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Surviving your Serengeti: An ActiveRain Challenge

By
Real Estate Technology with ActiveRain

Stefan Swanepoel is a visionary in the real estate business. His Swanepoel Trends Report is an annual report detailing the current state of the real estate industry, including in depth analysis of 10 emerging trends expected to impact Brokers, Agents, REALTOR® Associations and just about anyone associated with the industry in the coming years.

His position as an expert on the industry is unquestioned.

Next week, Stefan will be releasing a new book, Surviving the Serengeti. In Surviving the Serenget: 7 Skills to Master Business and in Life, Stefan offers a fascinating fable of life on the Serengeti plains of Africa and the lessons it holds for a struggling economy and the folks who make up that economy.

Surviving your Serengeti provides a metaphor for the struggles and strife that every business person and business face in an ever changing environment, flush with new technology and an edict to adapt. These are things we, as real estate professionals, face every day. By looking at how the animals of the Serengeti use their basic instincts to survive, Stefan provides a roadmap by which we can all master our own skills to not only survive, but flourish.

"The 1.5 million wildebeest rely on stubborn endurance and support from the herd to survive; the alligator is opportunistic; the cheetah ruthlessly effective; the giraffe embodies grace, the lion a master strategist, the mongoose is a risk-taker, the elephant is an excellent communicator."

We've secured an exclusive advance copy of the first two chapters of the book from the publishing company to share with the members of ActiveRain. We hope that you will take an opportunity to read the first two chapters of the book, then take the 'What animal are you?' quiz. Stefan is no rookie when it comes to engaging his audience, so I imagine many of you have already taken the quiz, after finding it on Facebook or Twitter. Over 6000 people have taken the quiz in the last 60 days.

Once you download and read the first two chapters, and take the quiz, we ask that you write a blog post about the first two chapters or the quiz. Share what you think about the parable of the animal skills, or the suitability of the Serengeti as a metaphor for your own journey through life. Take a look at your results from the fun three minute quiz. Do they ring true for you and your business? Do you see yourself in the challenges and anxieties faced by Sean Spencer, the tale's protaganist? Pick your own topic about which to write. We don't want to put too many restraints upon that which you wish to write. Have fun with the blog post and we hope that the challenge inspires you to pick the book up on Amazon or in your local book store and finish the tale, while at the same time supporting a gentleman that has given so much of himself to this industry.

Surviving Your Serengeti preview

A few minor guidelines:

  • Each post (one per member) will be given 2500 points.
  • We ask that you provide a link back to the quiz and this post, so other members can take the quiz and participate in the challenge.
  • The day the book launches, March 1st, Stefan will be picking his favorite posts and those posts will be included in a special ActiveRain Daily Drop newsletter
  • After you write your post, please include a link back to your post in the comment section of this post.
  • Posts must be submitted by Friday, February 25th at Midnight Eastern Time in order to qualify for the 2500 points.
  • Share your post with us on Facebook on the ActiveRain fan page and the Surviving Your Serengeti fan page. This part is optional, but you can earn an extra 1000 points for sharing on Facebook. If you do share on Facebook. Please include the fact you did that in the comment section when you leave your link so we can get your points awarded.

 

 

Each author of the seven posts chosen for inclusion in the special ActiveRain Daily Drop on March 1st will receive:

  • an additional 2500 ActiveRain points
  • an autographed copy of Surviving Your Serengeti from Stefan
  • Have your post featured on the ActiveRain Facebook Fan Page
  • Have your post featured on the Surviving Your Serengeti Facebook Fan Page
  • Have your post featured on the Official Surviving Your Serengeti website
  • Be Invited to Add Your Review to the Offical Amazon Page featuring Surviving Your Serengeti
  • Receive a customized button featuring what animal you are


Surviving Your Serengeti on

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Comments(370)

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Liz Lockhart
Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Girardeau, MO
GRI, Cape Girardeau Real Estate

For all of the posters above who asked about a Kindle edition of the book: YES, it is available for download now. I thought I would have to wait until March 1, but I purchased it yesterday.

Feb 27, 2011 03:38 PM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Here is my post. It took a while to do because I could not get the chapters from the document storage portal to load on my computer. Then June Tassillo was so nice to try to send it to me but that did not work out. She asked Nick to send it and he and Bob Stewart got the chapters to me. How kind of you all, thank you. I read the chapters and took the animal quiz before reading the chapters. This created some emotional pull back for me and I had to take a step back before I finished this post. It is very transparent and full of emotion. 

Surviving As A Crocodile Through My Journey On The Serengeti

I hope you all enjoy it. 

I also shared my post on the Active Rain fan page and the Serengeti fan page. 

Katerina

 

Feb 27, 2011 04:56 PM
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

I just read the details and see I may be late for inclusion in both the challenge and in the consideration as one of the considered blogs.  I saw March 1, which I am under, but reading further see last friday.  Devil is in the details, right?

In any event I did download and read the chapters and wrote about them.

 

Surviving the Serengiti, Active Rain Challenge.

Feb 28, 2011 03:33 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

So here I am with my 'Serengeti'.

Katerina is right regarding downloads. I was directed to '4Shared' and some other links - and my Internet Security Software screamed!

Finally, I did download - and also took the quiz. What Animal Am I?

Read my delayed submission Surviving Your Serengeti (just few minutes before March 1...oops..did I read it right? Anyways...)

(Also posted on Facebook)

Feb 28, 2011 03:07 PM
Carla Wade
Charlotte, NC

I am a Giraffe and I think that is perfect!

 

 

Mar 01, 2011 01:39 AM
Brian Black
Trueblood Real Estate - Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, IN - Carmel, IN
Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers IN REALTOR

I don't know how I missed this, but if we write a submission can we still get points?  I'd be more than happy to write one if I can!

Thanks!

Mar 01, 2011 07:20 AM
Gerard Gilbers
Higher Authority Markeing - Asheboro, NC
Your Marketing Master

When will the points be awarded?  Was a post here also required? If so I did not read it that way, but did create my post and posted it to my Facebook also.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/2158231/i-am-a-graceful-giraffe-in-my-serengeti-  

Mar 01, 2011 07:30 AM
Steve Hall
RE/MAX United - San Marcos, CA
Make the Call to Hankins and Hall

I got too busy with inspections and closings to make the deadline.  However I did download and read the preview. I also took the quiz.  What a great stimulus. Thanks

Mar 01, 2011 07:56 AM
Jon Cagle
Senior Loan Officer at US Bank Home Mortgage - Eugene, OR
Lane County Oregon - Direct FHA, VA, USDA Lender

I was just checking to see when the points will be awarded? I have not received them as of today.

Mar 01, 2011 10:28 AM
Kim Darling
Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 - Fresno, CA
CRS,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Homes

Here is my blog post about Surviving My Serengeti-Kim Darling's Story  I hope you enjoy, it was hard to write, but good to get it off my chest.  

Mar 01, 2011 11:54 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Surviving Your Serengeti - I Am The Enterprising Crocodile -My Personality Must Be Enduring!

I wrote my post and forgot to let you know......posted it on 2-21-11.  I'm off to buy the book. Also, placed it on Facebook

Mar 01, 2011 12:47 PM
Elizabeth Byrne
Keller Williams Realty - Arlington, VA
Arlington Virginia Real Estate

This was my first challenge and my first month at AR, so I am just curious how the points work. I posted my blog on time, made a comment in both places your required. Does it mean I will get 3,500 points? What category do they belong to? Thank you. (My entry was submitted on 25th).

Mar 02, 2011 04:07 AM
Stefan Swanepoel
New York Times Bestselling Author & International Speaker - Ladera Ranch, CA

First and foremost: THANK YOU!! to all Rainers that participated in the ActiveRain Serengeti Challenge. The response, reviews and commentary on Surviving Your Serengeti was awesome. I tried to read every post and that was difficult because there were many I read a second and third time. I am delighted and grateful that so many of you enjoyed the fable and animal parable.

Secondly: For those that missed the results in the ActiveRain newsltter on Tuesday you can visit my ActiveRain post that has the names and links to all the 8 reviews selected.

Third, but not least: Will everyone, no just the 8 reviews selected, please help me by posting their review (or even a small part thereof) on Amazon.com. For obvious reasons I can't review my own book and having hundreds of reviews from ActieRain agents on Amazon would be HUGE. In a subtle way it will also help you get your name out :-)

Here is the link.

Once again...THANK YOU!

Stefan Swanepoel
Author : Surviving Your Serengeti

Mar 03, 2011 02:16 AM
Vickie Slade
Colorado Landmark, Realtors - Boulder, CO
Service You Can Trust ~ Someone You Can Depend On

Bob,

Can you tell us when the points for our posts in this challenge will be awarded?  thanks so much!

Mar 05, 2011 05:05 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

Good Morning-I had the same question as Vickie above about when the points to the submissions would be rewarded. It was a fun challenge and I have my kindle version of the book and am enjoying reading it :).  

Mar 06, 2011 02:39 AM
Highland Beach Condos David Serle
RE/MAX Services - Highland Beach, FL
Boca Raton Agent David Serle

We all want our points.  lol.  I was wondering the same thing.  I also did not see the winners. 

Mar 06, 2011 04:22 AM
Joetta Fort
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

Well glad to see I'm not the only one to not get points, just means they haven't gotten to it yet. 'Night!

Mar 06, 2011 05:48 PM
DONNA SINGH
Royal LePage Connect Realty - Toronto, ON

I hope to get the points soon too glad I'm not the only one waiting.

Mar 07, 2011 02:22 AM
Catherine Ulrey
Keller Williams Capital City - Salem, OR
Equestrian and Acreage Property Specialist

I guess I waited too long to write my blog review for the bonus points.  next time!

Mar 10, 2011 05:51 PM
Stefan Swanepoel
New York Times Bestselling Author & International Speaker - Ladera Ranch, CA

The response to the Serengeti ActiveRain challenge (review of the book) was so overwhelming, and I read so many touching stories of people that have overcome their own “Serengeti” that I decided to create an opportunity that allowed people to “Share Their Serengeti.”

Perhaps it’s an illness, loss of a loved one or financial troubles in this tough economy. No matter what, tell your inspiring story today and encourage others with your strength, tenacity and grace.

See my new post on the Serengeti website at http://www.SerengetiBook.com/Share-Your-Serengeti

Stefan Swanepoel
Author: Surviving Your Serengeti

 

May 03, 2011 12:53 PM