Special offer

Chicago Raincamp - a Review

By
Real Estate Agent

Sorry folks, I took no pictures.  Alan May was all over the place snapping like crazy and gave you bits and pieces during the entire session.  What I want to share with you is what I came away with from Chicago's Raincamp.

Blogging:  Be genuine. 

Ben Kinney is what he represents on his posts.  He is talented, has a sense of humor, makes you feel relaxed while he his talking about alot of things, keeps it flowing. 

Bob Stewart is from Michigan.  Found that out yesterday when he put his "Michigan" hand in front of his face.  Bob is warm, caring, has a great right arm (you'll find out when you go to a Raincamp), smart, sense of humor.

Brad Andersohn what can one say except this man challenged us in a unique ways from encouraging us to sprout our wings when it comes to growing our sphere of influence, to improve SEO, as well as the quality and content of our blogging. 

The biggest lesson I learned from these men yesterday was that how they blogged was who they were.  When I first saw them, I was taken back because of all the photos, the posts with information, sense of humor, concerns, etc., made me feel as if I just had lunch with these men last week and I had the privilege again of seeing them this week.  But in reality, it was the first time I met and saw these three amazing men.

The Active Rain Members: 

We each were given our dog tags with our names only.  No real estate affiliations but just our names.  For me it was a great time of connecting with people that I have been "talking to" since joining Active Rain.  We were there to learn and support one another.  Pretty amazing group of people under the Rain Umbrella.

Suggestions:

I'd make sure that you read the posts of these men if you want your business to take off.  Then after you read the posts, it is highly suggested that you integrate into your business what they are talking about.  Do not collect a "to do" list because you need to be dedicated each day to yourself and your business.  If you can't do everything that these men talk about, then select the best options that you can apply to your business that day. 

Believe in yourself.  That wasn't discussed yesterday because it was implied that those 250 Realtors who attended the Chicago Raincamp already had that belief system. 

Be Remarkable.  Awesome statement that Ben Kinney made and it is so very true.

Post every day.  Position yourself as an expert.  I didn't say "know it all" but EXPERT.  Huge difference and the genuineness will come flowing and people will gravitate to you. 

Focus on a geographical neighborhood.  You have been told this time and time again but it works.  It really works when you focus georgraphically. 

Making a Difference:  Ben Kinney, Bob Stewart and Brad Andersohn are alot smarter then they let on yesterday at Chicago's Raincamp.  But here's the lowdown on these brilliant men:  They were smart enough to talk to us at a level that we could understand, to grow and expand our business.  How much better does it get then that?

I highly recommend that you take a day when Raincamp comes to your neighborhood.  It's one investment in your business where you won't be making a mistake and on top of that it is like this huge family reunion where alot of your online friends can actually connect in person.

Posted by

 

 

This information is provided to you by Barb Van Stensel with a commitment to support the Chicago, IL community.

 

 

Let's Stay CONNECTED

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

 

 


Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Software

Comments(26)

Stephen Garner
Hub Media Company - Tempe, AZ
Hub Media Company

Im looking forward to Raincamp Phoenix in June?

Apr 20, 2010 06:34 PM
Betsy Schuman Dodek
Washington Fine Properties - Washington DC Area Real Estate - Potomac, MD
SearchPotomacHomes.com

Barb - what a wonderful overview and recap...and totally different then the ones I have read in the past!

Apr 20, 2010 10:20 PM
Scott Baker
www.eHomeReports.com Coldwell Banker Realty - Liberty Township, OH
Realtor Homes for Sale Cincinnati/Dayton Ohio

I too am bummed I could not attend. It would hve been about a 6 hour drive for me each way. That didn't hold me back, just had too much going on in the world of RE. Still, I know I missed a great event.

Thank you

Apr 20, 2010 10:43 PM
Wendy McSteen
Spring Realty Inc. - Channahon, IL

Hi Barb:  I was there as well and have never attended anything like this.  Came home with lots of ideas and lots of information.  I was really an honor to have met Ben, Bob and Brad.  Thanks for the great post.

Apr 20, 2010 10:55 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

Barb - I'm so sorry that I missed you...

Apr 21, 2010 12:42 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Barb:  Glad you had a great time! Where are all those pics that Alan supposedly took?

Apr 21, 2010 01:50 AM
Linda Metallo DiBenardo
RE/MAX Impact, Lockport, Illinois - Lockport, IL

 I am sorry I could not attend.  I hope they'll be back.

Apr 21, 2010 02:39 AM
Duane Murphy
Expert Real Estate Partners LLC - Appleton, WI
Broker- Owner-Real Estate -

Barb- Great insights to the experience we had at Chicago Rain Camp!!

Apr 21, 2010 03:16 AM
Betty Knowles
Southwest Missouri Realty - Springfield, MO
Ready to sell? Call Betty!

Barb, I would love to go to Raincamp if the would have it closer to us.

Apr 21, 2010 05:40 AM
Pippa Mac
Chevaux Group Realtor, The Woodlands and Spring - The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands TX Real Estate

Barb .. I would love to go to Raincamp and I really enjoy hearing about the neighborhood experts!

Apr 21, 2010 05:59 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I rarely notice the company affiliations on Active Rain. I seem to focus on their real names and the personality or content of their blogs. There is a Rain Camp coming to the DC area soon.

Apr 21, 2010 07:46 AM
Kimberly Thurm
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago - Naperville, IL
Broker / Relocation Consultant ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR

I so much agree Barb.  Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head.  Ben, Bob and Brad are terrific people.  It is a very cool thing they do; giving of their time and their knowledge.  It's a wonderful thing!  Thanks.....

Apr 21, 2010 08:16 AM
Paige Walker
Paige Walker - Pineville, LA
Real Estate Guru - Alexandria Pineville LA

Barb - Thanks so much for this update! It's great to know that all three of them are geniune! Great blog update! -Paige Walker

Apr 21, 2010 08:24 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Barb:  Great!  I'm happy to hear of your interest in the little "get-together"!  Still mad about missing everyone on Monday ... so this will be especially important to me.  I'll definitely be in touch and writing more about it .. be on the lookout!

Gene

Apr 21, 2010 09:05 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Barb:  Great!  I'm happy to hear of your interest in the little "get-together"!  Still mad about missing everyone on Monday ... so this will be especially important to me.  I'll definitely be in touch and writing more about it .. be on the lookout!

Gene

Apr 21, 2010 09:05 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Barb:  Great!  I'm happy to hear of your interest in the little "get-together"!  Still mad about missing everyone on Monday ... so this will be especially important to me.  I'll definitely be in touch and writing more about it .. be on the lookout!

Gene

Apr 21, 2010 09:05 AM
Beth Brace
Roudebush Realty,Inc. - Hinsdale, IL
Hinsdale, Oak Brook, La Grange, Homes

it was a great day at the camp. I am still trying ti digest it all. It is a future of making yourself an expert in the market. Beth

Apr 21, 2010 12:10 PM
Barb Van Stensel
Chicago, IL

Mike:  A whole different perspective!

John:  It truly is and thank you.  ;-)

Stephen:  DO NOT MISS IT!

Betsy:  Thank You and Love your profile picture!

Scott:  Invest in yourself.

Wendy:  It was super, eh?!

Alan:  Me, too!

Lyn:  Click on Alans name and he has several posts during the course of the day.

Linda:  I cannot suggest this enough:  business will wait for a day.  Invest in yourself especially with AR!

Duane:  Thank you.

Team Knowles:  Push 'em!

Cheryl:  Totally agree.  Something unique about AR.

Kimberly and Paige:  True Genuineness.

Gene:  I will be watching, looking, responding and waiting, my friend!

Apr 21, 2010 12:19 PM
Howard and Susan Meyers
The Hudson Company Winnetka and North Shore - Winnetka, IL

We were there.  Thoroughly enjoyed it.  Tons of great information and inspiration.  Didn't look like anyone left early.  Great experience.

Apr 21, 2010 02:52 PM
Anonymous
Matthew Coates

Nice review. I will be in San Diego. Out from Phx. Love to connect with anyone of you. Look me up.

 

Matthew Coates 602.332.3321

Facebook: http://facebook.com/matthewcoates1

Twitter: http://twitter.com/realtormatthew

Phoenix / Chandler homes for sale http://mc.searcharizonarealestate.com

Jul 11, 2010 01:32 PM
#27