When I joined ActiveRain all those years ago (and it really doesn't seem like it was all that long ago), I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I joined because the market was slow, and I wanted to create a nationwide referral network for myself. I did accomplish that and so much more.
Little did I know ActiveRain is really a community where people get to know each other and form relationships. I was one of those members that joined and then expected the business to come to me. I didn't realize that I needed to spend some time on the site and work to get my name out there. I also needed to write regular posts to work the SEO benfits.
I finally figured all of that out. It's really the same as farming a neighborhood. Nothing is going to happen with writing just a few posts, and then doing nothing more. You need to be consistent with your efforts. So after I joined it was about another year before I got back on the site and starting reading other member's post, and learning how to do it right.
It wasn't long before I was hooked on AR. The first 10,000 points I earned was a big deal. When I reached the 50,000 mark, I was so happy with myself. I started setting point goals for myself, and that was fun, too. Now I'm getting close to hitting the 2 million point mark. All of those years ago...I never would have expected that to happen.
I ended up learning so much and making friends all over the country. Some members I call on a fairly regular basis. Kathleen Daniels and I have had some amazing marathon phone calls. Debbie Reynolds and I have spent a lot of time on the phone together. Bob Crane and I have also shared information and stories. These are only a few of the members I've become friends with. Along the way of my AR journey I've also gotten to meet up with other members like John G. Johnston, Anna Banana Kruchten, Donna Foerster, Sondra Meyer: and Dale Poll.
The learning aspect of AR never ends, and it goes both ways. I can also share my experiences and what I know with everyone. This is a great trade off, and one of the things that makes AR such a neat place in which to be a member. The SEO benefits have also rewarded me. It was only a few days ago that I picked up another buyer lead, because I was found on the internet.
Since I've been consistent with my blogging efforts, I have picked up many buyer AND seller leads. This is the benefit that helps to put money in my pocket. I've also sent out referrals. AR makes it easy to find the right agent for your client.
I'm so thankful I stumbled upon ActiveRain all of those years ago, and thank you to all of the other members for your support and comments over the years.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
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