Back at the beginning of this month (June 2009) we announced the introduction of the ActiveRain Approved Business Builder Program. At the time, the pickings were pretty slim by way of Vendors and more importantly deals for our members (if your clients all want a deal, why shouldn't you get a deal).
Over the last two weeks our team has been working hard with lots of the companies out there to bring some great deals to the table for our members. The companies we are lining up to work with are being impressed upon that the culture here at ActiveRain is one where we lay all the chips out on the table and allow everyone and anyone to have an opinion.
In order for the Approved Business Builder program to really have an impact on the businesses of our members, we need your participation. If you have ever used the services of any of the Vendors in the program, we (and the other members on the site) need your feedback. Did you have a great experience? Let everyone know. Did your experience leave something to be desired? Leave constructive feedback so that the company can have a chance to grow from your experience and potentially rectify that portion of their business for the next person using their service.
Are you a bitter bitter person who has it out for everyone and everything that comes in your path that doesn't turn your $99 investment into $1,000,000? Think about how you can be constructive. The idea here is not to bash or beat these companies into submission. If you truly had a poor experience, be constructive in your feedback. We have decision makers at all of these companies following the feedback of our members. Your constructive feedback will get you so much further than a rambling rant. Hopefully our research into these companies has produced a crop of the top vendors in their field; none of them having ever had a dissatisfied customer. Of course that's a pipe dream!
If we can leverage where these companies have fallen short to help them raise the level of their service and their product, then we have something valuable for everyone involved.
We want you to become familiar with the ActiveRain Approved Business Builder Blog so that when you see it, you stop by to check out the special deals that are being announced. We also want you to use this as a tool to investigate products and services before you take the plunge into buying something. Of course, that depends on the feedback of our members. So if you've used the products or services being offered, take the time to leave your comments. You can find each of the companies on the home page of ActiveRain, on the right hand side under the 'ActiveRain Business Builder' title, directly under the featured members.
Hopefully everyone can see how the vetting process here could be very powerful. Not only can your peers see your experiences with particular companies, we also have an opportunity to help raise the level of service for these companies across the board.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be featuring a profile or an offer from each of these companies on the ActiveRain Approved Business Builder Blog. As these companies make additional special offers we will be featuring their posts so you can be made aware of it. Check the newsletter as we will be running special offers from these companies in there as well. The idea is that you are already buying these products and services in the course of your business. As a group, we have the potential to get a better deal, let's take advantage of it. (who doesn't love Costco or Sam's Club, right?......buying in bulk is the coolest).
Get familiar with this image:
When you see it on the feature board or in the blog roll, it means another company is ready to bring you a good deal. Right now below my post is an offer from the folks at Real Estate Lead Source. Take a minute to check them out. You'll see many more in the days to come.
Some of the links in the Business Builder area on the home page say 'coming soon XYZ Company'. You can head off and check out the companies website right now, their special offer and blog post to give feedback on is on it's way.
If you are interested in getting more infomation on becoming part of the ActiveRain Approved Business Builder Program, you can contact Chris Martin, ActiveRain Director of Sales.
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Ok Bob... I'll take a look at your list.
Hey Bob,
I will check out the blog, and if I have done business with any of them, I will leave some input. Thanks for pointing us in the right direction! :)
-Lisa
Hi Bob, So happy to hear your advice & guidance about leaving constructive criticism and staying away from the negative rants ! Well done.
Bob, you have to be kidding right. We don't have any negative people here in the Rain :)
Sounds good to me, I like business arrangements. Especially if they blog and use social media as then if they are not good they know about it. LOL
I do think that this is yet another brilliant idea. I think that the feedback portion of this will be instrumental in making ti successful.
I'm certainly going to keep an open mind and positive view on this, Bob. Look forward to meeting the businesses!
Bob Thanks for the heads up on the business builders. I hope this works out well for you and the rest of the gang.
WidowMaker...
The following statement takes me out of the game:
"Are you a bitter bitter person who has it out for everyone and everything that comes in your path that doesn't turn your $99 investment into $1,000,000?"
:)
TLW...ROAR!
I know how much effort it takes to build business partners and make them a win/win. My last career I was in charge of a program called Blackboard Building Blocks and making all of the pieces come together was a huge challenge. Good luck and I'll be positive :-)
Bill,
I hope it works out for our members. Wading through all the possible vendors out there to find a company that is going to give you top notch service and provide a product that actually performs as described can be a daunting task. Hopefully our members will participate and provide feedback that is valuable in assisting others with the information they need to make a solid decision.
TLW,
That line was just for you, haha ;-)
Bob...
Wow, a lot more vendors there that I need to check out!
Thanks for the list and the blog, I'll be sure to check it out. I wish you well!!
Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate
Bring 'em on! I want to talk bad about all of them. They can't do anything right =P
OK so obviously I couldn't think of an intelligent comment...
Glad you continue to enhance the value proposition. I will check it out Bob.
Hi Bob....let's check it out. Sounds like a good idea.
tamara
What - we can't get a $99 investment and expect $1mil back!!! -- we were looking forward to the list and had run out to get a new bank account ready to accept all the new profits... LOL .... seriously -- all the best with the list , it is a hard job to build a list like this ...............
Bob,
I have met so many incredible, helpful vendors and business services through AR. I'll have to start making a list of all the posts I have to write! These are people who really care about us and our business and want to see us succeed. Classifiedflyerads, realbird, dwellicious, realestateshows, realseekr....I'll be busy!!!!!
What a great idea for Realtors to have a one stop shop for all of their services and needs to help their career prosper. You guys really do care!
This can be a very powerful tool for all of us to check out vendors and have the critiques from others is so much more valid. Thanks for putting it together. I'll check it out.
Hi Bob -- I wasn't aware of some of the specifics, so thanks for informing me.
Bob - Rock on ! Sounds like a great idea - will look forward to these types of opportunites when they come up ! Im always interested in a deal and willing to try something out as well as leaving feedback. You guys are always 3 or 4 steps ahead of the game which is awesome. ~ Chris
Looking forward to it!
Interesting. Is there a way to add valuable vendors to your list?
Bob--There has always been a lot of good feedback available on AR for real estate products...With you guys checking them out ahead of time and getting us deals is something I will keep an eye on.
It takes cahonees to lay it all out there for scrutiny. Thumbs up to the businesses that go for it. I will be sure to check it out. Hey your spell check doesn't have cahonees in it. What's up with that?
Bob,
Good evening. As any Rainer should already know, it all about the Referrals - written and verbal !
Steven Zimmerman Realtor ABR GRI / Prudential Best Realty, Inc. / GULF HARBORS, Florida 34652
http://FaceBook.com/Steven.Zimmerman
http://GulfHarbors34652.net and also http://SeaViewPlace.Info
Bob .. Sounds very interesting.. I will go and check this out
Hi Bob: Your bag looks a little "over" full there - maybe I could help you with that.
:)
Howdy there Bob
I have visited one of the vendors under the Approved Business Builders. Was going to place an order with them. They have some items that I've been looking for, that I can't get in my area. lefted a comment on their post, visited their website. Even ordered their catalogue. But have not heard one word back from them.
Looks like I'll be looking else where, seen that I'm needing to get these items ordered for a advertising campaign, that I'm wanting to get underway.
Bob, Look forward to good deals - we've been pleased with Growth Leader and hope there will be others, Karen
This sounds like a truly helpful way for us to find reputable companies to spend our money with. I'll be sure to check ut the list when I need something or someone, and to add anything if I've worked with any business there.
I am open to using your sponsors. I will post the good, the bad and ugly. But try to be tactful. Can we have buttons set up to associate a post with a particular vendor? It would be good for the vendor and good for those getting information. The vendors could address any issues directly.
Howdy there Bob
Want to Thank You!
I know you were behind the phone call message, that I received from the vendor today.
AR Bob- your one upstanden and helpful guy.
I'll let you and the other members of the community, know how things go worken with them.
Bob, I will be happy to review and provide feedback...that's what AR members do.
$3500. a year is a little steep for me...REally. I think I need to pass....
Bob,
Thanks for all you help in getting Real Estate Lead Source on the Approved Business Builders program.
Getting Lots of good posts, receiving lots of good calls, meeting lots of good folks and taking orders.
You guys are the best.
Michael Noel
Real Estate Lead Source
This should be a great resource. I know it is difficult to get any type of credible information from some of our colleagues. I hope our AR members will live up to your guidelines.
Sounds like a win-win for everybody. If they can improve their business from our feedback, then we have better experiences in the future when we use them again.
It never ceases to amaze me at how visionary the folks at Active Rain really are...that's awesome! :)
Bob (& Dale):
Wow, talk about fast action! I think this is going to be one of the best things that ActiveRain has ever done.
Keep up the great work.
AliceB
Bob,
This can really become a valuable source for AR members. The important thing is to pass on constructive info, good or bad or so-so, on the companies we have worked with.
I have no idea what this is about. I'm going to though. Thanks for sharing... hope your new found relationship is doing great!
Hi Bob: Sorry I missed this until now. I'll check them all out. You guys are definitely evolving!!!! I've been kinda missing in action here, but only temporarily. Been missing all of my friends here on the Rain PLUS all of the very cool and up to the moment info from the Rainers. ;-)
Happy Birthday too you, Happy Birthday too you! I hope that this is a wondrous day with lots of great gifts.
Oh...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB.
Ok what is going on...obviously someone is messing with you for your birthday...title banner changed, the profile picture of you that was posted ever so briefly...very funny! I'm glad I was here at the right time to see them! I'm imagining that someone else is up to no good and you are right there cleaning up behind them?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I saw the "birthday post" and before I could comment on it, it was gone. You are going to have a long day, I think!
Happy B-Day, my friend. Now get off the darn computer;)
Happy birthday Mr. Stewart and many happy returns. :)
And I hope your day goes well.
Happy Birthday Bob! - Now get back to work! LOL. Actually, go take a long lunch :) I'm sure it will be ok... ~Rita
Happy Birthday Bob! Enjoy your day!
Yay, it's your birthday! Hope you have a super, terrific day :)
It's yer birthday Woo-Hoo Bob!
LOL...
Cat's out of the bag WidowMaker. Happy Birthday my friend :)
TLW...ROAR!
Bob,
Happy Birthday my friend!
Hope you have a great day.
As Paul McCartney said "Will you still need me, will you still feed me... When I'm sixty-four?"
You're halfway there!
Have a good one Bob - Thanks for all you do @ AR.
Best,
Dan
Happy Birthday Bob from the Banana Bunch!
We got all dressed up for your party. When does it start?
Have a great day and a GREAT year!
Anna Banana & Team
From one Bob to another....HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB!
Happy Birthday!
Hap Birt Dayo!
Happy Birthday - Happy Birthday!!
Bob - Happy, happy birthday! Hope you won't have to work too hard and get a chance to celebrate the big day. Will Kelan be taking you to Chuck E Cheese today? :)
(Must be sung out loud to the tune of "Happy Birthday"):
Hippo birdie, two ewes
Hippo birdie, two ewes
Hippo birdie deer ewe
Hippo birdie two ewes
Happy Birthday, Bob!
Happy B Day AR BOB!!!!!!!!!!! Someone is a leak in your office and let the cat out of the bag.
Feliz Cumpleanos Bob! From me & the rest of TExas! Have a super-fantastic day! K
Bob just wanted to drop by and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
Have a great day
Best wishes
Sharon
Bob - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope Chuck-e-cheese treats you well! (Haha) Looks like you were having a blast there, I know I would have. Hope you have a great birthday!
Bob - I already wished you a happy birthday but claire says come by and wish you a happy birthday so
Happy Birthday!
Guess you couldn't get Brad to do the newsletter huh?
From Bob and Lisa
Hpowy there Bob
Sorry for getting by so late to sing
Happy Happy Birthday to you, Happy Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Happy Birthday to Bob!
Happy Happy Birthday to Youuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!
May you have many many more!
Bob sure hope ya had a real fine Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday Bob!... thanks for all you do here on the Rain...
Yee Hahhhh !!!! Happy Birthday Mate !!!!
Hope you and Junior had a great day celebrating :o)
Cheers Bob !
Sheldon
Happy Birthday. I hope it's a great one.
Who knew you'd be the second birthday boy I came across today?
Hey Bob... I just read that today is your birthday. I hope it was a great one and you received everything you wished for.
Doggoneit I missed another birthday. I hope you had a GREAT day and maybe next year I'll be on time with my birthday wish.
Oh well HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY.
Happy Birthday (belated). Be well.
Bob,
Just a quick note to say thank you.
I am in sales also, I know it's rare to have a client give you feed back when things are going well.
I know this type of positive feedback is also usually welcomed.
Rob Lang in Eudora Kansas signed up directly from the Real Estate Lead Source Active Rain Approved Business Builders Blog link. He has a few deals going already and one accepted offer from his first 5 leads, he referred his brother Lucky who is an agent in Davenport Iowa who also signed up.
Two other recent Agent sign ups have been from Active Rain members. I believe the information they received from the Active Rain Approved Business Builders program was at least part of their decision to give Real Estate Lead Source their business and confidence.
This is our first month in the Active Rain Approved Business Builders program and so far your program has deliver interest from savvy, active and motivated agents. This is a superior demographic when compared to the demographic we receive from our number one ranking in Google for Real Estate Leads. Thank you for the great work you guys are doing.
Please pass this message on to the Active Rain Approved Business Builder program team," things are great, you guys are the best".
Thanks!
Michael Noel
CEO, Real Estate Lead Source
Mike@RealEstateLeadSource.com
www.RealEstateLeadSource.com
Bob - Another great idea by the powers that be at AR. Keep them coming as I know that I appreciate all you are doing for us agents.