Good morning! I was thinking this morning about my time on Active Rain (since June 2007) and why I blog. Obviously, I'm interested in your thoughts too. I'd have to say there are several reasons. First, Betsy Talbot of Delegate Now! who told me about Active Rain said it would help increase my profile online. That was true. The second reason is I actually like to write and share with others my thoughts. I had been composing my own e-newsletter for about a year before this so blogging was not that big a deal.
My blog hasn't led to any deals yet; I read about the occasional Rainer that has been found. If I were to pick up a client from Active Rain, that would just be icing on the cake. I enjoy reading and commenting on other blogs and it's fun to garner points (I'm a little competitive!) but the biggest reason I'm on Active Rain is to communicate with my peers, most of whom know alot more than I do! And blogging allows me to occasionally offer up my own opinion, take it or leave it!
So why do you blog? And if you don't, why not? I'm just curious. For me, it's been fun and I've made some great new contacts and learned a lot. I hope you'll share your success stories. Have a great day!
Paul
Paul McFadden
Paul
I enjoy the exchange of information and the social networking. I believe that blogging like any form of personal promotion takes time to achieve your goals.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
I started blogging thinking that I would get leads, but I have found that the best part of AR is all the tips, advice, and encouragement I find. Thanks Paul and keep it up............
I really like the information available on AR if I ever have a question or want to get any kind of real estate info its all here. Plus its always interesting to see what people are talking about and watching those points go up isn't so bad either.
At first I started for the same reason you did... Google Juice.... and it worked quickly to pop me up to the top of a search. But then it becomes addictive! I also look at it as giving back, and sharing the knowledge I have gained through my career, and there certainly is a social aspect that I never thought of when I started, but I truly believe I have some friends now because of the rain!
Paul, glad you asked. I blog because being in a communications era allows us to do just that, to communicate therefore be yourself when you blog, use your own style but most importantly talk to the audience, write about the market and your local farming area. Time will soon meet with your perseverance and your blogging will pay off. Good luck to you and as Journey's lyrics go, 'Don't Stop Believing - Hold on To Your Dreams'.
I recognize myself in your post -- have been blogging since 2005, but am "new" to ActiveRain. Maybe we're all just writers, at heart? Is there a novel, next?
Thanks Paul - I find that in addition to gaining perspective from other professionals, it's a nice way to track a stream of conciousness. The google juice is nice as well as we have seen a number of referrals come our way through the AR connection.
Thank you. It's good to hear that you're benefitting from Active Rain. I wish you continued success.
Li: I hadn't really considered writing a book. Keep me posted if you begin one. Have a wonderful day!
Thanks, Diana, for your words of encouragement. May you also prosper!
Robert: My sentiments exactly. Active Rain has been everything and more as advertised. Have a great day!
Justin: I'm glad you're enjoying the Rain. I continue to enjoy communicating with my much smarter and more experienced peers who are cheering me on!
Lewis: Thank you for your thoughts. So far I love what Active Rain offers. I hope I can continue to contribute in the same vein.
Lou: Thanks for the good wishes. Back at you!
Paul
I started from an invitation where I thought I culd land some deals. Then I made friends... Lot's of friends - I have closed a few deals from AR, My SEO is way up there now but most of all, the contacts I have made from AR is priceless.... let's face it guys - there are not many of us left... I feel like I know many of you by now
Thanks, Lewis. I feel the same way. What a great and interesting forum! I feel privileged to be a part of it.
Paul
Paul, I blog, read comments, post, etc. to give and get back from the community. I try to read and comment on 20 posts per day. This way, I get to have 20 experiences handed to me without having to go out and experience them on my own.
Posting blogs helps me to work on delivering a message in as few words as possible. I have a long way to go but I can feel that I'm headed in the right direction.
Thanks, Mark. I enjoy reading your blog and wish you success on ACtive Rain!
Paul