Our founder, Jonathan Washburn asked a question the the other week on his post What is ActiveRain? I went back there a few mornings later to see if he responded to my question about coming back to tell us all how wonderful ‘we' are. And he did.
Because of Jon and his staff's involvement with the community I have remained a loyal member on ActiveRain since March of 2007. It made a difference to have them interact with us on a daily basis. It made a difference that they cared and took into consideration when I had a concern. It made a difference that I just wasn't a number here.
Then I read William Johnson's post A True Friend is a "Work of Heart". It was about his experience ‘growing up' with ActiveRain and the excitement of getting his first comments and how he kept coming back for more. And his statement about our friendship that blossomed from being here on ActiveRain.....
"It was an instant real friendship and I could not guess the number of hours of phone time we have spent since then building one of the most amazing friendships of my entire life." My eyes watered.
It's meeting other ActiveRain members who are professionals in the Real Estate Industry and how we connect here on a larger plane than just .....real estate.
ActiveRain Meeting of Peers 2009! Linda Bourgault Visits Hawaii! Linda Bourgault revists Hawaii!- The Phenomenal Connections Through ActiveRain Katherine Carey
- "Traveling the Road of Aloha....The ActiveRain MEETING with Peers" Kathy McGraw, her grandchildren and daughter too! Kathy and I have a running conversation every week since :)
- Breeding Friends Through a REAL Estate Network: ActiveRain Desiree Daniels and Al!
- The Haydon Family in Hawaii (And Randy Cheats) Cyndee and Jack Haydon and their wonderful boys!
And this gathering that Hawaii Randy Prothero and Celeste WooHoo Sally Cheeseman sponsored....
Sharon Simms, David Kucic, his wife Tonya, and Jay Oku (all from Hawaii), Jeff Dowler and his lovely wife Kay, Rob Lang, Matt Heaton (Co-Founder of ActiveRain) and his wife Lydia, Marlene Bridges and Lynda Eisenmann, Jerry Bangerter Hawaii) Joeann Fossland, Mario Trejo Romero, Mary Pope -Handy and Kathleen Barnato ALL were here!
It's the friendships formed with other real estate industry professionals is what matters. It's what makes this a unique real estate network. It's the constant communication with the staff ....like Bob Stewart does.... that has made this a quality network and the time I've invested ....truly worthwhile.
What is ActiveRain?
It's the people behind the words.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Sally, I agree, Active Rain is the people, those who have created the site and those that contribute to it, it is a wonderful community!
Hi Sally..You Pretty Much covered it, we're here and growing with each others support and ffriendship.
Cheers
Once, I asked a question on AR and Active Brad called me on the phone! I was almost speechless. He was so kind and helpful and patient. I was a little bit dazed though because, to me, it was like talking to a celebrity.
Hi Sally - Yes, We the people! It's all about THAT first. We all have a commonality starting out but we've made friends along and going to Active Rain each day is likegoing to a bar at happy hour, except this one serves up google juice.
Hi Sally - I have always been impressed with my AR experience. What great people...you included!
You are so right! ActiveRain IS the folks behind the words!! Cool post...
Helping you live your American Dream...
Love Active Rain and the guys that run it don't realize how much they help my business. . THANK YOU GUYS!
Ah yes, it is the people indeed!
Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
Sally, very good post, you got it! You know I haven't been here all that long, however I know you are right!
Sally - it's always refreshing and reassuring when we learn that there are so many good people in our midst. We are always hearing the media tell us about the evil doers in this world, and then we are reminded through posts such as yours that there are some wonderfully caring, sharing, compassionate people ... right at the tips of our fingers.
Great post, young lady! :)
Sis - It's meant so much to so many folks, including me. I've been meaning to stop by William's post; I think I will do that next. We are the people behind the profession...
Well I guess I've only made it to three get together and actually the first ever in FL...it's not easy to fly across the country to see everyone but I'm trying to one day in the future...although I was lucky to meet a lot from far away last fall. I just don't think I can muster time to meet Jason...or he'll end up drinking me under the table:)
Sally..Lovely post..and how right you are..Great blog..Thank you
HelpfulHannah
You are so right - "It's the people behind the words!" Both the bloggers and the folks who run this business.
Hi Sally-It is indeed the people here that make it such a wonderful place. William is one of AR's finest and his post was awesome as they all are. Wonderful post. Have a great day. :-)
So true Sally. It is so nice to be here and be a part of this great network.
Spot on, girl! I have never seen another site like it - the complete interaction between the subscribers and the owners is amazing!
Sally - I really like your line "it's the people behind the words".....that is a great statement. I am so VERY glad I found Active Rain too. Active Rain is part of my daily life.
I can't even imagine life without my Active Rain support group. I feel safe and loved here. Thanks friends.
I can't even imagine life without my Active Rain support group. I feel safe and loved here. Thanks friends.
Sally, What a beautiful way to say what so many of us feel. "What is ActiveRain? It's the people behind the words." It's a special place where each of us can take turns getting support during the tough times in life and sharing our special moments of joy. It's a blog with a heart.
Sally, Beautifully written post and the REAL meaning of Activerain. We all love the other benefits but there is nothing like the true friendships that have been made here...it's hooked us and what has us coming back.
Sally,
I joined in May of 07 and really enjoy the learning experience here in the "rain".
Sally the friendships are truly priceless. I've only been here a year but have made several friends that I've been fortunate to meet too!
Sally - I too returned to Jons post as well.... Very cool.... It is a special place for us all... Thanks to all!
That's a very sweet post, Sally. I have made some amazing friendships in just the short amount of time I have been here in the Rain. And the staff have made this a very addictive forum to swap stories and share experiences.
Sally, for all the wonderful things that ActiveRain is, the people here are the best part.......so supportive and motivating!
pretty fun post - thanks for gathering all the links, too:)
Isn't it amazing how you can get to know some one by their writing? And if I ever finish paying for kid's college education, I would love to get back to Hawaii and meet you in person!
Sally... such a nice post, as usual. I've always thought that the Rain is really all about its members, and I believe you reinforced that thought eloquently. I still have one problem though... I've traveled and lived all over the world, but have never made it to Hawaii! There's gotta be something wrong with that picture! Maybe I'll make it one of these days though, and stop by and say "Aloha."
Hi Sally. Some people at AR are really helpful. I especially like to read the trials and tribulations that other agents face in their local market. That and reading some of their insight on a variety of topics. I end up incorporating a few things.
AR is a great resource to all of us in this industry It allows to learn from each other and make our industry that much better every day.
Very well put! Every day I visit AR and find something new. It never ceases to amaze me the level of cooperation among agents - even those that are in the same competitive market area - who are willing to share tips and ideas on marketing.
Sally I joined the Rain in September of 2006 and have stayed around for many of the same reasons as you.
Sally: You could not have answered this in a better way... Active Rain is a great network
Hi Sally,
I have been asking several fellow AR members and associates about how I could become more involved with the AR community and have yet to receive a response. I would really like to participate in AR activities. I've just come out of retirement to rejoin the company I built and sold to my kids. They told me they wanted me to be their PR person, consultant at large, troubleshooter and blogger. I'm very willing and ready to asume the position and think it will be a lot of fun, however, I'm a newbie to blogging and social networking. I would like to add you as an associate in hopes that you might keep me abreast of any/all AR group or one on one activities that I can particiapate in. I am ready, willing and able to travel anywhere anytime to further my gain and knowledge in this arena.
Thanks,
John
Sally, I agree it THE PEOPLE that make Active Rain. When I first started Brad and Jesse (Alaska) helped me, of course, I am still learning something new everyday...
Sally,
Active Rain is a perfect example of the 'whole' being greater than the sum of its parts...!!! Thanks, Fran
Active Rain certainly has a life of it's own thanks to the many PEOPLE behind the posts on this network. It goes a lot further than blogging.
Thanks JL!
I just wanted to clarify that this network is all about the people...the ones I've met...or not. (William is a perfect example that friendships aspire through writing and telephone conversations....and heartfelt messages and the soulful connections without physical interactions...and it'll be nice when we can finally meet too!) I know you all know what I mean. We can read through the lines...we can pick and choose the real from the.... gamers.
We all have our own niche in this world of blogging...but ActiveRain gives us more than just a platform. They give us a piece of them too. THAT is what makes all the difference...the involvement they give...and what we give back.
Thanks all for stopping by to give your input. I've read all of the comments although not enough time to respond to each individually.
Well said Sally. Although I took almost a year away from AR, I always feel like I have friends to return to and more wisdom and humor to soak in. I've created some good friendships and have even had some closings thanks to AR - what a great place with even greater people!
Sally - It's hard to put into words what AR is all abut but you did a greatt job. Or maybe the word just is "the people." No matter, it has been a phenomenal place to be for almost 3 years. It's such fun to see posts such as this that relfect on the times we have had. Hmm, just gave myself an idea...
Jeff
My bigger question is "Why Active Rain" of all words? Is it because they are located in the Rainy city?
Seriously though, of all things, one would have never associated Active Rain and real estate before this.
Yep the people behind the words.
And when you meet face to face it is real.
Love it, good post, glad it was a feature.
As a newbie here I have been encouraged and countless people have offered help and suggestions. I've made some friends, too! Active Rain is a great community. I love it. It's the people.
Sally you are so right. It IS all about the people!!
I have been on here for 2 years now and I am totally addicted to this site. I have made some great friendships/contacts.
Sally, excellent post. I can only say "ditto' to what you said. I asked Bob Stewart a question via a comment on his blog recently and was pleasantly surprised when he actually called me. And, isn't it nice not to receive a canned computer generated response when you email a question to the AR staff.
I am a relative newcomer here but I am looking forward to the relationships to come.
Very well put into words Sally :o)
...and how great that you've had so many A|R member meetings ! ... love the pictures !
Excellent !
Sheldon
Sally,
Very true. I haven't been around all that long, but at least long enough to appreciate the truth of your comments.
Brian
WOO HOO, As usual late to the party but I am here now! I hadn't even looked at today's dashboard of posts or I would have seen this earlier.
This is a wonderful piece Sally and one that I know AR staff, members et all are all proud of. It speaks to the uniqueness about this network and the real job of setting the course for all of us was done by others, Lenn, Sharon, Jeff, Bryant,TLW...Roar! Brad, Rich,Neal,Kathy,Teri,Jason,Brian, Linda, Marlene,Kaye,Lori,and of course yourself and many others.
So it was really the early starters that helped set up the culture here and came up with certain to do's and do not's that the next group which I am in, followed as gospel. It was without a doubt, " we are here to help you and share with you. We will help you learn what you need to know and we are always here for you". That is what ActiveRain is and is about.
Brad, Bob, Rich and many others on the staff recognized the uniqueness of the culture and with Jonathon's and Matt's oversight ( as this was their vision) AR has grown from a few to the many. The culture is still here and expanded by so many more of us who knew it is not about the points ( so give us some anyway,hehehe). And we all saw those that would take advantage of the system , we mostly as a group ignored them for they just didn't get it. Many went away and there are still a few that either changed their ways or...., well likley still being ignored.
What we have now is something that money can't buy nor could ever likely be duplicated. Others will come and go, many will try to duplicate it but because this is a culture all unto itself, it exists because it does, that simple. It grows and prospers because it was the right thing at the right time with the right people and I am so proud as I know you and the others are to be a part of it. It is actually even bigger than what I have suggested. It has momentum and is an utterly awesome enterprise ( read the word family there).
Thank you so much Sally for including me in this wonderful post and the great message contained within the post and the comments. In some small way, I hope I have added a little more as you and the others here have so ably answered the question, What is ActiveRain ?
Hugs,
William
PS, I was wanted to get this comment to you so quickly that I also made a bazillion typos. When I fixed them I sort of lost my train of thought of where I was heading with this. Oh well, stuff happens, LOL. Anyone who knows me , also knows that I love this family and if my words get jumbled, the mistakes usually don't take away the impact of what I was feeling when I wrote it.
Can't wait for my hug the first time we get to actually meet in person Sally :-)
Sally, Tis the people for sure. I am such a big fan of so many here... thanks, great list and links.
Active Rain is really a community. I have been so fortunate to meet with as many folks as I have, and it is a blast meeting them... and seeing people meet each other for the first time in person...
Bob: You had your chance last year and went to the other island lol! One day :)
Hey William! I knew you'd be by with a book lol! All of the staff has been helpful and caring and though I didn't mention many it was only because it would take hours and a very long list besides. I have made so many friends along the way and the uniqueness and the quality of this network is what makes it so successful!
HUGS and talk to you soon!
Sally- and that is why I am still here too:)
Sally - So true ! The AR meet-ups that we have gone too have just been incredible. And not just meet-ups but other real estate gatherings such as Inman News, Philly RE Bar Camp and so forth. Is what makes it all worthwhile !