The ActiveRain Stuff You Won't Find Anywhere Else on the Web

ActiveRain University Wants You!!

Now that the ActiveRain University is underway providing training and support sessions for our members, we want to send out this invitation to ALL members inviting them to come present at our new on-line campus.  We are looking for volunteer members who wish to share their knowledge, successes, and "how-to's" with the rest of the community.  We already have a few interested members who are willing and want to come share their secrets and tips on what has made them successful using their Blogs, Internet Marketing, and Social Media skills.

In the weeks ahead, we are inviting Special Guest Speakers, Presenters, and Trainers that are very influential in the Industry.  Folks who are in the trenches using their knowledge and experience to benefit in today's economy and Real Estate Market, and who are excited about coming to join us and share.  At some point soon, we will also open up sessions and classes for some of our AR Business Builders and Vendors to come in and share how to use their products and services more effectively and efficiently.

We already have our first ActiveRain member, Jennifer Martin who has agreed to come share with you, her insights and experience which stemmed from a comment she left on Kerrie Greenhalgh's "Success in the RAIN" Blog post.  The date and time for her class will be announced shortly...

Here is a link to our Speaker/Trainer Registration form.  Just a couple things we need to know so that we can schedule you into a classroom on the dates and times you request.  We'll also need your presentation topic that you'd like to share so we can setup the appropriate environment and tools you may need.  It's a very easy going and relaxed campus, each presenter or trainer has up to an hour.  We suggest 45 minute classes allowing 15 minutes at the end for Q&A.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Our Calendar and all class details are located at the ActiveRain University.

This invitation is open to ALL members regardless of which segment of the Industry you represent.  Title Companies, Stagers, Home Warranty, Inspectors etc., you're all welcome to come "profess" and share.

So if this "calling" has your ears burning, or the excitement and thought of teaching, presenting, or sharing is keeping you up at night, then ActiveRain University Wants You. Come volunteer, and be a part of this exciting new addition to ActiveRain.  Thanks.  :-)

Guidelines and Information Regarding Use and Misuse of REALTOR®

How are you using the registered membership mark REALTOR®?  A few folks have contacted me recently asking how they can change their ActiveRain Profile user name, their Blog name, and their Outside Blog domain names?  The reason?  Because they had used the registered membership mark REALTOR® within their URL.  It is very important that you understand and know how, when, and where you can use REALTOR®.

Just yesterday, I was contact by an AR member who received the email warning below.  They are not a REALTOR® yet they were using the membership mark REALTOR® in the domain name (URL) of their AR Outside Blog.  (I changed the members names and domains below for obvious reasons.)  

ACTUAL EMAIL #1

Dear Jane Doe:

"The Internet domain name BestDealForREALTORS.com has been identified by the National Association of REALTORS as one in which the membership mark of the National Association of REALTORS (National Association) is used as a part of the domain name.  The domain name came to our attention as a result of our monitoring of the Internet for use of the REALTOR membership marks.  

The terms REALTOR, REALTORS, and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE, as well as the REALTOR block "R" logo, are all federally registered collective membership marks owned by the National Association.  Collective membership marks are a type of trademark which, rather than indicating the source of a product or service, identify the user of the membership mark as a member of a particular group, in this case the National Association.

According to our records you are currently not a member of the National Association and therefore, your use of the membership mark is incorrect.  Because the use has not been authorized by the National Association it may also be viewed as an infringement of the National Association's legal rights in its membership marks under the federal Lanham Act and other state and federal laws.  In addition, the National Association does not license third parties to use its marks in connection with the names of the products and services of those third parties. To eliminate this potential source of conflict, we would appreciate your cooperation in revising your site and domain name to eliminate the use of the membership marks.  Many times this is as simple as substituting an appropriate job title for the term being used; for example, real estate broker or agent can often be used without making any other changes to the text.

We are attempting to track our efforts in connection with the Internet and request that you acknowledge your understanding of this request for your cooperation by providing us with your assurance that you will not use the domain name BestDealforREALTORS.com or any other domains that incorrectly use the REALTOR marks.  Thank you for your help and we look forward to receiving your reply."

Trademark/Insurance Coordinator
National Association of REALTORS®
430 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4087

In another case, here's an email that a member received instructing them on "how" the Trademark REALTOR® can be used properly, and within the NAR suggested guidelines.  There were a couple things I didn't know which have helped me detect the accidental or unintentional misuse of REALTOR® out on the web.  Please review this email as well.

ACTUAL EMAIL #2

Dear John Doe:

"The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS has identified the Internet domain name, BayAreaREALTOR.com, as one in which the membership marks of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (National Association) are used as a part of the domain name.  We discovered the domain name in our routine monitoring of the Internet for use of the REALTOR membership marks.  The National Association requests that you comply with the rules developed by the National Association to preserve and protect the Membership marks and discontinue using the BayAreaREALTOR.com domain name.  You may review these rules at the National Association’s Trademark Manual found on REALTOR.org in the Law & Policy section.  I have also included a copy of the brochure “On Your Mark” in the pdf below.

Proper use of the Marks on the Internet
The terms REALTOR, REALTORS, REALTOR ASSOCIATE, as well as the REALTOR with Block "R" logo, are all federally registered collective membership marks owned exclusively by the National Association.  Collective membership marks are a type of trademark which, rather than indicating the source of a product or service, identify the user of the membership mark as a member of a particular group, in this case the National Association.  

The National Association has approximately 1,200,000 members each of whom is licensed to use one or more of the membership marks to identify themselves and as Members individually and through their real estate businesses.  Each member of the National Association agrees, as a part of their local Association's Bylaws, to abide by the rules governing the use of the REALTOR marks.  These rules apply to print and electronic media.  In a domain name Members can use the REALTOR marks with a member's name and, if the member is a broker, with the complete name of the broker's real estate firm.  Below are examples of proper ways in which a member can use the REALTOR marks in a domain name.

JohnDoeRealtor.com, JDoeRealtor.com, JohnRealtor.com, ABCRealtyRealtors.com

Incorrect use of the REALTOR Marks
Please review Article V, Section 7 of the Bylaws of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. This article expressly prohibits the use of any descriptive words or phrases from being used with the Membership marks.  Mr. Doe, this includes geographical descriptions such as BayArea, only the state and local associations and boards were granted the right to use a geographical description with the membership marks.  For one Member to claim the membership mark in any geographical area where other Members also operate would not be a fair or equal use of the Marks to other Members who do business in that area.

Action Requested:  Change Domain Name
The National Association requests that you stop using the BayAreaREALTOR.com domain name including, but not limited to, use of the domain name on the Internet or on promotional and advertising materials for your business; or to redirect traffic to another website.  You may of course, register and use a new domain name that uses the REALTOR mark in a manner which complies with the rules of the National Association or select one which does not use the REALTOR marks.  

Because you are a member of the National Association and understand the importance of protecting the valuable REALTOR marks we are confident you will make the right decision and end your use of the BayAreaREALTOR.com domain name.  We request that you promptly contact us and assure that you will comply with this request.  If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your cooperation."
 
Trademark Administrator
Legal Affairs Department
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
430 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611-4087

There's more information and details regarding the registered membership mark REALTOR® at REALTOR.org.  You can review their Trademark Manual.  These guidelines and this information is not just for ActiveRain members, this post is for anyone in the Real Estate Industry.  Especially those who are not NAR members or outside the Real Estate Industry.  We're asking that members, and NAR members take careful consideration when creating user-names, domain names, and URLs for your Blogs and websites.  Please follow the proper NAR guidelines and protocol if you're going to use REALTOR®.

If you are currently using REALTOR® improperly in your domain name, on your AR Blog, or your Outside Blog, (even your user name) please contact me right away so we can be proactive and get that taken care of for you.  Making the change or correction is an AR admin feature, and I'd be happy to help you.  Just contact me via email.  Lets prevent you from getting either of these above emails from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.  Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope the information is useful and helps clarify their guidelines.

How To Get Started on ActiveRain - A quick route to a successful Journey on ActiveRain.

The ActiveRain Staff,  along with our members and ambassadors, wish to welcome you to the community.  We know you have a choice, and we're glad you've chosen our network as a place to connect with others, support your local neighborhoods and communities, plus grow your business and relationships. 

Before you begin your journey here, there's a few areas we invite you to navigate first.  This will save you time and give you a better understanding of the Network.  We're confident that our site will bring value, benefits, and substantial rewards to you and your business.

    BEFORE YOU BEGIN
    These are REQUIRED and a MUST READ for ALL New Members - NO EXCEPTIONS!

•   What We Stand For - Weltenschauung
  Weltanschauung: The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization. A world view.

•   The ActiveRain Community Guidelines
  Please take these rules seriously.

•   Terms of Service
  Terms of Use are binding and we want you to feel comfortable with them.
  
  

    GETTING STARTED in 3 EASY STEPS
    Follow these next steps to get setup on ActiveRain.

•   How To Setup Your ActiveRain Profile - Completely Customizable
  Creating a personal profile is the very first step and the most important.  It's ALL about you.

•   How To Complete Your Profile - Part II
  Your profile has three areas that allow you maximize the page.  Learn How to use these sections.

•   How To Use Your "My Settings" Page
  Now you are ready to Customize your ActiveRain Settings.
  
  

    GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ACTIVERAIN
    Social Networking, Connecting and Blogging

• ActiveRain Member Success Stories
  Read what other industry professionals and members have to share.
  Here's A VIDEO version

• Understanding ActiveRain Points
  Learn about points and how they work on the network.

• The RainMaker Membership
  Becoming a RainMaker - The Value and The Benefit
  
  

    READY TO MAKE LIGHTNING, THUNDER AND RAIN
    Now that you're a member and RainMaker, put the power tools to work

• Top 10 Tools for New Members and RainMakers
  Take the time to review what this network has to offer.

• ActiveRain Custom Outside Blogs
  How To Create and Maximize Your Outside ActiveBlog.

• The ActiveRain Starter Kit
  Details about more ActiveRain Products, Tools, and Services.
  
  

    OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU
    Use these links to dive deeper in the "Rain" if you need more information

• The ActiveRainGuide
  A Tutorial Blog by Members for Members

• The ActiveRain Staff Blog
  The Official ActiveRain TEAM Blog

• Help/FAQ Group
  A network group created to help members

• An ActiveRain eBook Tutorial
  Find Almost Anything about ActiveRain here
  

• ActiveRain University
  Online Campus for Training and Support

• Real Estate RainCamp
  "Live" Local Conferences and Seminars
  

DID YOU KNOW?
ActiveRain is the TOP Real Estate Social Network in the World (source: Google)

The ActiveRain Network hosts over 170,000 RE Industry members averaging 200-300 new members daily.  There are more than 1.5 million articles posted, with an average of 700-1000 new posts daily.  Two million+ visitors traffic the ActiveRain network each month, over 80% are consumers.  Only Rainmaker upgraded accounts receive Google traffic to their blogs and posts.  ActiveRain Member's Blog posts receive more than 500 views on average.  Activerain is the ONLY on-line Network that offers this wide variety of tools, diverse services, and proven solutions to the Real Estate Industry Professional and for consumers on the WEB.

Best of Luck and Enjoy!

ActiveRain Training and Support - Your Virtual Classroom

We are now offering RainMaker members an opportunity to join us for some "informal" on-line training and support.  Our ActiveRain Training and Support Program is where you can phone in, join a classroom environment, ask your questions, see live examples and get detailed tutoring on "how it all works!"  The best part is that you can do it from the comfort of your home or office computer, and classes will be available three times a week for your convenience.  Time for the teacher to give YOU an apple.

There's no formal agenda, no formatted sessions, no rules, and no reason for you to not be getting the most out of your experience here on ActiveRain. We'll go over any requested details, and provide you information on how to use many of the AR tools and services.  We want to show you how to get the best results from areas of AR that you may not understand or just simply need some help and support with.

This is a great opportunity and chance to learn anything you want to know about ActiveRain, and do it in a non-threatening and fun environment.

Training and Support sessions will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for approximately one hour each day.  *Holidays, *RainCamps, and other *Real Estate Industry events that conflict with our ActiveRain training and support classes will take precedence, sessions will not be held on or during those dates and times.

Our dates and times selected for the first come first serve training and support this month are as follows: (ALL Times listed below are PST)

ActiveRain Training and Support Calendar for February 2010

Register in Advance Below

• Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am  
  
• Friday, February 5, 2010 - 8:00am - 9:00am             
  
• Monday, February 8, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am       
  
• Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm   
  
• Friday, February 12, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm           
  
• RainCampDallas - NO CLASSES THIS WEEK            
  
• Monday, February 22, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm         
  
• Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am
• Friday, February 26, 2010 - 8:00am - 9:00am           
  

For the Calendar of ALL Future Classes, Support, Guests Speakers/Trainers, and the Weekly Events:
Go To: ActiveRain University You'll also find a link on the Main AR Page under "More Information"

Having recently been to Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and now on our way to Dallas Texas, I wanted to share what others who have attended these RainCamps experienced, and are sharing with us.  This Review and Testimonial Lens is starting to grow with some great testimonials and feedback.  There's some new Blog posts, member comments, a few photos and video, and a "live" twitter feed.  The RainCamp "cloud" is beginning to take form.

If you attended any of the RainCamps, or plan to this year, we'd love to get your feedback and add it to The RainCamp Page.  We are all about making RainCamp "The BEST" it can be and are only able to do that with your help and support.  Share with us what you liked best, and we'll make it even better.  Based on many of the posts and comments, it looks like we're on the right track.

There's a feedback section available at the bottom of the page, just click the RainCamp button below.

Reviews HERE

If you have already written a post or review about RainCamp and would like it added, just leave me a link, I apologize if I may have missed it when putting this together.  You can also just leave a review or comment here, and I'll take care of the rest.  We'll be updating the page often with reviews and comments from each event going forward. Can't wait to see yours.  :-)

So come experience "Rainergy" then share your thoughts and experience with us.  We love hearing from you.

I've really enjoyed travelling around and meeting so many of you in person.  I'm excited and looking forward to seeing and meeting many more of you at future RainCamps, especially this one coming up in Dallas, I get to wear my Cowboy Hat and Boots! (Big Smile)

Enhance Your Business Listing - Rank Higher and More Often

Having your Local Business Listed on the web is important for its future survival.  Claiming your listing will help give you more control over how the search engines index you and will also help prevent spammers from hijacking it.  There's also a good chance it could improve your search engine rankings and deliver your Company increased traffic.

GetListed.org has some tools and information to help you get your Business noticed on the WEB and by the searching consumer.  GetListed checks the most popular and commonly used search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN Bing, and Best of the Web, to see how your Business rates and ranks in a variety of ways. 

Get a listing score or percentage based on your Business listing or Company name. Your "listing score" is a number that ranges from 0-100 that approximates how effectively your business is taking advantage of free listings at the major search engines.  Claim your Business Listing on the major search engines, it's the easiest and yet most over-looked detail by many Local Businesses today. 

DON'T JUST HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON ON THIS ALARM!

In the process of consulting a client on how to get more exposure for their Company and Local Business on the Web, this is what we discovered.  You can see below why I am sharing this with you today, and why it is so important.  No matter how large or small your Company, you need to be registered and "LISTED" with these search engines. 

It's FREE, and your efforts could make a huge difference for your Local Business.

DO YOU WORK HARD GROWING AND PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS?

GetListed.org has Local Marketing Advice, Advanced tips, and News for marketing your business.

• Why Local Search Is So Important
  Over 10 billion unique searches are performed each month, and that's just in the United States! See why listing your business online is so important.  Learn More »
  

• Why Citations Are Important to Your Local Business Listings
  Citations are defined as "mentions" of your business name and address on other webpages, even if there is no link to your website. Find out why they matter in Local Search.  Learn More »

• Managing & Improving Your Business's Reputation Online
  In this article, they recap the advice of a number of prominent Local Search Experts about the importance of paying attention to, and even encouraging, customer reviews of your business online.  Learn More »

NOTE: There are many other search engines on the web, not quite as popular, but here's a quick list if you're interested.

Understanding the importance of "why you are doing the things you're doing" in today's "Staying In Business" model, should help to motivate you in getting these certain tasks done.  I find it very beneficial when others that have learned by "Trial & Error" take the time to share their experiences.  We can all learn from each others mistakes, I trust that will be the case here today.

(Imagine the potential of sharing this info with other local businesses you wish to connect or build a relationship with)

Do your Local Business a favor, take the next 10 seconds to run your Company name and Zip Code.  Then take 10-15 minutes and List your Local Business in each of the Top Search engines, this will help to "Enhance Your Business Listing & Rank Higher and More Often."

Cityplace Conference and Event Center
2711 North Haskell Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75204
Phone: 214-515-5100 - Fax: 214-515-5199

"RAINCAMP™" Platinum Pass Includes:

• Reserved Platinum seating in the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
• Hosted VIP lunch at RainCamp™ with ActiveRain CEO Jonathan Washburn and RainCamp™ speakers,
  Ben Kinney, Brad Andersohn, and Bob Stewart.
• RainCamp™ T-shirt exclusive for Platinum supporters
• Premium RainCamp™ tote with surprise give-aways 
• Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge at RainCamp
• Invitation to VIP after party, including appetizers
• Latest cutting edge social media instruction e-book by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan
• Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge on ActiveRain Blog or Profile page
  
• Access to VIP registration line

"RAINCAMP™" Premium Seating Includes:

• Reserved Premium seating near the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
• Access to VIP registration line

We also want to thank our Platinum Sponsor for their continued Support.

RainCamp™ - San Francisco

RainCamp™ -  New York

RainCamp™ -  Dallas Texas

(Your Photo and Face Belong Here)

Ignite 2010 Real Estate Marketing Summit - Austin Texas
An exploration of "Next Generation" Real Estate Marketing Strategies.

Join us! We’re broadcasting sessions from the two-day Ignite Real Estate Marketing Summit. Watch speakers "live" as they provide insight on managing efficient teams and building success in 2010.  This event is hosted by QuantumDigital.

EDIT: 1/21/10 - Since this event is now over, you can go to QuantumDigital's Youtube Channel or Blog to see the recorded sessions of IgniteRE 2010.  The event was nothing short of 1st Class and Spectacular!

You can participate during the summit by asking questions via Twitter.  Just add #IgniteRE to your post.

I'll be posting "key points" shared during the course of the summit through-out the day in the comments below.

In a time not long ago, when the crops were dry, and communities were losing their families and neighbors, Rainmakers were the individuals that were looked up to and counted on for saving their people.  These were the folks that in spite of tough and troubling times, were the chosen ones to dance, smile, and pray for RAIN to save their people and their crops from the drought.  Despite their predicament, they chose to have a bright and positive attitude even during one of their most challenging times ever. 

"Rainmaking refers to the act of attempting to artificially induce or increase precipitation, usually to stave off drought.  In the US, rainmaking was attempted by traveling showmen. It was practiced in the old west but may have reached a peak during the dust bowl drought of the American West and Midwest in the 1930s. The practice was depicted in the 1956 film The Rainmaker." Source: Wikipedia

The Real Estate Industry has experienced a similar drought if you will.  Many of our community's crops have dried up and we are experiencing some challenging times all across this great Nation of ours.  People have lost jobs, experienced layoffs and company closures, even lost their homes and finances because of a different kind of drought.  It does no good to point fingers, place blame, or speak negatively about the situation or those who may have affected our farms and fields.  It's the clouds ahead on the horizon that are the focus...

Photo Provided and used with permission by Flickr member Beth: @MusicMuse_CA

We need to count on our "RainMakers" once again.  The folks who come to ActiveRain day in and day out, dancing, smiling, and providing "Rain" to once again save our people and our crops.  This network and community is just one small thread woven through-out the country.  It's the twine that binds and bonds us all together in some small way to collectively achieve great things out of a situation that is so much bigger than us all.  To be witness to all these great things happening around us from an on-line community is very inspiring.

In the three years I have been here, I have witnessed so many stories, so much creativity, lives being changed, and RAIN being made.  We have all been touched or moved by many of the members here in one way or another.  One day we will look back at this time and realize how much of an impact all our efforts have made in our Industry and to each of us personally.  My prediction is that one day, when the RAIN returns, and it will, that we will dance, laugh, and celebrate during the best of times, just as we are doing now during some of the more challenging times.

Is this our destiny?  Maybe this was the intention and purpose of this network all along?  Were we meant to be just another Social Network on the Internet, or an Industry of "RainMakers" making a difference?  Individuals helping to save our people, our communities, our Industry, and each other?  That's what I see happening all across the country right now.

YOU are a RainMaker.  YOU have the power and ability to lead, motivate, inspire, and help other people.  YOU are making a difference in the World, in YOUR Community, and in YOUR Industry.  YOU are the one dancing and creating "RAIN" in a time of drought when it is much needed.  The impact that YOU are making may not be realized until the day comes that we can all look back and see what an important and significant role YOU played in helping keep our people alive and strong, and our Industry together.

~RainMakers Dance For RAIN~

Google Gives Great GoGo Juice as a gift, and they're doing it on Virgin American Airlines

This will be my first post ever from a plane flying at an altitude of over 37,225 feet.  I just couldn't resist.  My options were to either sleep on the 5 hour flight to New York, finish reading "Crush It" by Gary V, or write a blog post. Well, here I am. lol~  I'm actually hoping that in the next five hours, I can accomplish a little bit of all three.  :-)

It was a really cool thing to arrive at the Virgin American Air gate this morning to see that they had Wi-Fi available for all us passengers.  Then I was greeted with a handshake and a smile from one of the Virgin Air employees at the front desk, followed by seeing my name in lights on the "BIG" board.  Wow, I have to say I got pretty excited, and was very impressed with their unique great customer service.  I really appreciated that warm and fun reception.

I can tell already this is going to be a great trip to RainCamp and Inman Connect!

First thing after boarding the plane, I run into Derek Overby and Mike Mueller, both nearly as excited as I am to get to New York. (Actually, Mike Mueller is behind me sleeping right now, but I know he's excited).  I just sent him an IM using this new "seat to seat chat" they have on board, but looks like Mikes getting his zzzzz's instead right now...

I digress.  So how cool is this that I am writing this post from seat 18D aboard a flying aircraft.  I have written many Blog posts and from "many" different places, but never while flying on a plane.  Here I was thinking and dreading the worst of a long 5 hour+ flight from the West to East Coast.  I sure am glad that Google has a hot thing going on with Virgin...wait...that doesn't sound quite right, but I think you know what I mean right?  FREE WiFi on a plane, Man I just love that they've finally able and doing this.

Now I'm spoiled, I will never want to fly without Internet Access again.  Google, please keep your "GoGo" coming, and provide it on all airlines, not just Virgin's.   You've got my vote, it sure is making the time and flight go faster, and it's much more enjoyable knowing my email is not getting backed up over the next few hours.  Thanks to Virgin Air and Google for bringing me my "first ever" Airborne Blogging experience.  I'll probably want to travel a lot more now and you both know where I'll "GoGo" when it comes time to "FLY!"

Looking forward to landing in New York in a few hours, and I'm really excited about being a part of both Inman Connect and RainCamp this year. I hope I'll get to see you at either one or both.  ...and I still can't believe I'm writing this while flying on a plane. :-))