ActiveRain - The Official ActiveBlog

ActiveRain University Wants You!!

Now that the ActiveRain University is underway providing training and support sessions for our members, we want to send out this invitation to ALL members inviting them to come present at our new on-line campus.  We are looking for volunteer members who wish to share their knowledge, successes, and "how-to's" with the rest of the community.  We already have a few interested members who are willing and want to come share their secrets and tips on what has made them successful using their Blogs, Internet Marketing, and Social Media skills.

In the weeks ahead, we are inviting Special Guest Speakers, Presenters, and Trainers that are very influential in the Industry.  Folks who are in the trenches using their knowledge and experience to benefit in today's economy and Real Estate Market, and who are excited about coming to join us and share.  At some point soon, we will also open up sessions and classes for some of our AR Business Builders and Vendors to come in and share how to use their products and services more effectively and efficiently.

We already have our first ActiveRain member, Jennifer Martin who has agreed to come share with you, her insights and experience which stemmed from a comment she left on Kerrie Greenhalgh's "Success in the RAIN" Blog post.  The date and time for her class will be announced shortly...

Here is a link to our Speaker/Trainer Registration form.  Just a couple things we need to know so that we can schedule you into a classroom on the dates and times you request.  We'll also need your presentation topic that you'd like to share so we can setup the appropriate environment and tools you may need.  It's a very easy going and relaxed campus, each presenter or trainer has up to an hour.  We suggest 45 minute classes allowing 15 minutes at the end for Q&A.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Our Calendar and all class details are located at the ActiveRain University.

This invitation is open to ALL members regardless of which segment of the Industry you represent.  Title Companies, Stagers, Home Warranty, Inspectors etc., you're all welcome to come "profess" and share.

So if this "calling" has your ears burning, or the excitement and thought of teaching, presenting, or sharing is keeping you up at night, then ActiveRain University Wants You. Come volunteer, and be a part of this exciting new addition to ActiveRain.  Thanks.  :-)

How To Get Started on ActiveRain - A quick route to a successful Journey on ActiveRain.

The ActiveRain Staff,  along with our members and ambassadors, wish to welcome you to the community.  We know you have a choice, and we're glad you've chosen our network as a place to connect with others, support your local neighborhoods and communities, plus grow your business and relationships. 

Before you begin your journey here, there's a few areas we invite you to navigate first.  This will save you time and give you a better understanding of the Network.  We're confident that our site will bring value, benefits, and substantial rewards to you and your business.

    BEFORE YOU BEGIN
    These are REQUIRED and a MUST READ for ALL New Members - NO EXCEPTIONS!

•   What We Stand For - Weltenschauung
  Weltanschauung: The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization. A world view.

•   The ActiveRain Community Guidelines
  Please take these rules seriously.

•   Terms of Service
  Terms of Use are binding and we want you to feel comfortable with them.
  
  

    GETTING STARTED in 3 EASY STEPS
    Follow these next steps to get setup on ActiveRain.

•   How To Setup Your ActiveRain Profile - Completely Customizable
  Creating a personal profile is the very first step and the most important.  It's ALL about you.

•   How To Complete Your Profile - Part II
  Your profile has three areas that allow you maximize the page.  Learn How to use these sections.

•   How To Use Your "My Settings" Page
  Now you are ready to Customize your ActiveRain Settings.
  
  

    GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ACTIVERAIN
    Social Networking, Connecting and Blogging

• ActiveRain Member Success Stories
  Read what other industry professionals and members have to share.
  Here's A VIDEO version

• Understanding ActiveRain Points
  Learn about points and how they work on the network.

• The RainMaker Membership
  Becoming a RainMaker - The Value and The Benefit
  
  

    READY TO MAKE LIGHTNING, THUNDER AND RAIN
    Now that you're a member and RainMaker, put the power tools to work

• Top 10 Tools for New Members and RainMakers
  Take the time to review what this network has to offer.

• ActiveRain Custom Outside Blogs
  How To Create and Maximize Your Outside ActiveBlog.

• The ActiveRain Starter Kit
  Details about more ActiveRain Products, Tools, and Services.
  
  

    OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU
    Use these links to dive deeper in the "Rain" if you need more information

• The ActiveRainGuide
  A Tutorial Blog by Members for Members

• The ActiveRain Staff Blog
  The Official ActiveRain TEAM Blog

• Help/FAQ Group
  A network group created to help members

• An ActiveRain eBook Tutorial
  Find Almost Anything about ActiveRain here
  

• ActiveRain University
  Online Campus for Training and Support

• Real Estate RainCamp
  "Live" Local Conferences and Seminars
  

DID YOU KNOW?
ActiveRain is the TOP Real Estate Social Network in the World (source: Google)

The ActiveRain Network hosts over 170,000 RE Industry members averaging 200-300 new members daily.  There are more than 1.5 million articles posted, with an average of 700-1000 new posts daily.  Two million+ visitors traffic the ActiveRain network each month, over 80% are consumers.  Only Rainmaker upgraded accounts receive Google traffic to their blogs and posts.  ActiveRain Member's Blog posts receive more than 500 views on average.  Activerain is the ONLY on-line Network that offers this wide variety of tools, diverse services, and proven solutions to the Real Estate Industry Professional and for consumers on the WEB.

Best of Luck and Enjoy!

Having recently been to Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and now on our way to Dallas Texas, I wanted to share what others who have attended these RainCamps experienced, and are sharing with us.  This Review and Testimonial Lens is starting to grow with some great testimonials and feedback.  There's some new Blog posts, member comments, a few photos and video, and a "live" twitter feed.  The RainCamp "cloud" is beginning to take form.

If you attended any of the RainCamps, or plan to this year, we'd love to get your feedback and add it to The RainCamp Page.  We are all about making RainCamp "The BEST" it can be and are only able to do that with your help and support.  Share with us what you liked best, and we'll make it even better.  Based on many of the posts and comments, it looks like we're on the right track.

There's a feedback section available at the bottom of the page, just click the RainCamp button below.

Reviews HERE

If you have already written a post or review about RainCamp and would like it added, just leave me a link, I apologize if I may have missed it when putting this together.  You can also just leave a review or comment here, and I'll take care of the rest.  We'll be updating the page often with reviews and comments from each event going forward. Can't wait to see yours.  :-)

So come experience "Rainergy" then share your thoughts and experience with us.  We love hearing from you.

I've really enjoyed travelling around and meeting so many of you in person.  I'm excited and looking forward to seeing and meeting many more of you at future RainCamps, especially this one coming up in Dallas, I get to wear my Cowboy Hat and Boots! (Big Smile)

Cityplace Conference and Event Center
2711 North Haskell Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75204
Phone: 214-515-5100 - Fax: 214-515-5199

"RAINCAMP™" Platinum Pass Includes:

• Reserved Platinum seating in the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
• Hosted VIP lunch at RainCamp™ with ActiveRain CEO Jonathan Washburn and RainCamp™ speakers,
  Ben Kinney, Brad Andersohn, and Bob Stewart.
• RainCamp™ T-shirt exclusive for Platinum supporters
• Premium RainCamp™ tote with surprise give-aways 
• Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge at RainCamp
• Invitation to VIP after party, including appetizers
• Latest cutting edge social media instruction e-book by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan
• Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge on ActiveRain Blog or Profile page
  
• Access to VIP registration line

"RAINCAMP™" Premium Seating Includes:

• Reserved Premium seating near the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
• Access to VIP registration line

We also want to thank our Platinum Sponsor for their continued Support.

RainCamp™ - San Francisco

RainCamp™ -  New York

RainCamp™ -  Dallas Texas

(Your Photo and Face Belong Here)

In a time not long ago, when the crops were dry, and communities were losing their families and neighbors, Rainmakers were the individuals that were looked up to and counted on for saving their people.  These were the folks that in spite of tough and troubling times, were the chosen ones to dance, smile, and pray for RAIN to save their people and their crops from the drought.  Despite their predicament, they chose to have a bright and positive attitude even during one of their most challenging times ever. 

"Rainmaking refers to the act of attempting to artificially induce or increase precipitation, usually to stave off drought.  In the US, rainmaking was attempted by traveling showmen. It was practiced in the old west but may have reached a peak during the dust bowl drought of the American West and Midwest in the 1930s. The practice was depicted in the 1956 film The Rainmaker." Source: Wikipedia

The Real Estate Industry has experienced a similar drought if you will.  Many of our community's crops have dried up and we are experiencing some challenging times all across this great Nation of ours.  People have lost jobs, experienced layoffs and company closures, even lost their homes and finances because of a different kind of drought.  It does no good to point fingers, place blame, or speak negatively about the situation or those who may have affected our farms and fields.  It's the clouds ahead on the horizon that are the focus...

Photo Provided and used with permission by Flickr member Beth: @MusicMuse_CA

We need to count on our "RainMakers" once again.  The folks who come to ActiveRain day in and day out, dancing, smiling, and providing "Rain" to once again save our people and our crops.  This network and community is just one small thread woven through-out the country.  It's the twine that binds and bonds us all together in some small way to collectively achieve great things out of a situation that is so much bigger than us all.  To be witness to all these great things happening around us from an on-line community is very inspiring.

In the three years I have been here, I have witnessed so many stories, so much creativity, lives being changed, and RAIN being made.  We have all been touched or moved by many of the members here in one way or another.  One day we will look back at this time and realize how much of an impact all our efforts have made in our Industry and to each of us personally.  My prediction is that one day, when the RAIN returns, and it will, that we will dance, laugh, and celebrate during the best of times, just as we are doing now during some of the more challenging times.

Is this our destiny?  Maybe this was the intention and purpose of this network all along?  Were we meant to be just another Social Network on the Internet, or an Industry of "RainMakers" making a difference?  Individuals helping to save our people, our communities, our Industry, and each other?  That's what I see happening all across the country right now.

YOU are a RainMaker.  YOU have the power and ability to lead, motivate, inspire, and help other people.  YOU are making a difference in the World, in YOUR Community, and in YOUR Industry.  YOU are the one dancing and creating "RAIN" in a time of drought when it is much needed.  The impact that YOU are making may not be realized until the day comes that we can all look back and see what an important and significant role YOU played in helping keep our people alive and strong, and our Industry together.

~RainMakers Dance For RAIN~

Google Gives Great GoGo Juice as a gift, and they're doing it on Virgin American Airlines

This will be my first post ever from a plane flying at an altitude of over 37,225 feet.  I just couldn't resist.  My options were to either sleep on the 5 hour flight to New York, finish reading "Crush It" by Gary V, or write a blog post. Well, here I am. lol~  I'm actually hoping that in the next five hours, I can accomplish a little bit of all three.  :-)

It was a really cool thing to arrive at the Virgin American Air gate this morning to see that they had Wi-Fi available for all us passengers.  Then I was greeted with a handshake and a smile from one of the Virgin Air employees at the front desk, followed by seeing my name in lights on the "BIG" board.  Wow, I have to say I got pretty excited, and was very impressed with their unique great customer service.  I really appreciated that warm and fun reception.

I can tell already this is going to be a great trip to RainCamp and Inman Connect!

First thing after boarding the plane, I run into Derek Overby and Mike Mueller, both nearly as excited as I am to get to New York. (Actually, Mike Mueller is behind me sleeping right now, but I know he's excited).  I just sent him an IM using this new "seat to seat chat" they have on board, but looks like Mikes getting his zzzzz's instead right now...

I digress.  So how cool is this that I am writing this post from seat 18D aboard a flying aircraft.  I have written many Blog posts and from "many" different places, but never while flying on a plane.  Here I was thinking and dreading the worst of a long 5 hour+ flight from the West to East Coast.  I sure am glad that Google has a hot thing going on with Virgin...wait...that doesn't sound quite right, but I think you know what I mean right?  FREE WiFi on a plane, Man I just love that they've finally able and doing this.

Now I'm spoiled, I will never want to fly without Internet Access again.  Google, please keep your "GoGo" coming, and provide it on all airlines, not just Virgin's.   You've got my vote, it sure is making the time and flight go faster, and it's much more enjoyable knowing my email is not getting backed up over the next few hours.  Thanks to Virgin Air and Google for bringing me my "first ever" Airborne Blogging experience.  I'll probably want to travel a lot more now and you both know where I'll "GoGo" when it comes time to "FLY!"

Looking forward to landing in New York in a few hours, and I'm really excited about being a part of both Inman Connect and RainCamp this year. I hope I'll get to see you at either one or both.  ...and I still can't believe I'm writing this while flying on a plane. :-))

Top 28 ActiveRain Bloggers in Their Field - 2009

ActiveRain is a great resource and library for information and content from a variety of members and contributers in numerous fields of the Real Estate Industry.  It seems that everyone is always climbing and chasing the "Member on top of the mountain!"  These folks have climbed and ended at the top for 2009.

Here are the Top Bloggers in their fields based on the shear volume of content they have contributed to the Network and Community. Please take a moment to acknowledge and recognize these hard working Real Estate Bloggers who have faithfully, consistently, and religiously given of their time and information to make it to the "Top Of Their Fields" on ActiveRain.

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Palazzo Realty Group) - Real Estate Agent
Score: 890233
Beaverton
Is your family looking to buy or sell in Beaverton, Oregon? Then give me a call, I would love to help your family home! (503)-524-9494 www.IFoundYourNewHome.com

#1 TOP LOAN OFFICER

Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc) - Loan Officer
Score: 482676
Cherry Hill
Over 17 yrs in the mortgage industry & real estate market, I bring expert knowledge and creativity to financing options & loan programs. Being honest and serving your individual needs is my desire!

#1 TOP MORTGAGE COMPANY

George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT. - Mortgage Company
Score: 489145
Middletown
McCue Mortgage is a Connecticut based Mortgage Co., that specializes in first time homebuyers. However, we are equipped to service all homebuyer with many loan programs such as FHA, VA, & CHFA.

#1 TOP INSPECTOR

Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) - Inspector
Score: 605662
Bellingham
Steven L. Smith, an experienced Bellingham home inspector -- Washington State Licensed Home Inspector #207. Licensed structural pest inspector. Member Home Inspector Licensing Board.

#1 TOP APPRAISER

Sara Goodwin - Portland, Oregon Appraiser (Ashcroft & Associates) - Appraiser
Score: 60026
Portland
We provide certified residential real estate appraisal services in NW Oregon and SW Washington. We Value Your Home.

#1 TOP TITLE COMPANY

Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.) - Title Company
Score: 429532
Limerick
Full service title agency, not affiliated with or controlled by any bank, realty agent, lender, or builder. Locally owned and operated to serve PA & NJ with courteous service and friendly closings.

#1 TOP ESCROW COMPANY

Greg Knowles Santa Barbara Ca. (Fidelity National Title Group-Santa Barbara) - Escrow Company
Score: 45281
Santa Barbara
If you are buying, selling or refinancing property in Santa Barbara County, give us a call. We are here to make it easy!

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

Jason Romrell (Business Attorney and Success Advisor) - Real Estate Attorney
Score: 69333
Idaho Falls
I love to see businesses succeed! As a business attorney and business owner, I know what it's like to live in the trenches (especially in this economy). Remember: Perspective + Planning = Achievemen

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE AUCTIONEER

Lorraine or Loretta Kratz-Certified Negotiation Experts, (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.) - Real Estate Auctioneer
Score: 119194
San Marcos
Real Estate Broker;offering five star service since 1985, in the San Diego area: Holding the following designations. Accredited Buyers Respresentative, Senior Real Estate Representiave. Accredited Auctioneer.

#1 TOP VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com (StagersLIST.com) - Virtual Assistant
Score: 192613
Concord
I offer web design, re-design, maintenance, hosting and virtual assistance. I also work with StagersLISTExpo.com for the Real Estate Home Staging and Design industries.

#1 TOP HOME STAGER

Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City) - Home Stager
Score: 472248
Locust Valley
Certified New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & NY providing Consultations for Homes & Offices in Manhattan, Queens and Long Island for Homes & Businesses.

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE (OTHER)

"The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.) - Real Estate - Other
Score: 414299
Poinciana
Co-Owner of Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. Living Life and Loving It!

#1 TOP ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jason "Need more business?" Sanders - Business Networking Specialist (TheValuePagesGroup.com) - Account Exec
Score: 57953
Cherry Hill
We are a Business Networking and Marketing platform that allows businesses all over the country to get more out of their networking efforts and generate more referrals with less time & money invested.

#1 TOP MORTGAGE PROCESSOR

Libby Cousins- Contract Mortgage Processor (Extraordinary Processing) - Mortgage Processor
Score: 27118
Spokane
Would you like to close more loans? As a contract mortgage loan processor with a WA Mortgage Brokers License, I have the knowledge and abilty to help you get your loans processed from start to close.

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Real Estate Brokerage
Score: 861034
Rockville
Buyers agents helping first time, new home, relocating, waterfront, luxury homes, horse friendly and farms, single family, town home, condo homes in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

#1 TOP BUILDER - CONTRACTOR

Stanton Homes - Penny Hull New Home Builders - Raleigh NC Area (Stanton Homes - New Homes in Raleigh NC and Surrounding Area) - Builder-Contractor
Score: 263555
Raleigh
Stanton Homes is a renowned new home builder in the Raleigh/Triangle area - with extras in every home like signature archways and unique trey ceilings. Free building cost estimates.

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE MEDIA

Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows) - Real Estate Media
Score: 433129
Santa Clarita
Helping people grow their businesses by effectively using technology. I am the President of Zeek Interactive and Founder of RealEstateShows.com. Father of 6. Husband of 1.

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE TRAINER

Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC) - Real Estate Trainer
Score: 572745
West Palm Beach
We help home builders, managers, salespeople, marketers, Realtors, and entrepreneurs across America become more visible, productive, effective and profitable while really enjoying what they are doing.

#1 TOP NOTARY

Find a Notary Public | needAnotary (QEC Internet Services) - Notary
Score: 191530
Long Beach
needAnotary a National Notary Public directory. Our Notaries will travel to client’s homes or offices to witness documents that require notarization at times convenient to their schedules

#1 TOP COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate (Commercial Real Estate - www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com) - Commercial Real Estate Agent
Score: 470085
Las Vegas
Commercial Real Estate, Buildings, Land, Highrise Luxury Condos, Custom Homes, Investment Properties, Businesses, Large Acreage, Sales in Real Estate in all of Nevada, Las Vegas Blvd/ The Strip

#1 TOP ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE

Chris Horton (Horton's Lawn Care L.L.C.) - Environmental Services
Score: 77542
Burton
A full service lawn care/ landscaping company that cares. We are strongly dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction. If your looking for a great lawn care provider, Horton's Lawn Care L.L.C. is for YOU!

#1 TOP COMMERCIAL LENDER

Commercial Loans Connected One form multiple sources (Commercial Loans Connected ) - Commercial Lender
Score: 155603
Roseville
One form multiple commercial financing sources. Helping principals and mortgage brokers find the financing they need. From A paper, bridge lending and more. NO UPFRONT FEE'S OR POINTS ADDED

#1 TOP BUSINESS BROKER

Huiting Zhuang,Sell your business overseas (Crebbers LLC) - Business Broker
Score: 146502
North Smithfield
International Merger & Acquisition,and consulting. Real estate services for investors or investment minded clients in RI and from the world. We believe in team work and win-win solution.

#1 TOP PROPERTY MANAGER

Robert Machado, CPM MPM Sacramento Area Property Manager and Property Management - Property Manager
Score: 141271
Sacramento
Property Management Rentals and Maintenance in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado Counties from offices located in Sacramento, Roseville, and Orangevale, CA We manage residential and commercial.

#1 TOP REAL ESTATE SALES PEOPLE

Yvette & Dennis Gardner (Keller Williams Realty, Spartanburg, SC) - Real Estate Sales Person
Score: 297512
Spartanburg
We believe in providing our clients with experience, professionalism & the highest level of service. We welcome the opportunity to serve you in all of your Real Estate needs.

#1 TOP ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Susan Gonzalez Faux painting murals atlanta (Marietta Mural & Decorative Design) - Architectural Design
Score: 29288
Atlanta
I am a wall designer, faux, decorative, and mural painter in the Atlanta area. I love to transform walls, furniture, counter tops, cabinets and any other surface into spaces that reflect your style

#1 TOP FINANCIAL PLANNER

Charles Perkins (Charles G. Perkins, CPA) - Financial Planner
Score: 88131
Burien
CPA specializing in helping small business's succeed. There are many ways to improve cash flow and manage taxes. I have both practical experience and actively remain current on new regulations.

#1 TOP INSURANCE BROKER / AGENT

Cedric (Ced) Reynolds - (909) 597-3502 (CedReynolds.com) - Insurance Broker or Agent
Score: 69659
Chino Hills
Offering a proprietary funding vehicle for Realtors, insurance agents and financial services pros. Call 909-597-3502 or visit www.lifewithapayplan.com. Give yourself an edge in this economy.

The only way to become the "#1 TOP BLOGGING MEMBER" in any of these categories on ActiveRain is to BLOG, plain and simple. These folks have committed many hours of their time, their knowledge, and shared their experiences here with us.  They should be commended for all their efforts.  Who will be at the top of their field at the end of 2010?  365 days from now, you'll know. 

Although I would have loved to have gathered all these folks together for one of the greatest ActiveRain Luncheon Gatherings ever, they'll have to settle for their "much deserved" year end bonus points for rising to the top of their fields in 2009. Their work, contributions, and "value added" content is so appreciated by the Real Estate Industry, our members, the AR staff, and above all, our guests and visitors. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what these folks above and "YOU" have planned for 2010.

Congratulations!!  THANK YOU, and keep up the great work you're doing here!

Over the past few weeks, we've been sending out emails discussing what RainCamp™ is all about and why we think you should be there. With the tickets being donation based, meaning you can pay whatever you can afford, you'd be crazy for not joining us.

I'm serious, you would be crazy!  Just yesterday, Garrick Werdmuller, a loan officer in Alameda, CA who joined us last month in San Francisco, posted to his AR Blog and said "I would have to say it was the best event I have ever attended as a mortgage professional and I have attended most of the big mortgage and real estate marketing events. If you get a chance, GO!"

What had Garrick so excited?  I'm sure it was that he learned how to get his content on the first page of Google. Or maybe it was the techniques he learned to help him actually get business because of his interactions on Facebook and Twitter. Maybe it was some of the connections he made and relationships he built with the people that surrounded him.

I'm certain those all played a part in forming his opinion of RainCamp.  But for a Real Estate technology lover like myself, who just can't get enough of staying on the cutting edge of marketing, it was a chance to immerse himself with 450 other Industry professionals with the exact same mindset and goals.

Sites like Facebook, Twitter and ActiveRain give us an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas from the comfort of our living room. Still, there is no way to replace the real life networking opportunities afforded by being in one location with 450 of your peers, all with a common goal, maximizing their online effectiveness while still connecting in real life.

Next week, I will be in New York, along with four of the most influential people in real estate: Jonathan Washburn, our CEO and Founder, Bob Stewart, AR's Chief Evangelist, Spencer Rascoff, COO of Zillow and Ben Kinney, Mega Agent from Keller Williams in Seattle. We'll be talking about a variety of strategies to improve your online presence and help you get business using the web and Social Media.

Next week at RainCamp, we will:

• Show you how we have helped thousands of our members rank at the top of the search engines for searches in their market.
• Share how Donna Harris, a RE/MAX agent from Austin, Texas used her blog to make $122,000 in commissions over the last two years doing something you can do in your own market right now.
• Reveal how a plan and some guidance can help you use blogging to impact your business and get the same results as Donna.
• Provide you with a full day of great info to take home with you and implement immediately!

At the end of the day, Real Estate is a people business, and no amount of technology will replace old fashion networking and sharing, in person.

Come Join us on Tuesday, January 12th in New York City for RainCamp to learn and build cohesive, meaningful relationships with colleagues that will carry you into 2010 and beyond. Click here to register today, we are filling up fast and the last seats will be gone before you know it. I can guaranty that you don't want to be the one that didn't take the time to learn this stuff. 

I'm excited and looking forward to seeing you and connecting in NYC.

Do you have the drive to survive, to win, to press on toward the goal? Are you one that sometimes just wants to throw in the towel and quit? It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, there will always be weight that is carried on your shoulders. Do you have what it takes to meet the challenge, and meet or exceed your goals?

This video will definitely put things into perspective. Prepare to be touched and inspired!

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. We see things differently and believe in ourselves less than others believe in us. Maybe a blind fold once in a while with a few good friends supporting us is all we need to see know that ANYTHING in life is possible. Maybe we should take our eyes off the goal, and put our hearts into it instead.

Inspiration and Drive Do Come from the Heart - Are You Giving Your Best?  Don't quit!

Photo Created and Courtesy of: Craig Rutman in North Carolina  (Thanks Craig!)

(Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells)

ActiveRain, ActiveRain, Active all the way,

Oh what fun, it is to ride,

To the office Everyday <HEY>

ActiveRain, ActiveRain, we have but one request,

that you enjoy your Holiday,

and your New Year is the BEST!!

From our family to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!