Ask An Ambassador: Wallflower or Participant

Hello Bill(and Liz) - finding the ActiveRain "secret sauce" is often elusive...kinda like going to that first dance while standing in the corner.  You have presented some good options for stepping out and onto the dance floor.  One foot in...

Good morning Liz and Bill Spear, excellent post. When I first joined ActiveRain, I was actively lurking for months. I didn't even know what I expected but just jumped in. On this platform, we can learn each and every day but most importantly, we can build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Hi Bill,
Usually, a short time as a lurker is a good thing... figuring things out how one might fit into it all.  Then it's time to jump right in.  There is a place for everyone in the industry who is respectful of the value others bring to the table. 

As for the "you don't need a real estate agent", that's because they don't want the seller to be protected by being represented by their own agent with a fiduciary responsibility to them.

It's all about choice but choose wisely.  I was eaten alive by AR members after my 1st or 2nd choice.  Lucky for me I had a really good sense of humor.  But I agree that if lurking suits newbies best, then it's best that they take that route and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  We all go at our own pace but when you take that first step it may be helpful to tread lightly.

Haha, we do live in interesting times around here!

I'm a sunflower! 🌻

So let's rock! 💃🎸🤟

I was never a wallflower here, but I did just stick my toe in.  I'm happy that the people where in 2008 made me feel welcome... of course I wasn't telling them they were worthless greedy people. LOL.  Within a month of being here I had asked for help on a couple of things and both times people came through with some good information. 

Hi Bliz I joined in 2006 and did squat until 2008. At that point I drove in from the high board and never looked back. As for the other folks.....they're becomming more and more common in my neck of the woods.  Agency?  What agency and taking fiduciary duties seriously?

Very well said Bill. I was a lurker until I could get the lay of the land. I haven't regretted one moment of it. IMO those who would cast negative thoughts about the worth of agents and embrace that business profile might be better off at one of the other social media sites like, dare I say, Facebook. 

Informative posting thank you

I am in it for the fun. I enjoy the repartee. I enjoyed learning. I enjoy knowing that real estate is of interest across the U.S. and in Canada but customs, rules, laws and expectations vary. So do the personalities in AR and that is delightful.

Love this community of Rainers!

Another key choice every new member has to make is Rainer or Rainmaker.  Rainer is the free level of account, Rainmaker is paid, and there's a VERY BIG KEY DIFFERENCE. 

I lurked for a while, but I love writing so it wasn't long before I wanted to start telling my stories, and I have a bunch of them. Gotta be a rainmaker.

I think communication and participation are the key to coming back (and back and back) to AR!

Great points here Bill & Liz. Everyone has to make a choice as to how they engage in the rain.

Good points and knowing your audience as always is vitally important.

I joined AR in 2008 and started blogging two months later... reading posts and comments really got me to start.

Perfect post. Participate or don't. Rainmaker or don't. It's what you make of it. There are some of us who took years to get the hang of it. Glad I stuck around.