We all have our milestones on ActiveRain. You know, like the thousands of points, the year by year or even how many comments were given or received. My milestone started on March 10, 2007 when I signed up to be a member of ActiveRain and my success on ActiveRain is due to my determination and consistency during the last THREE YEARS.
.....That brought me business, leads, friends and connections.
Over time the addiction sat in....hard. I woke up and went through the motions of checking my email but would gravitate to looking at the ActiveRain comments. Nowadays, I really check my incoming mail related to business...and look at my ActiveRain Newsletter (Daily Drop).
You can bet your bottom dollar that my success is directly related to ActiveRain in some way. I've learned along the way what it takes to be successful and utilizing all that ActiveRain offers:
- Blogging for Business Dedication, commitment and a whole LOT of effort to keep my post fresh and new will keep the readers coming back for more. They DO contact me eventually...when they're ready to relocate and that's when they tell me they've read everything.
Bonding with Peers Not only have I had the pleasure to meet many members of ActiveRain but have made that connection to receive referrals as well. We learn from each other, we communicate and connect. Those connections that turn into friendships are bound to last a lifetime. (Too many to mention but you all know who you are)- Law of Attraction Visual appearance, the title and the content of a post will draw the reader in. I will write a wonderful post about market statistics with added information about the community and pictures to go along with it. Putting a few keywords in bold lettering will add structure to my key points and keep the reader going.
- Follow the Leader After learning the structure of writing a post...a lead comes in.....and what do I do with it? Run with it. Get them prequalified asap or make an appointment for a listing presentation. If I don't answer not a darn thing will happen. Again, effort and commitment.
- The Art of Localism Long ago I learned that everything is related to Real Estate. Just writing about real estate is a good thing but writing MORE about my community, the businesses in my community, history and points of interest shows that I know my area and everything in it. If you're unsure where these look further here>>> www.localism.com
- Bouncing Back to Me Like a rubber ball we reap what we sow. Getting along with online ‘friends, peers and acquaintances" and commenting without ill intentions has always been my goal. That's not to say that I ‘back down' if those online crack heads try to take over my post with negative nastiness. But there is a civil way to do so. Besides, I'm here for a purpose; to learn, give information, business, connecting and giving back to the community.
Being a member of ActiveRain requires a commitment plus dedication to consistantly put effort into a blog that will last a lifetime in cyberspace. It's knowing that each individual has to make that effort to write original content. It's being creative on top of educating the public and peers about the Real Estate Industry. It's about giving back to the community and supporting the people behind those words.
And without the support of the ActiveRain members and staff...
I surely would not be where I am today.
Three years of Being Connected.
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.
© 2007-2011 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Happy anniversary my pistachio friend!
It was a good day for me when Jason Sarti sent you to one of my post! I've enjoyed everything you've had to say.
AR is like a church we get eduction, fellowship, a spiritual lift, and we make allot of friends with like minded people! AR also offers consumers to get to know people that can help them. Wow!
Sally we're all glad you've been here for the last three years and we look forward to many more!
Bill
Woo Hoo Sally...
What is that like a diet celebration plate? C'mon now. You teed that one up :)
Love ya woman. Glad you hung in there :)
TLW...ROAR!
O
See Woo Hoo...
I'm stuck between a kiss and a hug, and I didn't start it. Sir William did :)
TLW...ROAR!
I loved hearing how AR has worked for you! Congratulations. I am new to AR as of this year, and am attending all the University sessions I can, reading all the blogs about questions I have, and trying to get the google juice. Just got my first featured posting and I'm excited. Looking forward to the day when I can be in your shoes. Mahalo!
Wow - those are my sentiments exactly and compared to you I am such a "newbie." But I've come to realize that this is an excellent vehicle to accomplish all you mentioned above. I was an English major so I love to write and I'm glad that now my blog entries are not just sitting on my privately hosted blog but where others in my industry can share and comment. Technology has made us less of a community over time but this site actually helps to bring us back together which I love. Aloha and mahalo for sharing. Happy Anniversary!
Bill: Hurry up lol
TLW: I was about to include everyone with a link and realized after you there were hundreds so stopped.... lol. I didn't want to get out the ice cream...too early in the morning. (but just to let you know I seriously am thinking about that diet....in the last month I've gained ANOTHER 5 pounds. And.... I'll take all hugs and kisses :) :)
Evelyn: Wonderful! I think that's the greatest thing they did here. My shoes walked hard here :)
Congrats on 3 years! AR really is a great site!
I hope you'll remember me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC" and I will do the same!
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Congratulations to you! Great milestone..I am also a newbie and learning more and more every day!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your journey. I am investing the time into blogging and hopefully the business will follow. Thanks for the great tips.
Congratulations Sally. Pour a little chocolate over the strawberries.
Wow, that seems so long ago!! Congratulations on your milestone. Someday you will be writing about "20 years ago, I started on Active Rain", lol
Congrats WooHoo Sally, I signed up just one month before you. It's been fun and exciting watching the changes and growth on so many "rain" levels. Looking forward to the next three years and what it will bring for you and us all.
Hello:
Congrats on your success. I, too, love Active Rain, but I must temper it a bit tight now because the technical issues have really bogged down my outside blog to the point that it's not useful anymore to me.
Sally congratulations. I hit the three year mark next week and all I can say is "we've come a long way baby."
Great post as usual Sally. Lots of great points. AR does require commitment.
Karen...right, huh?
Brad: It sure has been fun...and exciting. I've learned a lot...thanks for your support too!
Cindy....whoopee! We HAVE come a long way!
Hey Mike...a bunch of commitment :) You've done wonders as well. :)
Ted: I did that last night with ice cream :)
BILL:
i almost forgot to look back up there for your come back :) I thank you kind sir for your support as well.... I hug you too :) :)
Congratulations on your aniversary AND a featured post. Active Rain has a lot to answer for.....and it's all good!
Great post. Any success requires time and effort. Thanks for outlining effective types of effort.
Sally,
Congratulations on a great milestone at AR. I am looking forward to one year this summer.
Side note: my little dog Ginger has her Birthday today, she sends happy wishes on your anniversary at AR.
All the best, Michelle
Congratulations!
Congratulations Sally ~ Three years and you are still very committed to ActiveRain! I really enjoy reading your blog and am so happy to read you are going to continue to be a contributor here.
This is an exciting milestone. It is amazing how many benefits can be derived by participating in Active Rain. It does take commitment, however, the connections, business and friendships made are priceless.
This is an exciting milestone. It is amazing how many benefits can be derived by participating in Active Rain. It does take commitment, however, the connections, business and friendships made are priceless.
Celeste: Congrats on your 3rd anniversary here on AR. I will also be celebrating mine, but in the fall. This place really has been invaluable to me in all the ways you describe in your post. Wishing you continued success!
It's amazing how quickly time goes. I bet it seems just like yesterday when you first sign up. Create a bright future.
Congrats on hitting the three year mark. I could have sworn you started about when I did, but I guess not.
As long as you're putting money in your pockets from your efforts here, it's definitely worth while!
Good luck to another 3 yrs!
Good luck to another 3 yrs!
Sally ~ Congratulation on your 3 year A&R Birthday! Wishing you many more years of success here!
Celeste,...Congrats on your third yr! I do always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for some really great tips =)
Hey Sally--For me it's been only one year, but I can feel the diffeernce in my law practice. More people from all over our nation are contacting me, and commenting on what I have written, and I am learning from their experiences.
Much success in the future.
I just came back to active rain after starting my account back in 2006. I have already started to learn great ways to grow my business and have dedicated myself to AR daily.
Good to read... I am working on my own milestones with ActiveRain and you are right, it is very rewarding at different levels
Sally, congrats on your milestone and feature! BTW, love your initials as a watermark. That is what I would like to do for my photographs, rather than the whole name :)
Sally, congratulations on your 3 year mark. I started at about the same time, but I don't know the exact date. I know that my first blog post was on March 30, 2007. You are quite a prolific writer; and I love reading your posts. Best wishes for continued success over the next 3 years.
Sally~
Congratulations on the milestone, and most especially... thank you for inspiring greatness and possibility in AR colleagues. As you say, " It's about giving back to the community and supporting the people behind those words...".
Happy Anniversary, Sally! Keep it going!
Wow! Three years! Congrats.....I look forward to my one year anniversary!
Sally,
Congratulations my friend! I appreciate the fact that you were so helpful to me when I first arrived and you are an inspiration to so many people here at Active Rain! THANKS!
I need a bit more dessert to absorb the champagne. Other than that, congratulations old timer.
Sally, and what a 3 years it's been. I remember when you came aboard. It took Randy long enough to convince you!
Congrats on your milestone!
congratulations on being consistent and commited
Congratulations! I have learned so much from you over the years - I'm glad you are here, my AR friend! I hope I get to come and see you in Hawaii this year!
Sally - it has indeed been a long road and I can relate to what you have written! Happy Anniversary!
Congrats! I had to admit I joined three years ago but I never understood the power of the rain until after I broke 25,000 points which was only a few months ago! Congrats again on being so consistent!
Three years, wow. On July 11, it will be a year for me. I enjoy your posts!
Great info and Happy Anniv. Here is to many more.
Sally - Awesome accomplishment! Way to go girl..:-) Keep it up and it will keep you up....
Sally - That's great!! I am a firm believer in AR, the network and the business that I get from this network and my blog. I enjoy your writings and your blog. You have a loyal subscriber here!
It has been a long...well worth it...road.
I'm happy to see so many faces that I've grown up with...met ...and seeing all the new ones as well too. It's inspiring and keeps me motivated to see the interaction we have in this HUGE network....still called ActiveRain. :)
Sally: Congratulations! My milestone will be this summer. It truly has been a great ride. Again, way to go. I'm glad you love being in the Rain!
Sally, Happy activerain day. and congrats on your succes. Tere
I tihnk I am 1.5 years now on AR. It was and is a complete game changer. I am fairly certain I would not be in this business at all if not for it.
Contratulations !! I've been reading and learning for a year now. Posting listings and pictures. I just now feel ready to really start blogging.....Your post is an inspiration for me. Thanks.
congratulations Sally. That is a milestone and you've done a lot in only 3 short years. Incidentally, some irrelevant trivia, March 10 is also the day the dot com bubble burst back in 2000.
Sally,
It's been a real pleasure to get to know you! I'm so glad for your accomlishment. Here's to another 3 more!!!
Sally- You of all people deserve a standing ovation for your time here and your milestone. You are an Active Rain treasure. Katerina
Sally, Congrats to you. I wish you the best for many more years.... By the way, I wish I was in Hawaii right now.... In the last month in Texas we've had lots and lots of rain, some sunny days,and broke a record for the amount of snow and then today HAIL..... They were pea size but they still do a lot of damage.
Sally, congratulations and happy anniversary. We've all benefitted from your time in the rain. Katrina put it really well "you're an active rain treasure". Here's to many more years in the rain.
Way to go girl....I'm coming up on three years soon as well. I've enjoyed the ride....See you around AR
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Congrats on your milestone, as a relative newbie, I appreciate all that the more experienced agents share on active rain.
Congrats Sally and three years is a long time to hang in with a network and your presence is always very welcome with Vegas Bob and so many others at Activerain! Keep up the great work!
VB ;o)
Sally, yeah! We know who we are! Meeting fun blog buddies is about the funnest part of all this, and I'm glad you're on my list! Big hug!
And today is the start of the next three years. Congratulations on another milestone reached.
Sally - Congratulations on your success! And thank you for your inspiration to the rest of us. As a fairly new blogger (3 months now) I am in awe of your experiences. I seek to learn from each post I read. Thank you for taking the time to write them.
Sally - Wow, 3 years! What a huge accomplishment...congrats!! I always look forward to reading your posts and comments. Your gentle spirit truly shines thru. Keep on keepin on girlfriend...you rock!
Sally...
It seems like we have been at this forever. I'll have my three year anniversary in July. Can you believe the points totals now?
And you're right, this is a real community, and you are a big part of it!
Hi Sally! Thanks for sharing your suggestions for success! I became a member of ActiveRain on New Year's Eve 2006 but unfortunately did not make ActiveRain a part of my daily activity until this year. I am now nearing 10,000 points and am making ActiveRain a daily habit! I am looking forward to making 2010 a productive and successful year!
Sally, You have made a HUGE impression here on everyone with your posts, myself included. I try (although am not always successful) at modeling my Localism posts after yours....
And have read your words about letting yourself "shine through" which has helped me enormously both personally and professionally.
I know it took hard work, dedication and a few injuries but you're a shining example on Activerain for all of us!
Sally I have read a lot of the blogs you have written in the last 3 years, and am glad that I got to meet you through the Rain.
Happy Anniversary :)
Hi Sally -- Congratulations. I view you as one of the one of the few main gurus on AR. Anyone would be wise to use you as a benchmark to gauge their progress and where they need to go. I know my blogging is a mere pittance of yours, and I learn a lot from those who have mastered the art and science of blogging, plus the other aspects associated with this platform!
hi Sally,
WoW, has it been 3 years already? Where did the time go???
Congrats on 3 great years of excellent posts and commitment....
Jo
I must find out when I joined. I think it's been a mere year. I think of all the blog post I've read and things I've learned where would I be now if I'd started blogging back them instead of just commenting. I hope this to be the year I get my blog off the ground..I'm a few blog post up for the month. Wish me well. Congrats.
Sis - I'll give you a kiss and a hug and I'm not the most affectionate primate to graze these soils. You're a staple and I can't think of many better to be just that. In my own selfish little way, I'm very damn proud that, well, I feel closer to you than I could ever articulate. You've become the sister that I do have. Since we have yet to meet, that certainly sounds strange. I love you gal! And color me proud to know you as I do.
And Hawaii is just around the corner...
Active Rain is better off for having you as a member Sally!
Never thought I'd see Woohoo Sally mention "online crack heads", but you make your point well. Congrats on your 3-year anniversary, and thanks for all of the positivity you've brought to the Rain.
Sally, Congrats and on the Feature too!!! I started about the same time as you, however, I did not work it the way you did, you are always consistent and a pleasure to read your posts!
I'm sure there will be many more milestones to come.
I'm sure there will be many more milestones to come.
Hi Sally... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Thank you so much for enriching so many of our lives with your presence in our community and your posts!
Sally, you are totally rockin' and rollin' here in the rain! :) We signed up around the same time, but you've have blossomed by leaps and bounds - good job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulation, I am new here and started blogging and hoping to figure out all the other features. I have been reading peoples profiles and blogs and it is amazing how many wonderful people are members. I can just tell this is a tight networking site because everyone has positive things to say to one another....I hope one day I also get friends, business and referral from AR.....
God Bless!!!
Iliana Perez
Wow Congratulations on your amazing milestone Sally. Here to another 3 years of successful blogging.
Congratulations!! I hope to have your success one day.
Sally, congratulations! Way to go on such great success in 3 years!
Lookie at all the people that stopped by! Wowee! Thanks much!
Karen...what...not doing the FB poke lol?
John: Hey...whatever works lol. But you know what I mean right?
My lil bro: I'll have you know I just had stinging eyes to that... and yes, I've shared much with you that I would not with many others. I will be so happy to meet you...finally...and your lovely Jennifer.
George: You have been the faithful supportive member/friend of many here...not just me. I always look forward to seeing you....and hopefully I haven't missed much on yours too...just been way busy to navigate the rain as I used to.
Carol: You are also one of the biggest supportive members here on AR....and I thank you.
pat! Oh, isn't that the truth? I loved meeting you and just as in words..you are more in real life :)
Happy anniversary!! I look forward to 3 years on active rain myself. I do have a way to go--got a late start.
Sally congratulations on a wonderful milestone, it has been a great three years you really embraced the community and I can say you are a treasure here.
Commitment, perseverance and discipline. . . the traits of a champion. . . congratulations
Congrats and Happy Anniversary... I too have become addicted... Though I have not yet mastered the art of localism or the art of making the perfect post, I am learning every day and I love it!
Congratulations. Three more years? :)
Sally... I know I said something on Facebook... but just wanted to come in here and say congrats.... I can still remember when we first met on here. Can't believe that it's been 3 years...
Good morning Sally,
Congrats on 3 years with ActiveRain..that is a milestone..thank you for that you do to contribute ..you are an inspiration to us!!
Sally - Congratulations on your three great blogging years at ActiveRain.
Wow - what a commitment - ActiveRain is amazing- only here for about 5 months but have seen the power and the connections it offers. Congratulations to you for your many successes.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and thanks for a great post! Three years is a good reason to celebrate - I haven't gotten any business from AR yet, but I think I will, and in the meantime I'm learning more about blogging!
Sally, congrats on three years. I have been on Active Rain for four months and enjoy it immensely.
Wow !! Congrats on 3 yrs!! Thanks for such motivation to us all. Have a great weekend!
yummy......strawberries, good job.
I joined in Dec 06, best find on the internet as a stumbled across it. Congratulations on your milestone and your faithfulness.
Sally, I have you beat by 3 days. I agree with everything you say. Continue success, AR has been my life saver as far business goes.
3 Years, huh, Sally? Wow...congratulatiosn..and you're absolutely right, this has been a great place to grow, to reach out to our communities, to develop our businesses, to emet great fellow rainers, like yourself...It's been a blast, and I'm looking forward to more of everything you've noted that this place has to offer!
Yippee....bully for you...three interesting, fun fillied years on AR..Lucky you!
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Yippee....bully for you...three interesting, fun fillied years on AR..Lucky you!
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Wow, three years! Seems crazy to me that it's been that long already. It has really been a pleasure having your positive attitude around here Sally. Of all the people I have not had the chance to meet in person, you are at the top of my list. I heard a sneaky little rumor that RainCamp may be coming to Hawaii later in the year.............but keep that between you and I (and the 100 other people on this post, haha)
Bob: Well, time flies.... and you are on top of my list too lol. I think that'd be great! It may not be the biggest...but it'll be the best ;)
Jeff: I knew you'd be by here too ;)
Happy Anniversary Sally!
I'll see what I can do about catching up with you. I am moving to Hawaii March 31st. I have been following your blog for sometime now. Your knowledge wit and insight has made for some great reading. Thanks for being good a what you do.
Derek Meyer
Sally .. Happy Anniversary,
I am about to arrive on my date.. amazing so many of us on the same journey and path discovered each other via a computer... thankful for technology we have.
Hey Sally, Congrats from one local girl to another... love your blog!
Sally you are certainly one of the originals which is something to be proud of especially with all of your great contributions!
Sally, that's a marvelous post. It makes me think of the saying, "the harder I work the luckier I get." (Wish I could remember who to credit with that.)
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us.
Hello Sally - Congratulations on your success with ActiveRain. Thanks for sharing your story.
Sally - excellent post and congrats on your continued success here. I too have learned so much, and am grateful for the knowledge and relationships.
Since you've been here for 3 years, has Active Rain always had so many Proxy Errors or is this just a recent phenomena? I've been active for a couple of weeks and must of experienced 100's of these. I find it frustrating and I think my clients would too.
Sally:
You are a blogging veteran !! Congratulations !!
Thank you for sharing some of your tips on what works for you. I just joined this month, so I have a lot to learn and a LONG way to go...
Marguerite