What Is ActiveRain? - A Message from Your AR Staff and TEAM -
Last week or so, Jon wrote a post asking members "What is ActiveRain?" Many of you responded with some really great comments about "What ActiveRain Is" and means to you. It got me really thinking about what ActiveRain means to me and why? Then I began to wonder what it meant to the rest of our staff at ActiveRain? I solicited each one of them with an email requesting them to share What ActiveRain Is and means to them? The responses I received were too good not to share.
We are very fortunate to have this staff and team, each of them contributes an unmeasurable amount of effort and passion into this network and community. I want to personally and publicly thank each of them for being here, and for taking the time to share their thoughts and sincere feelings with our members. You guys make working here an absolute pleasure. Thank you. :-)
Here's what they had to say:
"ActiveRain is greater than just a business. We have an incredible opportunity to change, and improve, the way an entire industry operates. Yet, we are doing something even more than revolutionizing an industry in need of change; we are enriching the lives of our fellow colleagues and creating one of the greatest caring communities in the world. We are a part of something that is quite rare, something that is both exciting and humbling at the same time.
ActiveRain is my chance to contribute to something that is making a difference in the world. I am in awe of the potential for meaningful impact that can be made with our community. I am in love with the culture of caring that has been established and nurtured by our membership and staff."
"I love that ActiveRain is a place that people go to build lifelong relationships. I don't think anyone has ever set out on ActiveRain thinking, I am going to meet people that will impact my life, but it happens. People that get involved and engaged invariably build relationships that are meaningful. This is the thing that makes me the most proud about the community we have all built."
"The community of ActiveRain is a wider world with which I gain some serious exposure that allows me to hone and implement new writing styles, test the waters of public opinion, and, of course, increase my own personal network a billion-fold. Who knows when I might be looking for the next step in life; it helps to have that backup, those stepping stones in place, to forward myself personally or professionally. The community, although created for the Real Estate Industry, provides so much more, including the interactions we often miss while cooped up in an office, the information required to handle our jobs in a becoming manner, and the catalysts to happiness via combined support, hard work, and community involvement. The community has allowed me to grow and mature, become more solid in my knowledge of both social networking and real estate, and refine my writing style down to something I can truly be proud of.
The workplace of ActiveRain is a different beast entirely. Although it does provide the support and interaction that most offices do not, it is also the place in which we spend more time with our coworkers than our own families. ActiveRain provides a base of community here in the office, as well, that allows a pseudo-brotherhood to form, one that most of us know that Jon worked hard in the beginning and throughout the hiring processes to accomplish. On top of it, the workplace provides a solid force to be reckoned with simply in our combined willpower and drive to get the job done well. AR is (as I've said many times) my second family, and no other job have I looked forward to more than this one every morning."
"To me, ActiveRain is so much more than just the best Real Estate Network in the world. Unlike any other job I have had, our members are more than just that. They are our friends. I can honestly say that some of the best friendships I have made are with members here on the network. Some that I talk to more often than my own family members. When I think back to the day I was hired on board I still am so highly honored to work for such an amazing company.
The staff here is unlike any other I have worked with. Everyone is committed to excellence & willing to work above & beyond the call of duty. There are many nights that at after midnight I find myself, Brad, Jorgen, Bob, & Jon as well as other staff members burning the midnight oil. Not because we have to, but because we want to for our amazing members. That to me is a sign of commitment to our members to deliver the best network possible. The passion that both members & staff have towards the network is unheard of and is the reason that I love this Network and my job here!"
"ActiveRain is my extended family with all that a family entails. A daily challenge as well as daily lessons learned. We have a very open policy here, you have a problem with something or somebody or have an idea or concept you simply speak your mind and you will get an often brilliant and blatant response back. We are adamant about the success and education of our members and the healing of our industry, Constantly implementing ideas that will spread the knowledge of how to generate business online."
"ActiveRain for me is an incredible place where people from all walks of life can come to learn from one another, and about each other. The wise help the new, and building professional and personal relationships has become a breeze! When I was first hired on, I didn't know everything about the company and what it does to help people. But now I do! My co-workers here are always alive and full of humor, light hearted, and have a impeccable work ethic! I have never had the pleasure of working with such driven people. This company has a clear goal, and that is to make everyone in the Real Estate industry as successful as possible. I love my job!"
"I just love working on a site that people actually use every day. The scaling problems we have here are engaging, and solving them provides obvious value to the business -- so I feel like an asset rather than a cost. Our code-base is also becoming better, simpler, tighter, faster, and this gives me a sense of pride in our craftsmanship."
"My participation in ActiveRain's community has a very special point of view. I don't participate in it via blog entries or comments. My commitment is to improve and keep all the techy stuff alive and kicking while trying to be as quiet as possible so I don't disturb the community. But I can tell from the content I've read, and my conversations with other staff members, that ActiveRain lives with passion. Passion from its members writing great content and creating long-lasting relationships, and passion from its staff making it all possible and promoting a great sense of membership. What can I say about the rest of the team? Nothing but good words come to mind. I live and work from far from the Headquarters, but even-so, I'm part of the team. A great team which makes me feel like if I'm right there."
"What I love so much about ActiveRain is how much each and every employee values the quality of the product that we provide our customers. It is so refreshing to work for a company where perfect design, and user experience, is a standard not an exception."
"ActiveRain is an ever evolving place where I am constantly learning the biggest and best ways to help our members market themselves successfully. The knowledge I've gained by working here has allowed me to actually hold my own while having a "techie" conversation with my brother-in-law. That sure felt good! The staff here at ActiveRain is so supportive and innovative, not to mention genius, that my one and a half minute "commute" to work is truly a joy!"
"I love working at Activerain because I get to work with people all across the country and even canada. I get to teach people how to make their business more successful. This is a community where people from all types of backgrounds can get together and encourage, support and mentor each other without fear of rejection or criticism. We are a family that genuinely appreciates each others insight and expertise, where every member is better at something than every other member and we acknowledge that fact openly. No matter how long any of us have been here we are always finding someone who knows something we don't and is willing to share that knowledge with us.
Where else on earth can you find over 150,000 people all getting along like one big happy family. Here in the office, I am excited to come to work every day not just for the friendships we all share and the great laughs that are here to be had every day and trust me, we laugh allot here. We are exposed to some of the greatest leadership opportunities I have ever seen. Every day I am given the opportunity to lead someone to a better future for their career and life as a whole. The skills I learn here will no doubt serve me for the rest of my life as will the friendships that I have made here."
"As a part of ActiveRain's member services, I hear the good and the bad. I love it when I'm speaking to a frustrated agent who can't seem to get their blog post on the first page of Google. When I show them how to blog properly and the blog that we just worked on together shows up on the first page, it's almost like I can hear the light come on through the telephone. That's my pleasure!"
As for me, this is my Home. ActiveRain is a very special network and community to me. Every employee, member, and contributor adds something unique to the mix, and together we create something beautiful and powerful that I'm proud to be a part of. Thousands of man hours, blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this Network and Community, and we're dedicated and committed to continue making it better every day. The relationships that are built here are life long, and the "pay it forward" culture continues to grow, attract others, and bring unprecedented value to our members.
ActiveRain is the best and most rewarding job I have ever had. I feel blessed to be part of this creative and dynamic Team whose Vision and combined efforts help create and contribute to one of the greatest communities and networks in the world, online or off. Thank you to the staff and our members for helping to build and keep ActiveRain what ALL it is today. :-)
Wishing you ALL the greatest success, your
Brad, And I agree with all of them and feel very honored to have joined such a community! A great, BIG THANK YOU to you all!
What a great team of professionals. While I recognized most of the names here, there were a few I didn't know. You all deserve a day off!
Brad, thanks for sharing. Active Rain works so well because the "ownership/employees" feel the same way as those of us that "live" here everyday. That is also a large part of the success - there really are "real" peeps behind the screen :)
Joan- A day off? What is that?
Brad, I loved reading what eveyone had to say! I have always known I couldn't have found a better place to call my "other" home.
What a wonderful group....we are all so fortunate for the "ACTIVE RAIN" experience!
Sounds like a great group Brad. Although I have never worked with any of you personally, you have assisted me directly in a few situations (Brad with my iPhone questions, Bob with my outside blog and system issues, and Jeremy with Facebook Fanpage questions). I'm sure the rest have assisted in some way as well, I just have not seen it directly. Great group and I'm happy to be a part of the AR members.
Love you guys. . . you have lifted me like a Phoenix when all my Hispanic clients could not get loans any longer. . business was really bad. . I started with short sales and when I chose Active Rain as the platform to launch my business again. . It shoot up to the sky!. .and now my business is better than ever before plus more fulfilling because I help people from the despair of a foreclosure.
Yes Active Rain. . you help me. . help people everyday
for that, receive my gratitude
Thank you all!
Wow! What nice comments! As I was reading through them, it made me think of helping a baby grow up. You had this baby. It was born. It was in it's infancy stages. You nurtured it along the way. You watch it grow. Helping it to mature. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into it. Sleepless nights. I love it! It's just like most of us. As we built (or are building) our real estate businesses or other related businesses. And we pour ourselves into it and watch it grow. And we're so proud of our babies and how they've grown and matured to become what we had hoped they would become. And sometimes our babies go into a little different direction than maybe we first thought. But then we see that our baby is really moving in a positive direction and it's good and we're so happy and proud. They grow up to be strong, intellegent, well-rounded adults! And they fly! We're just beaming with joy! =) So we can all relate! Thanks for sharing your stories! And heartfelt strories at that! It's from your big hearts to our big hearts! Thank you!
Blog-N-Roll Brad...
Does this mean you all really don't care about the points? :)
TLW...ROAR!
Some of these names I don't recognize....the photos yes...
Thanks for all the hard work and help I've received here on AR the last 2 1/2 years. I't been a fun place to be and a great community to learn in. Everyone has been helpful, and cheerful.
It's been great!!
Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh real estate
Brad - Like Bob indicated, I doubt that any of us joined ActiveRain thinking, "I will make lifelong friends here", but that is EXACTLY what has happened for me.
Active Brad, great comments from all and such depth of feeling and passion. I liked Mike Judge's thoughts of a place to visit every day. It is always there for you. Nice to see all the staff and their photos. Keep up the good work!!
I thought from the beginning that this was no ordinary Internet business. Even 2.5 years ago when I was invited to join, the staff didn't act like owners, but one of us. From 20,000 members then to over 155,000 now, did not happen by accident, but methodically grown with compassion, not money the driving force, IMHO.
I have always felt special here, that's not planned in my opinion, but a lifestyle for all of the AR team. From your comments above, it would seem that I am right. Nothing contrived, just real, good folks!
I, for one, thank all of you for your hard work. You are touching lives, what could be more fulfilling?
Nice to meet the wizards.
Brad,
I am amazed every day How much Active Rain has given back to me. I am honored to be a part of this beautiful thing called Active Rain!
Thanks to the entire team!
Judy
Nice to hear from some of the behind-the-scenes AR Team members. Thanks for sharing these insights, Brad.
I've gotten so much out of AR. I think it's great that you all enjoy what you do and it's YOUR JOB! How cool is that really.
It is very refresing to actually do business with someone who understands our needs and is very supportive in all that we do. I look forward to building my network and friendship with everyone associated with AR. You guys are great!
PS Thanks Bob for helping me last night.
Brad,
Thank you for sharing the comments from your fellow colleagues. I for one am having a blast as I love to play in the Rain.
Best wishes
Sharon
Thanks for the post, Brad, and nice to meet the guys behind the scenes. The feelings that you guys have for this network of people are what makes it such a great place.
Thanks to all of you for being there for us.
Great collection of sincere comments Brad !
There's no doubt in my mind that this community has thrived because of the top-down dedication from all its staff members.
You guys have shown a united passion for this site like very few founders and managers do - and you have truly created a home away from home for many of us.
So thank you to all those highlighted in your post ! You guys have changed more lives than you could ever have imagined
Cheers !
Sheldon
Probably because most of us are self-employed and don't go to an office other than the one we work out of at home, AR fills the need for "office family" more than any other entity could. Thanks for all that you do to make us feel like work-mates!
As I approach my first anniversary on ActiveRain, I feel truly blessed to have stumbled into this community. I had NO IDEA what was here. I feel like I have won the lottery! You are all awesome, and I am honored to be part of the family.
Brad...
As I have spent many an hour here at the 'Rain, I feel obliged to say that the staff has been better than great ... and it's the "Real people at the 'Rain" that sets it apart from all of the other real estate sites in the net.
Not being as attuned to Active Rain as some of the other members I am getting to appreciate the interaction quite a bit. We have our local peers and inner circle of family and friends, but somehow being a member of this community, however we choose to interact has it's own special reward. I find myself looking forward to getting into it on a daily basis, and in spite of myself and my fixed opinions on how to do my job, this old dog is actually learning a few new tricks. Thanks you for the opportunity.
Brad - thanks for taking the initiative to introduce us to all the folks behind the scenes. I sure hope that you all know that I could not be prouder of the team at AR. You all do an amazing job, sometimes suffering Baptism by fire. I thank you all for your diligence, intelligence and compassion! Carry on!
It's nothing but smiles and gratitude, getting to meet the whole crew! A story of cyber-genesis, a gifted cast of creative genius...Thank you for grounding the vision that lets our gardens grow in the ActiveRAIN...
Great post. A consistent theme runs through every one's feelings and thoughts about Active Rain... by the way I've never read how the name "Active Rain" was chosen.. can you shed some light on that? Just curious.
We are nothing without the members like you. In fact I feel weird referring to anyone as a member here on AR anymore, I prefer to call you all friends. Thank you for the love and support you have shown and shared over the years. You are truly the most amazing and wonderful people in the world. We love you guys, you're our family!!
Judi - funny you should ask that. My 4th day on ActiveRain, back on 2/28/07, I asked the same question. Excuse this post, it was one of my first few written, but Matt Heaton did comment with the answer, here's where the name ActiveRain came from. :-)
Awesome: When can I come to work for y'all? Thanks Brad, that's a nice collection of individual core value statements... That's quite unusual... doesn't sound like the usual corp blah blah... sounds like people with a shared vision, and individual way to contribute and make a difference, and its not about top down, it's about cooperation... starting to sound pretty web3... (all kidding aside...) This is a really cool place and I love participating here. thanks...
An email to Brad on on the weekend, off hours was nothing urgent, just a simple question about something I couldn't figure out how to do. I had hoped he would get around to my email within a few days. Imagine my surprise when he responded (and solved my problem) within a FEW MINUTES!
I am blessed to have found this community and I have learned so much from everyone who participates. Many thanks.
Brad: the AR Team has really grown.. Look at all the newer faces... You guys and gals are awesome !
What a cool group of people. Thank you for all of the Google Juice:)
"What I love so much about ActiveRain is how much each and every employee values the quality of the product that we provide our customers. It is so refreshing to work for a company where perfect design, and user experience, is a standard not an exception.
What a lovely chance to hear from all the fine folks who make AR such a great place!
What a great testimonial and a great staff ! It is because the AR staff cares so much that makes AR so awesome ! You guys rock !!
I have so much going on that I will read this later. I opened this on my facebook and was able to see the pictures in larger size. So my question is. Is it a requirement to be good looking to work for Activerain? What a good looking crowd.
I love the rain.
1. Who is Jorgen. ;-)
2. Brad, can you explain your picture to me?
3. Nice to 'meet' everybody. Jeremy is a terrific addition, even though he won't do my !@#$% Northcarolinalicious header for me.
XXOO
Susie- You know I love ya! :) Don't be bitter!
Active Rain is the support group who took this 50 something Realtor out of the legal pad age and into technology. It is where I feel safe to share and where I find support. I love it.
Thanks for the post. It's really good to see and learn a little about the fine folks behind the scenes at 'the Rain'.
Thanks for the great post and creating a wonderful team of professionals. Keep up the great work.
Claire and Kerrie's pictures compared to the guys remind me of the old George Gobel line on the Tonight show when he was sitting between Bob Hope and Dean Martin, "I feel that all the world is a tuxedo, and I'm a pair of brown shoes".
Brad, I had no idea the staff at AR had grown so large. It is a testimony to the vision and passion of the founders and leaders as well as the membership. I couldn't help but remember your own tough times several years ago and how wonderful that you ended up with such a dream job that has clearly empassioned you. Thank you for all that you do for us. How is your son...didn't he break a leg at the same time you were facing other struggles? How time flys!
It's good to see all of you in one place! Loved reading everyone's spin on what makes this place tick. I'll be glad when I can have more moments to work at being an Ambassador. It's fun to teach new members the ropes.
Brad, the staff's comments were really nice and sincere. Thanks to you all for making AR what it is today....because without you....oh let's not go there it is a scary thought.
Brad, Thanks for all your hard work. I'm sorry I don't contribute as much as I should- but you gave me so much google juice, I am a little too busy. Nice problem to have - huh?
Thanks again...
Brad - Thanks! What a wonderful post ... I appreciate this post ... more iimportantly ... I appreciate the continued support you have provided! Thanks!
Brad - thanks for introducing us to the people at ActiveRain, it's good to put a face to the great service. :)
Brad - It was great to put faces with the names and to hear what each one had to say.
Finding AR was one of the best thing to happen to my career, I so appreciate making friends all over the country and learning about the various markets.
I appreciate all you do to keep this network running even with all the challenges that must come your way.
Ar group is great Brad. When I first joined as a REALTOR and was searching for asnwers to my questions, I found one of the AR members blog post on search engines about online marketing and I immediately joined AR.
Thanks for such a great community.
Mr. Anderson ~ Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager:
Labor Day Weekend // Be Safe // Have Fun // Be Happy
Mott Marvin Kornicki, REALTOR®
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Matt - Thanks, that was very nice, hope you'll do the same.
Love the signature too!!
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