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This is My 1000th Post on ActiveRain (One Thousand!)

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Austin Texas Homes, LLC 453249

 

I've been watching my post number climb inexorably toward four-figure range lately, although it seems like I got bogged down a bit through the holiday season.  This post is #1000 for me on this network. 

 

 

When I started on AR back in August 2007, I never could have imagined how this journey would proceed.  Over the past 2.5 years, I have had some phenomenal experiences here and I've made friendships that will probably last the rest of my life.

 

Here are a few highlights for me:

Connecting early with a solid group of friends to learn the ropes with.  I was involved in starting several groups here, including Dedicated Bloggers, Family Ties, and Inspired by Song!  I also serve as a moderator for Club Chaos, Christianity and Real Estate, and probably some other groups I can't remember now.  :)

Raising money to help a dying friend and his wife keep their home.  Through the generosity of AR members, I was able to raise $5,000 to help my good friend and his wife make their house payment during his illness.  I wrote extensively about his illness and death, and I was amazed by the support and genuine caring that I saw displayed here.  It's one of the reasons that I probably won't ever leave.

Starting an online radio program.  My co-host Ken Cook and I met right here on ActiveRain, which later led to our partnership with Social Media Edge, a weekly BlogTalkRadio show.  We had our one-year anniversary for the show in early December, and we've connected with some incredible guest interviewees, including Chris Brogan, Shel Israel, Sarah Evans, Tara Hunt, Paul Chaney, Jay Baer, and many, many more.

Learning about social media.  I first learned about Facebook right here, along with Twitter and LinkedIn.  I also learned a lot more about WordPress from my AR friends.  Basically, if it weren't for ActiveRain, I probably wouldn't have taken the plunge into social media that I have over the past couple of years.

Referrals.  Needless to say (mainly since I've written about it), I have been the recipient of a solid number of referrals, from both in-state and out-of-state friends.  I've even been contacted by TWO members who are looking to move to Austin and want my help.  I also listed a home locally for an AR member in another industry.  This would never have happened without this community.

Sales in general.  ActiveRain was responsible for about 1/2 of my personal sales over the past two years, most of which came from direct consumer contact via "Google juice".  One of my posts, Austin Texas Relocation Package, garners lots of phone calls on its own, since it's had well over 40,000 visits.  Gotta like that!

A new business venture.  I recently partnered with my friend Jeremy Blanton to provide training and coaching for new media and blogging for those who need/want it.  So far, I've been pleased with the reception for our small company, 210 Consulting.  We got our name from Ephesians 2:10, if you're curious, or even if you're not, I suppose. 

My love of writing. If it weren't for my commitment to write consistently right here on this platform, I might have forgotten just how much I love to write. This has led to some freelance writing gigs, as well as a (hopeful) book or two. If I just had another hour or so in the day....

Connections and support.  This probably goes without saying, but here I am saying it anyway, huh?  I have expanded my online reach to an "audience" of about 19,000 on the various networks.  It all started right here with my very first subscriber. 

Overall, my own return on the time invested has been strong and I look foward to Raincamp Dallas next week, when I can solidify even more relationships face-to-face.  I hope to see you there!  If not, I do have some other events on my agenda for 2010.  :)

Thanks for reading!


Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/migonmar25/2734604099/

Posted by

 

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Thanks!

Comments (124)

Anonymous
Jason-Rental Renegade

CONGRATS ON THE 1000TH POST. YOU GIVE A LOT OF US THE MOTIVATION TO ACCOMPLISH THE SAME. BEST OF LUCK ON THE NEXT 1000. WE WILL LOOK FORWARD TO THEM...

Feb 13, 2010 05:41 AM
#108
Kathie Burby
Coldwell Banker Mother Lode Real Estate - Sonora, CA
REALTOR, SFR, Tuolumne County Real Estate Guide

Congratulations!!! I always enjoy reading your post - very informative and well written. How in the world do you find time to sell homes??

Feb 13, 2010 09:48 AM
Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

I was thinking the same thing as Kathie!! I don't know how you do it all!!  ONE THOUSAND posts...and all that work has paid dividends.  :)

Feb 13, 2010 02:05 PM
Tom Davis
Harrington ERA,DE Homes For Sale, $$ Save $$ Buy Today ! - Dover, DE
FREE Delaware Homes Search!, $$ Save $$ - Find Homes! Delaware Realtor

Hi Jason,

Congrats on this!  I have been following your posts for a long time!  Your one of my original pals on here!  Your effort is outstanding!

Keep it up!

Feb 13, 2010 02:56 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

For those who are wondering about how I find time to sell homes, my secret isn't much of a secret, I guess.  For one thing, you have probably noticed that I rarely make the time to respond to comments individually anymore.  Of course, I have nearly 40,000 comments on my AR blog now - not enough hours in the day. 

My answer is twofold, however:

  • I write very quickly when I do sit down to blog
  • I sell and manage other salespeople, so much of my work is just answering questions for my agents these days.  My personal sales are almost exclusively by referral and past clients and friends.

Hope that clears it up.  Not to worry -I am still selling plenty, but I have enough time left over for other stuff, including my consulting, radio show, etc.  :)

 

Feb 13, 2010 03:51 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Jason!  You ARE truly amazing!  Isn't it so hard to believe that we can come up with SO much to talk about?  Well, okay, maybe it's not that difficult to imagine!  When I read your post, I thought I'd go back to my profile page and see how many I've written--that's not something that I look at often but, I thought it was round 8 or 900!  I'm only 35 away from you!  How in the world did that happen?  You've been here WAY longer and it seems, accomplished FAR more than I have here!!!  LOL

Congrats on the milestone--that is HUGE and so are you!  Not in size but, in everyone's hearts here!  You're THE most subscribed (non-ActiveRain staff) member here--that speaks VOLUMES!

See you in a couple of days--I can't wait!  Wonder if we'll find anything to chat about?!! ;-)

Feb 13, 2010 06:34 PM
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

Congratulations, Jason.  What an amazing three years.  Keep it up!

Feb 14, 2010 10:17 AM
Betsy Schuman Dodek
Washington Fine Properties - Washington DC Area Real Estate - Potomac, MD
SearchPotomacHomes.com

Jason - this is truly incredible. You sure have accomplished a lot here on Activerain. I love this site so much and hope to make connections too.

Feb 14, 2010 11:40 PM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Well done Jason ~ well done.  You neglected to add in your list that you have been responsible for a tremendous amount of other peoples success here in the Rain too!  We've learned from you, laughed with you and felt your sorrow.  You've brought new trends, timeless information, and support to so many of us.  So on behalf of all of us here in the Rain...

Jason Crouch

Feb 15, 2010 06:02 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

1000 posts is incredible, 1000 good posts well that is even more incredible. And your posts are all filled with such good information. You touch so many people and you are so admired. Here's to the next 1000!!

Feb 15, 2010 10:43 AM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals

Jason : congrats - you worked hard for this and you are hittting some high marks but the best is people - we are in the people business.

Feb 15, 2010 11:46 AM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

I would have thought you had far more than 1,000 posts in 2½ years. I guess some of us just have more to say, or maybe just don't know how to shut up. LOL

Feb 15, 2010 01:23 PM
Lynn911.com ~ Dallas Real Estate Agent Top Team
Dallas Houses for Rent Dallas Apartment Rentals Lynn911.com - Dallas, TX

Jason, congrat's on the 1000 blogs can you imagine having all that much to say a few years ago.  Great to see you in Dallas I caught glimpse of you from a distance.  Have a great week. Dallas Apartment Locator, Lynn911.com, Dallas Aparment Finder, Dallas Apartments for Rent, Dallas Apartment Rentals

Feb 16, 2010 02:38 PM
Jeremy Blanton
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com

With 1,000 posts, all I can say is that it is time to give your keyboard a vacation!  That is a whole lot of typing!

Feb 16, 2010 04:16 PM
Jeremy Blanton
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention, that is a really nice look Header on your blog!  Who made it for you :)

Feb 16, 2010 04:17 PM
Jeremy Blanton
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com

Ack, I meant to say it is a really nice looking header.  That is what happens when you are working after 1AM! LOL

Feb 16, 2010 04:18 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Lynn - Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet.  I talked to a LOT of people today.  :)

Jer - I also like the new header.  Thanks for making it!

Feb 16, 2010 04:30 PM
Bridget Cella
Re/Max Connection - Sewell, NJ
e-Pro, Realtor

Not sure how you fit it all in!  But there are many of us who are glad you do!

A big congratulations to you!

Feb 17, 2010 05:21 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

A thousand posts......And to think you're not even 39 and a half yet!!!!

Great job my friend. 

I'm looking forward to your next 1,000 posts......

Feb 17, 2010 06:40 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.
Congrats on your milestone Jason. Thanks for all the great info and insight you have given.
Feb 17, 2010 08:09 AM