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What Does Your ActiveRain "Body of Work" Say About You?

By Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

Mortgage and Lending with C2 Financial NMLS #279125

June 10, 2011 09:17 AM

What does your ActiveRain "Body of Work" say about you? Seriously, we are all here for a reason...most of us it is because we want to build or improve our business, meet fellow professional colleagues, keep abreast of changes in the industry and/or maybe just spy on our competition!

Whatever the reason, I wonder if some people actually THINK about what their entire ActiveRain presence looks like from the outside. Now, we all know that many people do NOT think before they Tweet or post on Facebook...(I am soooooo not going there with this post).

The genesis of this post was a comment on my most recent 203K post (people who know me know I just won’t quit on this one...check out “Why is the FHA 203K so Maligned” ). The comment was insightful, open, realistic and had depth of understanding...AND the author is Debbie Espinosa from my area. I immediately knew I had to find out more about this Debbie Espinoza person.

So, of course, I click through to her profile....I know a little more....

I am interested by her experience, background, referrals....Now, I want to know more...

So, of course, I click through to her blog.....Hey, there is substance here.

I start reading. And, I keep reading. Debbie hasn’t been on ActiveRain a LONG time and I had totally missed connecting with her (shame on me!); but, within a few “reads” I have a feeling I KNOW this woman. Just a bit, but.....

Enough that I KNOW consumers are lucky to have her as an agent and agents are lucky to have her as a colleague...

And, I want to know more.....

So, of course, I click through to her comments....More substance, more knowledge, more involvement. No “Nice post” here....... ;-)!

Now, I am hooked. Of course, I subscribe. Of course, I add Debbie as an associate.

Of course, I do! I do because I want people to know that I know this seasoned agent who takes the time to connect, really connect in her posts and comments. I want people to know that “birds of a feather flock together”.

Of course, Debbie Espinoza is not the only Rainmaker who does all of this...she is just my latest “discovery” of my many friends on ActiveRain.

Debbie does what I have tried to do since joining ActiveRain. She is REAL, she takes the mask Lion Mask off and provides her reader with an authentic voice. In just a few clicks I feel like a know a professional real estate agent pretty well and, more importantly, I know I want to know more.

So what does your ActiveRain “Body of Work” say about you?

I am amazed at how many vacant profiles there are on the ActiveRain platform. Rest assured, mine is not spectacular (maybe a “3”). Want to see a “10 plus” check out our own Lenn Harley. We would all benefit if we took a few tips from Lenn’s playbook.

What do your blog posts say about you? Listings are nice...and I like good pictures as well as anyone. But I won’t call you for your pics (unless your name is William, Russel, Richard...and several others. LOL!).

And, those comments? I think they reveal where the gold is buried! Blog posts are structured, planned and can be drafted and revised time and time again.

But, comments???? They are like a window into your soul and reveal the real thought and intent behind the professional profile picture and carefully crafted profile.

So, laying it all out there......

I HOPE my ActiveRain “Body of Work” conveys that I know my profession, that I truly respect the trust an agent or consumer places in me when referring business and that I live my life ethically and with care and compassion and passion for others and the world around me.

The fact is that I am not the judge of my “Body of Work” (on ActiveRain or anywhere else). We put it out there and the evaluation or judgement is for others to determine.

At least I have THOUGHT about it.

I hope you will stop by Debbie’s blog and say hi. I think you will be glad you did!

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Terri Orr

Wilkinson ERA Real Estate - Charlotte, NC

Broker/Realtor®

Thanks for the insightful post, Deborah! I'm new to AR and I really appreciated it!

Jun 11, 2011 02:59 AM

Richie Alan Naggar

people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA

agent & author

It is not hard to imagine that the Internet and all that is on it in regards to a person and their persona should fit like a glove similar to a nice set of clothes on a person going out for a special event....Now a days, people search out anything that comes up in their lives by typing in a few key strokes and hitting enter...Then, within a nano second...the curtain goes up...and your on! Good refelction post...DD

Jun 11, 2011 03:20 AM

Paul Lesieur

203kloanmn - North Oaks, MN

At first I was writing to see points near my name, then I started adding posts I thought my be of interest and help. Occasionally I just write to have fun.

Active Rain like any other forum has people that don't get it and you quickly skim over that stuff and stop at Dee Dee's posts (lets say) because they always are well written, have substance and are enjoyable to read.

Its the old 20/ 80 rule. I look for the 20% of posters who I can learn and have fun with.

Jun 11, 2011 05:35 AM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Donne, I actually attended a popular webinar and later a rather expensive seminar that advocated MLO's hire college students to write our blogs. Of course, they also told everyone to snag their photos from Google!! I can delegate with the best of them, but my "Voice" will never be spoken by someone else! That the person freely admitted he doesn't write his own content shows the bliss of his ignorance (IMHO).

Gywnn, Thank you very much! It is fun to discover new friends in the Rain! Welcome!

Corrine, Exactly!! Every post, every comment is a signature to each persons individual artwork.

Kathy, Your comment brings another thought to mind about comment threads. I ALWAYS go back to a post to see what the author responds after I have left a comment. And, I am always disappointed if the author doesn't take the time to respond to my (or others) comments. After a couple times, I quit going to that particular blog because there is apparently no desire to "connect". Connections are far more important than the 25 points as far as I am concerned!

Evelyn, I like it! A sleuth....great word!

Debbie, Thank you for your comments! You also bring a lot of knowledge to the AR Community. Your posts on flooring are very helpful to anyone looking to upgrade or remodel their home...and everyone knows how much I love renovation financing!

Gretchen, I have seen a couple authors who are rather polarizing in their political, etc. views..,I stay completely clear! Much like telling an off color joke: Far more likely you are going to offend someone than make new friends!

Jane, Absolutely! Your sense of humor is so evident in your posts. I know it would be a blast to spend time with you! And, I make sure to stay close to every article you post!

Mike, Very well stated...I really think AR attracts the cream of the crop!

Jun 11, 2011 06:56 AM

Sarasota & Manatee Counties FL

SaraMana Properties - QuickFreeMLS.com - Bradenton, FL

QuickFreeMLS.com - Listings In Paradise

I am on active rain for one reason, and one reason only -- google juice. My "body of work" reflects that perfectly.

Jun 11, 2011 07:03 AM

Sandy Acevedo

951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA

RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

All great and valid points. There is also the notion that this body of work will be around a long time on the internet, so we better be mindful of that each time we add to our body of work. Nice post!

Jun 11, 2011 07:15 AM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Gay, Interaction with my friends on ActiveRain helped me rediscover my sense of humor about the mortgage industry...it was prettly grim in 08 and 09!

Michelle, I have been thinking the same thing. In fact, I am planning an ebook of my 203K articles. Great idea!

Joan, Appreciate your comments! Delighted to have you visit!

Dave, You have written some wonderful and very important articles. I really enjoyed your post about Quit Claims. Great service you have provided to help people!

J. Philip, I don't think your thoughts are macabre at all! And, your "Body of Work" will certainly make your children know they were blessed to have you for a Father.

Brian, Like everything, it is an evolution. I am pretty certain my first posts could use some improvement, thankfully the AR community is kind and gentle with newbies! Step by step and inch by inch.

Pamela, It does, my friend! A quick persual of your posts and people know they are going to be well represented and thoroughly respected throughout the real estate process.

Peter & Linda, Some of my closest friends live across the nation. How cool is that? And, it is all thanks to AR!

Rich, Make you wonder if Farmville is their primary recreation! Confusing, isn't it?????

Ron, I certainly think so. People are a lot like books in that sense: Whether or not I want to read the next page is all based upon what I read on the first page. But, I love words. And people who use them well!

Craig, Thank you so much! Your comment is very much appreciated. You share so much with the AR community and I hope you realize how much many of us rely on your tutorials. I have subscribed to your blog since the first time I read an article!

Barbara Jo, I guess it is under the heading of: You snooze, you lose! Thanks for your comment!

Fernando, Exactly, it is a bit like mining for diamonds. There are treasure troves to be found!

Terri, Welcome to AR! You are going to love the community!

Richie, Almost like having our names in lights!! I always wanted to be a Star!! (not!) LOL!

Paul, Learn and have fun! That is the key...and we have that opportunity in spades by playing in the Rain!

Jun 11, 2011 07:20 AM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

QuickFreeMLS, It certainly does that. I cannot say the same for me, however. I am here as much for the insight, knowledge and connections as anything Google can produce. Thankfully, we can both acheive our goals!

Sandi, Exactly the thought behind this post....Thank you for your insight!

Jun 11, 2011 07:24 AM

Eric Michael

Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI - Livonia, MI

Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

Deborah, this is almost exactly the thing I've been thinking of lately. I even wrote a little members only post earlier today. I really want (need?) to blog about marketing and get more hyper local. The problem is, wouldn't that alienate some of the people who'd read your blog from here? I'm still trying to figure out if I mostly want to use AR as a social networking type of site and blast out tons of "boring" market reports on another blogging platform. Help! haha

Jun 11, 2011 08:40 AM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Eric, I NEED to be more hyper local also. I don't think the combination of marketing and information are in conflict. I certainly subscribe to a lot of agents' blogs...I read their informative or personal blog posts and ignore the marketing data. I am, however, toying with the idea of building, or creating, ebooks of specific content. For instance, I have several more posts on the 203K program planned and I think it would make a great ebook when I have ten to 15 articles. The same could be true of any number of categories.

I would love to know what others think about this!

Jun 11, 2011 08:55 AM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Erica, Thanks for sharing some great advice!!! I certainly subscibe to your blog because you do just that!

Jun 11, 2011 09:32 AM

Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Real Estate Broker Retired

I don't think that many people actually think about where, who or what they want to go with their blogging. There are a few examples that I can think of that are very popular but I'm not sure I'd be wowed by them as a consumer. There are many great members here that are just behind the scenes working away.

Jun 11, 2011 10:38 AM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Lyn, I would have to agree...I am usually just a little worker bee trying to drum up some inspiration for my posts! LOL! I do want to create some more "complete" works on specific subjects though...like the 203K program. I really think it would help agents is they could find everything about the product from soup to nuts in one place. Thank you for your insight!

Jun 11, 2011 12:44 PM

Aida Pinto

Independent Real Estate Broker - Los Angeles, CA

Real Estate Broker (562) 884-6196

Hi Deborah....now you got me thinking...hmmm...what does my body of work say about me....I don't know what the heck I'm doing blogging...I'm a Realtor and that's the only thing I'm good at....lol!

Jun 11, 2011 04:42 PM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Aida, We all have a different voices,,,I went by your blog and I am certainly interested in your point of view., Look forward to reading more! Thank you for your comment!

Jun 11, 2011 05:08 PM

Eric Michael

Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI - Livonia, MI

Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

Deborah, I saw your comment back to me and had to chime in. Ebooks would be an incredible idea! Each subject could be a new one, composed from a series of blogs. They can be downloaded from your website or sent out to new and prospective clients. I think you're on to something, and that something I might also do!

Jun 12, 2011 01:52 PM

Deb Espinoza

Stage Presence Homes, San Diego Real Estate - Ramona, CA

GRI, Broker, SRS,ABR ePro, SFR, CNE

Dee Dee- This totally cracks me up! I am loving the way this AR community is starting to come around to some great relationships. I need to get together with you to see how we can team up as local pros to help out buyers in the San Diego market. Thanks for stopping by to see my blog, and BTW my Espinoza is with a Z :o) Looking forward to meeting you in person.

Jun 12, 2011 02:12 PM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Eric, The thought of the Ebook stems from Marte's comment about doing webinars. I think there are numerous applications. I am just starting to do the research on the "how to", but I want to complete a number of articles on my 203K project before I assemble them into a complete project. Do keep me up to date on your thoughts and progress of developing your own ebooks.

Debbie, "OOPS"!...the spelling has been corrected. Hey, nothing worse than putting your name in lights and then misspelling it. I am so sorry!!! I am so looking forward to meeting you. This was a fun post to write and I thank you for allowing (???... :), did you really have a choice???? LOL!) me to focus on you! Let's seize the opportunity to meet soon!

Jun 13, 2011 03:33 AM

Marte Cliff

Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID

Your real estate writer

I wish I'd had your words on the tip of my tongue today. I was talking to an agent who has properties listed for some friends of mine and he asked me about Active Rain. (I had mentioned it and he wanted to know what it was.)

Have you ever tried to explain Active Rain to someone who has never heard of it? I was stumbling all over my feet. I think I'll just send him a link.

Your idea of ebooks is a good one - I think you should do it!

Jun 13, 2011 06:42 PM

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

C2 Financial - San Diego, CA

C2 Financial

Marte, Explaining ActiveRain is tough...or is for me because I do know anyone else who blogs. Coworkers look at me like I have two heads when I try to talk with them about blogging. Feel free to send your freind a link! Hey, it was your suggestion to do a webinar that made me start thinking about doing an ebook. I need more articles to pull it together though. Have a couple more in the works and figure I need about a dozen. Thank you for the encouragement!

Jun 13, 2011 07:31 PM