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Ask An Ambassador? Why I love being an Ambassador!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Retired Broker/Owner AZ Broker BR030809000

Being an Ambassador of any organization is a worthwhile way to serve the greater good of the community.  Personally I've been an ambassador of many organizations over the years.  One of my favorites was the  Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and of course my other favorite is ActiveRain.  Many years ago I received a phone call from the powers that be at that time, asking me to step up and be an ambassador for ActiveRain.

My answer - absolutely I"d love to be an ActiveRain Ambassador! I joined ActiveRain in 2006 but like many just hung out looking and not doing much for awhile.  Then I 'got it'.  WOW there is so much to learn here about blogging, long tail and short tail searches and the list went on and on.  The most amazing part to me was all the AWESOME members that reached out to me, showed me the ropes and it went up from there!  I was stoked!  Count me in!

From there I did what I always did as an Ambassador, reached out to members and began to build more and more relationships.  And I"m honored that so many of those early relationships on AR are still going strong today.  Pretty awesome, isn't it!  From there I volunteered to host challenges and reach out to new members and many other fun things.  I also started the BananaTudes Group in 2009 and it is still going strong to this day!  Why?  Because it's all about building relationships, respecting each other and sharing our professionalism and having fun along the way. What's not to love, right!!

If you're new to the community or been here awhile and need a question or two answered - reach out to an Ambassador. 

Ambassadors are here to make it better for everyone!

 

 

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Comments(17)

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Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

Same is true for Tammy, she was being one long before the banner.  She always tries to be helpful to others where ever she is 

Feb 08, 2025 02:40 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Tammy's  got that magic touch Don Baker !

Feb 08, 2025 04:12 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

And an amazing Ambassador you are!

Feb 08, 2025 03:10 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thank you Alan May! I really do love it all - well almost!  And thanks to you for being such a huge help to everyone, including myself over the years.  We have a great team!

Feb 08, 2025 04:13 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Bonjour Anna - there is a certain Esptit de Corps about BananaTude that is magnifique.  And that's a-peeling in any language.

Feb 08, 2025 03:14 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I think so too Michael Jacobs or we wouldn't have weathered all the ups and down in the rain.  We are fortunate indeed! Continue on - appeal away!

Feb 08, 2025 04:14 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

And you, my dear Anna "Banana" Kruchten,  are the perfect representation of what an ambassador should be!

Feb 08, 2025 05:08 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thank you for your kind comment Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 !  And you know how much I've appreciated you all these years!

Feb 08, 2025 05:50 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Anna "Banana" Kruchten  Sweet as sugar and the perfect example of an Ambassador. I  remember the day you called me when my best day friend passed away,  I needed a friend and a call from you was just what I needed, We as AR Ambassadors were chosen to represent Active Rain and you do it so well, Thank you Anna 

Feb 08, 2025 05:43 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Hannah Williams I remember that day and it just felt you could use a friend to talk to.  Tough time for you.  Thanks for your kind thoughts!

Feb 08, 2025 05:52 PM
Hannah Williams

Anna "Banana" Kruchten I did and you were there ! Thank You! This is what what our community is about  we are a family 

Feb 08, 2025 06:07 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

right on Anna....also dress in "Yellow" so people can see you coming. Jeff

Feb 08, 2025 06:49 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hey Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI whether I'm in yellow or not I think you know I've in a room.  Look for the smile, laugh and BIG welcome!

Feb 09, 2025 12:49 PM
Lauren Williams, CPO,CVOP
Casual Uncluttering LLC - Woodinville, WA
Professional Organizer: Puget Sound homes

Anna "Banana" Kruchten I felt welcomed by this community with the first word I wrote. Lauren

Feb 08, 2025 07:20 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

That's so good to hear Lauren Williams, CPO,CVOP !  So many great people here in the rain!

Feb 09, 2025 12:50 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Thank you Anna for being an Ambassador we all look up to! Even with all you have going on (and its a lot) you are here for everyone!

Feb 08, 2025 08:01 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL just a little bit going on Dorie Dillard Austin TX but that's kind of normal around here.   And I know that's certainly true for you !  You are one busy lady - full of joy too!

Feb 09, 2025 12:51 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Anna,
I couldn't agree more! You, my friend, are a shining example of what an Ambassador should be.

Being an ActiveRain Ambassador has been a great honor, but I also understand the responsibility that comes with it... to always act with integrity, grace, and a commitment to lifting others up.

ActiveRain is a community built on support, knowledge-sharing, and lasting relationships. The friendships formed here, the lessons learned, and the ability to help others grow have made this role even more rewarding. It’s amazing to see how your BananaTudes Group has stood the test of time, proving that encouragement and camaraderie never go out of style!

So, to all the members, whether you’re brand new or have been here for years,  don’t hesitate to reach out to an Ambassador. We’re here to ensure this community remains as strong and supportive as ever. I'm proud to stand alongside you and other fellow Ambassadors!

 

Feb 09, 2025 05:34 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well said Carol Williams !  I know how seriously you've taken your responsibilities over the years and it shines through over and over!

Feb 09, 2025 12:52 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

No question in my mind, Anna, that you are tops when it comes to being an AR Ambassador! You have certainly left your mark on this platform. 

Feb 09, 2025 06:02 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Why thank you Nina Hollander, Broker  I appreciate your kind words.  And there are so many top notch ambassadors that go over and above each and every day that many don't even notice.  They are the heroes!

Feb 09, 2025 12:53 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

You are a wonderful Ambassador! That's because you love being one!

Feb 09, 2025 06:48 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Oh Kat Palmiotti that IS the key - love what you do!  And that works for everything in life!  But you know that!  You're living the good life!!

Feb 09, 2025 12:54 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Those early days were so much more important as we would be assigned mentees to reach out and help. Some appreciated the assistance

Feb 09, 2025 07:32 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 well my thought is that we've needed the ambassadors A LOT more these past number of years with things being Topsy Turfy at times.  A hand reaching out to help, a smile, a kind word, it all can make a big difference!

Feb 09, 2025 12:57 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Anna, I remember when first starting I had many reach out to help.  It set aside the axiousness of being in unfamiliar waters.  You no doubt have done the same for so many.  m

Feb 09, 2025 07:57 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho you've made a huge difference in the rain over the years.  Your wisdom shines through!

Feb 09, 2025 12:59 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Anna "Banana" Kruchten being an AR Ambassador does have its challenges, and uncomfortable situations with some members.  Not everyone is as up to the challenge or handled it as well as you have through the years.

Feb 09, 2025 12:11 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

George Souto my friend you are a pro at making a difference here in the rain!  And yes there are at times some interesting challenges and we all try to find solutions.  We are a great team!

Feb 09, 2025 01:01 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Anna - well done!  But then again I would expect nothing less from you.  You are the consumate professional, always bringing light hearted banter that borders with a tough love mentality.  Hugs to you! 

Feb 10, 2025 02:48 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

As are you my dear friend Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ !  It's been quite the trip together,  hasn't it!   And tough love........when needed it works!

Feb 13, 2025 03:31 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Definitely!  A great trip with wonderful memories!  

Feb 13, 2025 03:40 PM
Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657
Christopher Shearer Real Estate - Carmel, CA
Experience You Can Trust. Results You Can Count On

Anna, I love your passion for being an Ambassador! It’s so clear how much of an impact you’ve had through your involvement with ActiveRain and other organizations. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve embraced the role, not only to learn and grow but also to help others along the way. Building lasting relationships and fostering a sense of community really does set the stage for success, both professionally and personally.

It’s amazing how you started with a simple outreach to learn more about blogging and online marketing, and now you’ve built a thriving community with your BananaTudes Group. That’s a great example of how taking small steps and making connections can lead to lasting success.

Do you have a favorite moment or success story from your time as an Ambassador? Something that really made you proud of the work you’ve done or the people you’ve helped?

Feb 13, 2025 02:14 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657 holy smokes!  Not a chance I could narrow the AR journey down to one or two favorites.  I've met thousands of members over the years at various events and workshops and have met so many here in town or well traveling around.  I was born to be a community ambassador  as my parents were very much involved and that's what I know and saw. 

 

Also.... most of us back in the early days of the rain had ZERO expectation of just how big the relationship factor would play out.  We quickly began to realize it and it took off like fireworks!

 

  I see you're fairly new to AR.  WELCOME!  You're going to enjoy the ride!

 

 

Feb 13, 2025 03:30 PM
Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657

Anna "Banana" Kruchten Thanks so much, Anna! I can already tell how special this community is, and it’s been such a rewarding journey so far. I completely agree about the relationship factor—it’s been amazing to see how much it plays into everything, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead! Your experience and perspective are inspiring, and I appreciate the warm welcome!

Feb 14, 2025 12:24 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday morning, Anna.

Have a very special day as we continue to spread love and kindness.

Happy Valentines Day 2025 Images - Free Download on Freepik

Feb 14, 2025 08:21 AM