We have almost 200,000 members on ActiveRain and will no doubt hit that mark quickly in 2011. In March of 2011 it will be four years I've been a member on ActiveRain and surely being an Ambassador has been a privilege and an honor to help out our fellow members and give back to the community.
Everyone has their own ideas about blogging and social networking and also how they will conduct themselves online. I have my own as well and have written many posts along my tenure here on ActiveRain. Instead of being repetitive I'll just link to some of them.
- What Kind of Legacy Will You Leave Behind? Written in 2007 I already knew the significance of blogging with care for our online 'legacies' and reputations are at stake. My favorite line in this post is:
MY LEGACY IS ALL ABOUT THE QUALITY OF RELATIONSHIPS I HAVE WITH OTHERS
And..... Without that quality, tell me.....what is a Professional worth?
(we sleep well at night)
- Creating Your OWN Blogging Experience on ActiveRain We ALL know that a great blog has quality content, being transparent in that content and having a variety of subjects in content. It is also the best marketing tool I know of but you have to create your own blogging experience.
- Are You Engaging Your Readers? We make it INTERESTING for the reader. Again...variety is key. Localism posts are my favorite although I have to admit I get tickled to switch from one topic and subject to another. Personal posts, market reports, off topic, real estate industry related with a personal touch from those experiences.
- You May Have a Different View on the Same Topic....So Write IT! We ALL have written on the same topics and we all get those comments on our posts like, "I wrote about that before" or "Here's a link to my post on the same topic". Well, all I have to say is WRITE IT ANYWAY! There are no two humans who think alike so there will be different views and opinions...though on the same topic. It WILL create a conversation.
- The Secret Behind Blogging on ActiveRain Discussing the parts of a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain and what it takes to become and remain so. So how does one become a dedicated member and blogger? If you are a dedicated member and blogger of ActiveRain, you KNOW........ It's really no secret how you can become a dedicated member and blogger on ActiveRain. You work for it.
- The POWER of ActiveRain...The PEOPLE Behind the WORDS It's the people we "meet" while writing and commenting that have made this network by ‘blog of choice'. These connections and friendships formed are what connects us together in the real estate industry. I have no doubt received referrals and this post was specifically written through one of my friendships formed with William E. Johnson
- Making My OWN Magic in the World of Blogging was one of my favorites and will certainly be one of my best for my own experience with what made me successful in writing here on ActiveRain.
Bottom line is that I have to put forth the effort, dedication and commitment to make this network work for business, personal relationships and referrals. I work hard and spend countless hours getting post after post up. We then CONNECT.
How can one form even a business relationship without comingling with our peers?
I have simple rules for myself that made me a successful through my writing....Think it may help you?
- Write with conviction and passion because everyone will read you if you do.
- Write with original content and your own pictures you've taken because everyone will read if you do.
- Write with wit, humor and emotion because everyone will read you if you do.
- Write with the intent of giving back to the community because everyone will read you and give back to you and the community too.
- Write with integrity, honesty and respect because everyone deserves it and so do you.
- Write a comment or two relating to the post you just read (it shows sincerity) and everyone will continue to come back and read you too.
- Write from your own thoughts and creativity because no one will read you if you don't.
Find your own (addictive) pattern of writing.
I already found mine...hehehe.
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A VERY Happy Holiday Season to all staff and members of ActiveRain....OH...and my family who supported me through this addiction...lol
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.
Hi Celeste: For you to have such a detailed and lovely post- I had to suggest it! Happy Holidays. Gay
Thank Gay...I try..hard :) Happy holidays to you!
Thanks for all the inspiration and ideas of how to blog on AR
You are one of our favorite people to read and learn from!!
Woo Hoo, I loved that post. The value of friendships here in the Rain is so important. I would venture to say that many friendships have been formed here in the Rain but I also know that ours is very special to both of us. Thank you so much once again for one of my most valuable life treasures, your friendship. I would love it if you would hear my favorite new Christmas song. Listen to the whole song. When I hear it , I think of my friends and family and it gives me such a warm and wonderful feeling. Simply click on this link . Merry Christmas Sally, Gary and Shadow.
Just stopped by to wish you and yours a very
Merry Christmas!
From your friend who sells Charlottesville
Good outline for Blogging on Active Rain
I've always enjoyed your style, Sally. May 2011 be even better for you. Merry Christmas from Frisco TX!
I appreciate your compliments Frank and Karen!
William: Our friendship is one that has lasted throughout the miles, time, emails and phone calls. There has always been something special that I just can't describe....We've made many friends here on the rain although only a few special ones. What you and I have has not needed face to face...but hours upon hours of conversation and emails. Time did not matter...nor distance. That in itself is a wonderouse thing. I love your new Christmas song and I still play Jim Brickman (Hope) that you sent me long ago. I see you sitting in your chair with eyes closed listening to the music and of course a sentimental poke at your heart during. Merry Christmas dear friend...and a fantabulous 2011...Love, Sally, Gary and Shadow!
Thanks Charles....same to you!
Thanks mucha Robert!
Loreena...and as i love yours! Happy Holidays friend!
Sally, your personality sure shines through your blogs. You are always helpful and share your compassion with us, I am glad to know you more in the last several months. It will be nice to have a chance to meet you one day. Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!!
Rita...it's nice getting to know you too. I can't get around like I used to here....seeing as this network grew over 170k more members since I started lol. Have a very merry christmas too!
in another words. . . be yourself!
Merry Christmas Celeste . . all my best
Sally,
This post exemplifies who you are and how much you help others. It has taken years of blogging and commenting and building relationships to get where you are. And what a good place to be. I adore you. I am donating to the Kids Helping Johns Hopkins Hospital. Thank you for paying it forward. What a wonderful concept!
Enjoy Christmas and your lucky family.
Who did that perfectly charming portrait of you sleeping.?
Margaret
"GREAT POST SALLY"
Vegas Bob and Family would like to wish you and your loved ones a "VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS" .... from Las Vegas Nevada to your neck of the woods .... ;)
"HAPPY HOLIDAYS"
Sally, thank you so much for sharing and opening up to us. The friendships are an unexpected bonus from joining AR for sure!
curt...they sure are! I have never met a more friendlier atmosphere than here on AR!
Eric: You're well on your way Eric!
Thanks Vegas Bob!
Margaret: I'm so happy you were able to donate back to your own charity of choice.. You deserve it after all you've done! And the portrait was by me actually. Set on timer and used Microsoft digital image 'filters'. Does a wonderful job!
Erica: Took me long enough to get my niche in my own world of blogging...and then it took off!
Hi Sally! I loved you blog!! I have noticed that more tend to read when I write from my heart...but I was always afraid I would be TOO personal...and no one would read at all...or even WORSE judge me. That all ends today!! Warmest Wishes for the Merriest Christmas ever!!!
Stopping by to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and may the magic of the season last throughout the coming year.
Happy holidays Sally and have a wonderful 2011. {hug}
I love the photo of the pup. Do you write pieces about you pal very often?
Angelina: Exactly! Good for you...will look forward to seeing more...YOU posts :)
Thanks Pam...hope you had a wonderful day and will experience an outstanding 2011!
HUGS right back at ya marti!!!!!
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After Christmas greeting from the mainland, specifically Erie, PA. Great post written by a very special ActiveRain member, YOU. From the comments here and other post written by you I know that many other feel the same way.
I am so glad that you took time to meet with me & my family when we were in Hawaii recently. Thanks.
Sally - at least it is a positive addiction that we have formed here in ActiveRain! Wishing you all the best for 2011!