to be a success with, family, work, and play, but we must all find it if we want to be a success in life. 

Dec 18, 2009 02:03 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Sally - My first thought when I saw that picture is "To Infinity and Beyond"  Great thoughts about keeping it real and living a life in balance.  Two things I live by every day!

Dec 18, 2009 02:33 PM
Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant
Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC
Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Sally...double Congratulations for being in the Top Blogger list and this guideline for us all to consider...yes we have a life and real estate is the game.

Blogging is just another tool to help us sell real estate and connect with people:O)

Dec 18, 2009 02:33 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Congratulations on making Gail's list, Sally.  And thank you for reminding me that there is life outside Active Rain.  It is addicting and it needs to have it's allotted quota in our daily life.  That is on my 2010 business plan.

Dec 18, 2009 03:20 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Jeff:  There's no ifs ands or buts. We've been here for so long because we saw the benefit and the .....awesome friendships we've formed because of this. And you my friend...just may have a deal. Depending on biz this coming year....it's been my plan to go to the west coast. Time to have closure with dad in the VA cemetary in Kent, WA.

Teri: Merry Christmas to you too! The way Gail did the chart shows the people who have remained and of course moved up with consistency in their blogging efforts. ... Remember when that guy from Kauai news called us both...that was fun!

Dec 18, 2009 03:20 PM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Sally this is such a fabulous post and as informative as it is entertaining! Great job and thank you again for featuring my recent post in The Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul group!


You Rock!

Dec 19, 2009 12:02 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Sally,

What an informative post. You tell it like it is and we are grateful. Congratulations on making Gail's list!! I appreciate the guidelines and the reminder we need to keep a balance in life. Merry Christmas to you and warm wishes for a prosperous New Year!

Dec 19, 2009 03:37 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

I absolutely love your outfit there. Keep up the good work.

Dec 19, 2009 12:18 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Robert: lol...

Dorie: Thanks much....not hard to make Gail's list....when one worked hard at it for the past two years.....A very Happy Holiday Season to you too!

Russell:  You are the sweetest Russell. There are only a few that go above and beyond to help their community and fellow man...you are one of them.

Dec 19, 2009 03:54 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

So much said about my membership and participation here in the 'Rain. I didn't show up Top 50 back in 2007 but made the list in 2009. I can only measure my own accomplishments and celebrate my own victories. The most important thing to me is knowing BLOGGING has been my own Consistent effort in Marketing. To that, I claim VICTORY.

Dec 19, 2009 09:21 PM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Sally, you look so... superhero-ish, LOL. Congratulations on making the top 50 here, that is wonderful. Right now I have no consistancy, seems my little grandson wants my full attention whenever I get on the computer. I am trying to figure out how this will all work out so I can keep up with everything.

Balance is key to everything in life!

Dec 19, 2009 10:58 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Sally, Even back in 2007, many of us were learning from YOU.  You were my role model back then and still are and I still follow the advice that you've been consistant with.  It's what works!

Dec 20, 2009 07:42 AM
Lynn Michaels
RE/MAX Central- Marlboro & Manalapan, NJ - Marlboro, NJ
Marlboro-Manalapan Real Estate

Congraulations, Sally! Well deserved!

You were one of the first commenters on my first post, and I've been a subscriber of yours ever since. I aspire to write as well and as prolifically as you do. As always, you have great pointers in this post.

Dec 20, 2009 08:51 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

Be real. That's one the best pieces of advice that anyone can get in my opinion. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Dec 20, 2009 01:40 PM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Sally - thanks once again for a well written blog - and have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Dec 21, 2009 06:51 AM
Monique Combs
Royal Shell Real Estate - Bonita Springs, FL
Royal Shell Real Estate - Monique Combs

Sally ~ Much admiration for all the time put in. Yes, family first! Have a great holiday!

Dec 21, 2009 01:57 PM
Dawn A Fabiszak
Private Label Realty ( Denver metro area, Colorado - Aurora, CO
The Dawn of a New Real Estate Experience!

Sally ~ I appreciate what you write.  It is great guidence for a new blogger like myself.

Dec 26, 2009 09:43 AM
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

No Drama Sally,

That got my attention, look I like how you work hard, get the message out, don't take your self so serious that you can't laugh at your self( I love the photo).  Yes Activerain is a spring board the sociall media and you have done a great job.

Dec 27, 2009 12:51 PM
Janice Cooper
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. ~ C: 609-694-3622 New Jersey - Medford Township, NJ
Broker Associate, ABR, ASP

Congratulations!  Great work!

Dec 28, 2009 02:32 PM
Andrea Kappre
Keller Williams Hometown - Mantua, NJ
New Jersey Realtor, New Jersey MLS, Homes for Sale

A great reminder to put LIFE and family first.  IF we don't I am certain there will be a great deal of regret later.

Dec 31, 2009 04:00 AM