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Finding Friends... Playing in the Rain

By Craig Schiller

Industry Observer

November 14, 2006 09:18 PM

In life I have been "trained" to think that the world is big and cold and impersonal. And I have been lead to believe that technology removes the personal touch. I have come to believe that "Computers are cold and impersonal replacing people" often infering that people are being "removed" from our lives.

Well something happened the other night... an AMAZING opportunity came my way. BUT I needed some help to get the ball rolling. So I went to Active Rain.

I called on a "Rain Buddy" and shared with them what could be a fun, interesting and exciting opportunity.

Calling someone would seem like no biggie... but it is. You see I NEVER have talked to this person before. I have read their blogs... made some comments... received comments back... but never actually TALKED to them.

But instantaly, it was if we were old college chums... it JUST amazed me how quickly and easily we started talking, sharing and yes... SOME dishing. (OK it was VIAL gossiping only talking about the worst of the worst... you know who you are.)

Anyway, when I tell others of Active Rain they don't "get it". Maybe what blocks them from getting "it" is skepticism that nothing could work this easy. Maybe they too hold a false belief that computers and technology can not reach out and touch people.

I joined ActiveRain to "get business"... which I have. But the amazing thing is, I keep getting a whole lot more.

PS: My Rain Buddy and I will keep you posted on the "opportuinty" because if it goes... it will be BIG and definetly be BLOG-WORTHY.

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Maureen Francis

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel - Bloomfield Hills, MI

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Craig,

I was going to post something about how ActiveRain has given me a new use for 'long distance' service. I've talked to people from all over the country. It's fun!

Nov 15, 2006 12:45 AM

Marc Blasi

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

True - too many prople don't realize that this site is more than just plain old work.

I've blogged with and talked to quite a few people around the country - in addition to getting business inquiries that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

Nov 15, 2006 01:06 AM

Bob Pavey

RE/MAX Hometown - Aventura, FL

CRS

Craig, good for you. I have also spoke to a fellow Active Rainer and it was very much like we have known each other for many years

Nov 15, 2006 01:40 AM

Val Allocco

Staged 2 Sell New York & Long Island - Northport, NY

HSE; ASHSR - Home Stager, for Manhattan, Brooklyn & Long Island

The great thing about blogging and establishing dialogue through our comments, is that we bypass all the socially-required 'niceties' and sort of just jump in (to the 'puddle' if you will). I think that we see a deeper and truer side of each other, in a very short time (like 'speed-friendships'!), and that is what helps to establish a bond.

I hope that someday we all might have an opportunity to come together for the single purpose of meeting face to face and enjoying the camaraderie. How does a Vegas Active Rain Convention sound?!!

Oh, and Craig? I can't wait to hear about the 'opportunity'!

Staging It Forward,

Val

Nov 15, 2006 04:58 AM

Mary McKnight

Sacrilicious Marketing - Orlando, FL

Craig, excellent points. The blogosphere is a social network where people can participate and interact- you'll always get those angry souls that have to attack others but the truth is, most of the people you meet are wonderful and willing to share their expertise to make you a better professional and person. I have been blogging a long time and have met some amazing people that I consider close friends and AR has helped to grow my cyber friends list substantially.

Nov 15, 2006 05:53 AM

Tyler Wedel

THIRD TENNESSEE REALTY - Monterey, TN

I agree Craig I have experienced what you are talking about also,,BTW wheres your nose

Nov 15, 2006 06:16 AM

Shane Ramer

Solano Mortgage - Vacaville, CA

very very true. good luck with the new idea. i'll be looking for the future blog talking about how well it worked.

Nov 15, 2006 06:17 AM

Michele Van Detti

CJR - Gilbert, AZ

Very true Craig. I love it when the phone rings out of the blue and it's a fellow Rainer calling to say hi. Gives me a big pick me up in my day. It's amazing, like you say, how we can pick up the phone and speak to someone the for the first time like they're an old pal. What an amazing network this is.

Nov 15, 2006 07:16 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Craig..... lol I am laughing out loud because I read your blog and wrote Craig.... then my phone rang. That was 35 minutes ago. I had to go back to see what I read.... lol

Anyhow.... you are so right on the money with this. Yes, do I get excited about things and sometimes they let me down.?? sure..... but Active Rain... it is truly amazing. I was talking to my business partner about it today and he said that I need to get him an invite. I don't think he would last as much, but there is some dedication to this. But once you jump in and get started.... it can be a great thing.

Craig... you are one person that I haven't had a chance to talk to and I am looking forward to our first conversation...hopefully sometime in the near furture.

Great topic here..... thumbs up. I mentioned all of this in my blog from 2 days ago.. it was in regards to My New office: and Active Rain.... I mentioned some great examples. thanks

KK.....pineapple

Nov 15, 2006 09:29 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Michele.... yes, I agree. Getting thet unexpected phone call. Hey Michele...I know you, we have talked on the phone too.... ;o) How did that client make out?

PS>... very cute picture

Nov 15, 2006 09:30 AM

Ann Guy

NA - Allentown, PA

I do feel like I know so many people now like "old college chums". I often think "If I get the chance to go to anytown, I'll have to meet up with my fellow rainer".

And you are right, I have talked to may people and they just don't "get" Ar until they try it out.

Nov 15, 2006 10:48 AM

Carole Cohen

Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office - Cleveland, OH

Realtor, ePRO

Hi Craig, and I'm glad your handsome puss is back with us! I haven't spoken to anyone on the phone yet, but for the first time since I came here, I had an issue going around in my head about a listing, so I posted and asked questions, and within 20 minutes I had great responses! This is an amazing group, a support group, a circle of friends...we are truly lucky aren't we!

Nov 15, 2006 10:25 PM

Maureen Maureen

Orangeburg, NY

Hi Craig - I totally agree. I get so psyched if one of my AR friends comments on my blog and I always check to see what my Fav 5 are blogging about.

Nov 16, 2006 01:44 AM

Chris Tesch

RE/MAX Bryan-College Station - College Station, TX

College Station, Texas Real Estate

Even just reading the posts you feel like you know the posters in many cases. You can't help but write a blog and infuse it with your personality. BTW-love the nose!!!

Nov 16, 2006 02:11 AM

Deb Salkeld

Diversified Data Solutions, L.L.C. - Macomb, MI

Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Spending most of my working life on the computer, I use email more than I use the phone, to keep in touch with both family and friends. But - I keep in better touch with them now through the computer, than I ever did writing a letter or phoning. It just all depends on the type of media you are most comfortable with. But I do know I've made friends and contacts via Active Rain - it's a great networking opportunity.

Deb *Keep us posted on your plan - it sounds intriguing!

Nov 16, 2006 03:10 AM

Craig Schiller

Trempealeau, WI

Maureen: I do have a few people who I have begun talking to on a regular basis from across the country SKYPE is awesome for this. That is if you can STAND being teathered to a computer.

Marc: Yup... many people pop in an HOPE that this blogging thing is instant cash. It takes awhile for sure. Glad to here it is working for you too.

Val: If YOU organize (stage) it... they will come. VIVA VAL VEGAS VVV!

MISTY: MISTY WHO?... I catigorically deny knowing you. SMILE... its ME!!!! Reala the Clown clowning with you.)

Mary: You said the super secret magic word... "SHARE." That is all it takes.

Tyler: Just call me Sybil... I have many sides. I put bozo away. This is my gushy "Oprah" side. World peace and harmony via Active Rain.

Shane: First what a cool name. Well hopefully others here will benifit from the HGTV thing... and they will be telling the tail.

Michele: The real trick is taking that same kindness and generosity out to the real world to the people we meet on the street. IT can be done!

Jeff: All I can say is with a last name like Belonger... you should be here in the rain, making others feel special and included.

Ann: I am working on geting others to "getting it." It will happen. But "getting it" also included being a part of it. AR is not a passive space by any means.

Carole: I have been avoiding you. I don't talk to people from Cleveland. You might say they are off my dashboard. LOL :)

Chris: The second "secret" to blogging.... PERSONALITY! You got it.

Deb: I see it as more than networking... it's our lives expanding.

Nov 16, 2006 03:56 AM

Mark Flanders

Consulting - Silverdale, WA

Good post Craig and I agree with Ann Guy. I have found myself thinking many times "Hey if I ever get to {insert city} I'd love to meet up with {insert Activist}. People who haven't been here think I'm kind of weird. But the people who have experienced ActiveRain....... well I guess they think I'm kind of weird too!

Nov 16, 2006 02:22 PM

Carole Cohen

Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office - Cleveland, OH

Realtor, ePRO

LOL is this a football issue Craig? Im not a Browns fan ssshhh don't tell anyone - if it's the dashboard, you can be on mine anytime. I not fighting nuh uh but I do hope you find your nose

Nov 16, 2006 02:25 PM

Judy Kincaid

Tampa, FL

I enjoyed playing in the rain as a kid and now I am enjoying playing in it again!!! Whodathunkit!!!

Nov 19, 2006 02:15 PM