What does your ActiveRain "Body of Work" say about you? Seriously, we are all here for a reason...most of us it is because we want to build or improve our business, meet fellow professional colleagues, keep abreast of changes in the industry and/or maybe just spy on our competition!
Whatever the reason, I wonder if some people actually THINK about what their entire ActiveRain presence looks like from the outside. Now, we all know that many people do NOT think before they Tweet or post on Facebook...(I am soooooo not going there with this post).
The genesis of this post was a comment on my most recent 203K post (people who know me know I just won’t quit on this one...check out “Why is the FHA 203K so Maligned” ). The comment was insightful, open, realistic and had depth of understanding...AND the author is
from my area. I immediately knew I had to find out more about this Debbie Espinoza person.
So, of course, I click through to her profile....I know a little more....
I am interested by her experience, background, referrals....Now, I want to know more...
So, of course, I click through to her blog.....Hey, there is substance here.
I start reading. And, I keep reading. Debbie hasn’t been on ActiveRain a LONG time and I had totally missed connecting with her (shame on me!); but, within a few “reads” I have a feeling I KNOW this woman. Just a bit, but.....
Enough that I KNOW consumers are lucky to have her as an agent and agents are lucky to have her as a colleague...
And, I want to know more.....
So, of course, I click through to her comments....More substance, more knowledge, more involvement. No “Nice post” here....... ;-)!
Now, I am hooked. Of course, I subscribe. Of course, I add Debbie as an associate.
Of course, I do! I do because I want people to know that I know this seasoned agent who takes the time to connect, really connect in her posts and comments. I want people to know that “birds of a feather flock together”.
Of course, Debbie Espinoza is not the only Rainmaker who does all of this...she is just my latest “discovery” of my many friends on ActiveRain.
Debbie does what I have tried to do since joining ActiveRain. She is REAL, she takes the mask
off and provides her reader with an authentic voice. In just a few clicks I feel like a know a professional real estate agent pretty well and, more importantly, I know I want to know more.
So what does your ActiveRain “Body of Work” say about you?
I am amazed at how many vacant profiles there are on the ActiveRain platform. Rest assured, mine is not spectacular (maybe a “3”). Want to see a “10 plus” check out our own Lenn Harley. We would all benefit if we took a few tips from Lenn’s playbook.
What do your blog posts say about you? Listings are nice...and I like good pictures as well as anyone. But I won’t call you for your pics (unless your name is William, Russel, Richard...and several others. LOL!).
And, those comments? I think they reveal where the gold is buried! Blog posts are structured, planned and can be drafted and revised time and time again.
But, comments???? They are like a window into your soul and reveal the real thought and intent behind the professional profile picture and carefully crafted profile.
So, laying it all out there......
I HOPE my ActiveRain “Body of Work” conveys that I know my profession, that I truly respect the trust an agent or consumer places in me when referring business and that I live my life ethically and with care and compassion and passion for others and the world around me.
The fact is that I am not the judge of my “Body of Work” (on ActiveRain or anywhere else). We put it out there and the evaluation or judgement is for others to determine.
At least I have THOUGHT about it.
I hope you will stop by Debbie’s blog and say hi. I think you will be glad you did!
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Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
NMLS #279125
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I am continuing to build my team of mortgage professionals. Please contact me to discuss how New American Mortgage and I can help you thrive in the mortgage industry. NMLS license and/or the ability to obtain one is necessary.
If you are looking for answers and creativity to accomplish your home buying goals and financial stability, contact me for a thorough analysis of your current and future home buying and refinance opportunities. FHA, VA, renovation expert, HUD Certified First Time Homebuyer Certified Mortgage Banker.
(619) 787-8212
Deborah: I will stop by Debbie's post and say hello! Sometimes it's difficult to keep connected with everyone even while doing our 10 comments per day!
Jane, I have so many of you that I follow regularly that I forget to branch out to new friends. It is almost always a comment that will intice me to dig deeper! Thanks for stopping by!
Great post. There are so many on the site to meet that it's almost like we need virtual meeting room.
Deborah - I love "discovering" other rainers I've never noticed before even if they have been here a long time. I regularly add to my subscription list when I come across someone who interests me. Furthermore, I do check out their blogs first but not always their profile. I don't hold a poor profile against someone because I myself don't have a great profile simply because I haven't taken the time to update it in a long time - doesn't mean that I'm not a good person or a great MLO.
As for what my blog and comments say about me? Oh, I have a pretty good feeling the impression I'm getting across to the people who read me. I feel extremely fortunate that many prospects and clients alike have no problem telling me what they think of me, my blog and my personality. I think I attract a pretty good bunch of people if I do say so myself. Yeah, I get a weirdo or jerk every now and then but I'm also pretty good at weeding those bozos out from the get-go.
Have a great weekend Deborah and it's good to see you back in the rain. Going to go and check out your 203k post now. :)
John, Virtual offices and cocktail hour...now, that's a thought! There is a plethora of knowledge and information here and I have been constantly impressed with the ability and desire to share information!
Donne, Make no doubt about it, we KNOW and LOVE you!!! I don't think a perfect profile is nearly as important as having an authentic voice in online communication. I KNOW you and your passion for consumers. And, search you out regularly to see the world from Donne's point of view. Your view is important and relevant to me...and many others. I call that successful blogging. JMHO
DeeDee: I think people forget that their comments are also part of how they are judged. A polished post and garbage for a comment makes you think that a)if it isn't about their post then it is just 25 points to get or b) someone else is writing the post.
Valerie, Oh MY! I never thought of that! I know I made the decision long ago that no one would ever be trusted to write for me...your comment is SOOOOO relevant to this conversation. There must be congruency in content and message!
Deborah - WOW!!! That actually reminds me of this Realtor up here in my market who is one of those top-producing mega agents and he's published in the local paper a lot and had a great blog too. I was at a local networking function and found myself at his table and we were all talking about blogging and our blogs and how time consuming it can be and then he pops off with, "that's why I hire an assistant to do all my articles for me".
Everyone at the table was speechless and right then, my whole entire perception of him completely changed. HE DOESN'T WRITE ANYTHING!!! All his stuff is probably written by some $10 an hour college kid. Anyway, I no longer read anything he publishes anymore because now I know it's not his voice but rather the voice he wants the public to think is his.
Dee Dee- Your post is well thought out...we should remember that what we write is our ACITVE RAIN VOICE but it shouldn't differ greatly from our REALTOR VOICE or BUYER'S AGENT VOICE or LISTING AGENT VOICE....we open ourselves up for all to "see" - so now we've been shown another AR member that has a great voice: You and Debbie Espinosa.
Deboraf - it is the comments that catch your eye for all the right reasons that you follow through on ..... there are many who comment with colourful enlarged text or some other form of eye catcher that you see every time you cross their path that does nothing for their comment which is usually just a point grabber ..... it's not long before you stop acknowledging their presence
Deborah:
I have discovered people on ActiveRain by their blogs and comments about whom I want to know more. Ugh! Grammar. It is like being a sleuth, discovering someone new who you can relate to.
Wow, what a great testimonial for someone you just "met." You're right...it's everything - profile, blog and comments. Good for you doing your research, too.
I agree that you have to always remember how everything you write online reflects on the total you. I've seen comments that would have completely turned me off ever hiring the writer.
Gretchen
Well said, Dee Dee. Blogging is like a body of work and our personalities come through loud and clear in them.
Great post, Deborah. I've met some awesome people on AR, and I've learned a lot from them as well. I appreciate their business insights. I also appreciate their sense of humor and their ability to have fun while doing very serious business. It's a good place to link up. Thanks for your post.
Deborah - we are all in such a hurry but it is nice to discover new 'friends and associates... Nice Post! G
Deborah,
I have been thinking about making sure I have a stronger AR blog post strategy. By this I mean, there are some topics I want to tie together better and I have already got a lot of blogs I can do this with.
Also, am just about to update my profile later in the week. Got some help. (I do write everything else myself, but wanted support on that.)
All the best, Michelle
Glad to discover you and Debbie. There are soooo many members of our AR family is can be a challenge to find all of our stars. Thanks for this post.
Great point. It is truly a body of work and should be treated as such.
THis may sound a little macabre but if I got hit by a train tomorrow I'd like to think that my writing is something my kids could always have. I wish I could have seen my father's Tweets, but they didn't exist back then.
Dee Dee, I would like my body of work to show I am one of the people and want to help those who want my help.
Hi Deborah,
Your blog is exactly how most of us get to know each other, and how most of our new readers come to subscribe. '
Yes you are absolutely correct about how we can and should reach out more to those that we have not met before and I very much appreciate your insights and suggestions.
It becomes quickly apparrent that some members are not on ActiveRain for business purposes or to attract/engage potential clients through their writing. To each their own. Perhaps business is so good that these people don't need to write engaging and informative articles for consumers. Maybe the Internet is just one big time-wasting playground for them, and they'd rather call on expired listings to generate leads?
That was a stellar article. I agree. You can certainly get to know people by their writing.
Ron Climer Orlando, Florida
Deborah - so love this post, I'm very glad it was featured! I am totally in unison with you on your points. All the things we do are a window looking at us. A comment, blog post, the insights, sincerity, and knowledge that come through (or not) help us to find those that 'excel' in what they do (or move on). I have met so many online that have done this that I would not have met otherwise. It is extra bonus when we can partner up in terms of referring service to/from our new friends also! well written, bookmarked! :) -c-
Indeed, reading through articles and comments gives you an idea of who is behind the blog post and there are many here that have not taken full advantage of AR.
There are a lot of stars out there waiting to be discovered. . .it seems that you found one
Thanks for the insightful post, Deborah! I'm new to AR and I really appreciated it!
It is not hard to imagine that the Internet and all that is on it in regards to a person and their persona should fit like a glove similar to a nice set of clothes on a person going out for a special event....Now a days, people search out anything that comes up in their lives by typing in a few key strokes and hitting enter...Then, within a nano second...the curtain goes up...and your on! Good refelction post...DD
At first I was writing to see points near my name, then I started adding posts I thought my be of interest and help. Occasionally I just write to have fun.
Active Rain like any other forum has people that don't get it and you quickly skim over that stuff and stop at Dee Dee's posts (lets say) because they always are well written, have substance and are enjoyable to read.
Its the old 20/ 80 rule. I look for the 20% of posters who I can learn and have fun with.
Donne, I actually attended a popular webinar and later a rather expensive seminar that advocated MLO's hire college students to write our blogs. Of course, they also told everyone to snag their photos from Google!! I can delegate with the best of them, but my "Voice" will never be spoken by someone else! That the person freely admitted he doesn't write his own content shows the bliss of his ignorance (IMHO).
Gywnn, Thank you very much! It is fun to discover new friends in the Rain! Welcome!
Corrine, Exactly!! Every post, every comment is a signature to each persons individual artwork.
Kathy, Your comment brings another thought to mind about comment threads. I ALWAYS go back to a post to see what the author responds after I have left a comment. And, I am always disappointed if the author doesn't take the time to respond to my (or others) comments. After a couple times, I quit going to that particular blog because there is apparently no desire to "connect". Connections are far more important than the 25 points as far as I am concerned!
Evelyn, I like it! A sleuth....great word!
Debbie, Thank you for your comments! You also bring a lot of knowledge to the AR Community. Your posts on flooring are very helpful to anyone looking to upgrade or remodel their home...and everyone knows how much I love renovation financing!
Gretchen, I have seen a couple authors who are rather polarizing in their political, etc. views..,I stay completely clear! Much like telling an off color joke: Far more likely you are going to offend someone than make new friends!
Jane, Absolutely! Your sense of humor is so evident in your posts. I know it would be a blast to spend time with you! And, I make sure to stay close to every article you post!
Mike, Very well stated...I really think AR attracts the cream of the crop!
I am on active rain for one reason, and one reason only -- google juice. My "body of work" reflects that perfectly.
All great and valid points. There is also the notion that this body of work will be around a long time on the internet, so we better be mindful of that each time we add to our body of work. Nice post!
Gay, Interaction with my friends on ActiveRain helped me rediscover my sense of humor about the mortgage industry...it was prettly grim in 08 and 09!
Michelle, I have been thinking the same thing. In fact, I am planning an ebook of my 203K articles. Great idea!
Joan, Appreciate your comments! Delighted to have you visit!
Dave, You have written some wonderful and very important articles. I really enjoyed your post about Quit Claims. Great service you have provided to help people!
J. Philip, I don't think your thoughts are macabre at all! And, your "Body of Work" will certainly make your children know they were blessed to have you for a Father.
Brian, Like everything, it is an evolution. I am pretty certain my first posts could use some improvement, thankfully the AR community is kind and gentle with newbies! Step by step and inch by inch.
Pamela, It does, my friend! A quick persual of your posts and people know they are going to be well represented and thoroughly respected throughout the real estate process.
Peter & Linda, Some of my closest friends live across the nation. How cool is that? And, it is all thanks to AR!
Rich, Make you wonder if Farmville is their primary recreation! Confusing, isn't it?????
Ron, I certainly think so. People are a lot like books in that sense: Whether or not I want to read the next page is all based upon what I read on the first page. But, I love words. And people who use them well!
Craig, Thank you so much! Your comment is very much appreciated. You share so much with the AR community and I hope you realize how much many of us rely on your tutorials. I have subscribed to your blog since the first time I read an article!
Barbara Jo, I guess it is under the heading of: You snooze, you lose! Thanks for your comment!
Fernando, Exactly, it is a bit like mining for diamonds. There are treasure troves to be found!
Terri, Welcome to AR! You are going to love the community!
Richie, Almost like having our names in lights!! I always wanted to be a Star!! (not!) LOL!
Paul, Learn and have fun! That is the key...and we have that opportunity in spades by playing in the Rain!
QuickFreeMLS, It certainly does that. I cannot say the same for me, however. I am here as much for the insight, knowledge and connections as anything Google can produce. Thankfully, we can both acheive our goals!
Sandi, Exactly the thought behind this post....Thank you for your insight!
Deborah, this is almost exactly the thing I've been thinking of lately. I even wrote a little members only post earlier today. I really want (need?) to blog about marketing and get more hyper local. The problem is, wouldn't that alienate some of the people who'd read your blog from here? I'm still trying to figure out if I mostly want to use AR as a social networking type of site and blast out tons of "boring" market reports on another blogging platform. Help! haha
Eric, I NEED to be more hyper local also. I don't think the combination of marketing and information are in conflict. I certainly subscribe to a lot of agents' blogs...I read their informative or personal blog posts and ignore the marketing data. I am, however, toying with the idea of building, or creating, ebooks of specific content. For instance, I have several more posts on the 203K program planned and I think it would make a great ebook when I have ten to 15 articles. The same could be true of any number of categories.
I would love to know what others think about this!
Mix it up. Post listings, go hyperlocal with area events and local business reviews, post a little about current deals and what's going on in your professional life, post a personal post every once in a while. That's the best way for us to get to know you.
Erica, Thanks for sharing some great advice!!! I certainly subscibe to your blog because you do just that!
I don't think that many people actually think about where, who or what they want to go with their blogging. There are a few examples that I can think of that are very popular but I'm not sure I'd be wowed by them as a consumer. There are many great members here that are just behind the scenes working away.
Lyn, I would have to agree...I am usually just a little worker bee trying to drum up some inspiration for my posts! LOL! I do want to create some more "complete" works on specific subjects though...like the 203K program. I really think it would help agents is they could find everything about the product from soup to nuts in one place. Thank you for your insight!
Hi Deborah....now you got me thinking...hmmm...what does my body of work say about me....I don't know what the heck I'm doing blogging...I'm a Realtor and that's the only thing I'm good at....lol!
Aida, We all have a different voices,,,I went by your blog and I am certainly interested in your point of view., Look forward to reading more! Thank you for your comment!
Deborah, I saw your comment back to me and had to chime in. Ebooks would be an incredible idea! Each subject could be a new one, composed from a series of blogs. They can be downloaded from your website or sent out to new and prospective clients. I think you're on to something, and that something I might also do!
Dee Dee- This totally cracks me up! I am loving the way this AR community is starting to come around to some great relationships. I need to get together with you to see how we can team up as local pros to help out buyers in the San Diego market. Thanks for stopping by to see my blog, and BTW my Espinoza is with a Z :o) Looking forward to meeting you in person.
Eric, The thought of the Ebook stems from Marte's comment about doing webinars. I think there are numerous applications. I am just starting to do the research on the "how to", but I want to complete a number of articles on my 203K project before I assemble them into a complete project. Do keep me up to date on your thoughts and progress of developing your own ebooks.
Debbie, "OOPS"!...the spelling has been corrected. Hey, nothing worse than putting your name in lights and then misspelling it. I am so sorry!!! I am so looking forward to meeting you. This was a fun post to write and I thank you for allowing (???... :), did you really have a choice???? LOL!) me to focus on you! Let's seize the opportunity to meet soon!
I wish I'd had your words on the tip of my tongue today. I was talking to an agent who has properties listed for some friends of mine and he asked me about Active Rain. (I had mentioned it and he wanted to know what it was.)
Have you ever tried to explain Active Rain to someone who has never heard of it? I was stumbling all over my feet. I think I'll just send him a link.
Your idea of ebooks is a good one - I think you should do it!
Marte, Explaining ActiveRain is tough...or is for me because I do know anyone else who blogs. Coworkers look at me like I have two heads when I try to talk with them about blogging. Feel free to send your freind a link! Hey, it was your suggestion to do a webinar that made me start thinking about doing an ebook. I need more articles to pull it together though. Have a couple more in the works and figure I need about a dozen. Thank you for the encouragement!