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

Flickr and BigHugeLabs -  Here's one for all you folks in the ActiveRainPhotoBloggers Group

There are many great photography tools and FREE photo hosting sites on the web.  Flickr, Picasa, and Photobucket are just the first few that come to mind. I have used all three but have chosen Flickr for all my primary photo hosting for numerous reasons. One of which is that I can post to my photo Blogs right from Flickr with a single click of a button.

Another feature I like is that you can tag your photos and add comments as tags.  See the boxes I used to tag Jeff and Teresa?  Now check out Jeff's hand.  He was able to tag a specific section of the photo and leave a comment embedded in the photo.  What did the comment say?  Click on his hand to find out.

One tip I'd like to share about flickr is something that Jeff told me about last year while we were in Texas.  The SEO that Flickr photos can generate is awesome.  I have seen many flickr photos show up on standard Google searches just using keywords and tag phrases.  This particular photo was posted on Flickr last week along with many others from the REBarCamp in San Diego. 

This morning I received a Google alert about this photo that linked me back to a site called BigHugeLabs, which has some really cool and fun tools.  Since I love photography, I just had to check it out as I'm sure many of you will too.  Creating this chicklet below was just one of the cool things I liked at BigHugeLabs.com.

Check them out and see if there's anything there you can use as either a tool for your photos, or just for fun.  We have become a digital point-and-click shoot society that love to share those special moments and memories with all those we're connected to via our photos. Here's just a few more ways to make that experience a bit more unique, fun, and exciting.

There's tons of stuff there... it really is like a Big Huge Lab! 

Gift Center, Motivator, Pop Art Poster, Magazine Cover, Mosaic Maker, Movie Poster, Jigsaw, Photobooth, Hockneyizer, Letter from Santa, FX, Map Maker, Favorite Surfer, Mat, Pocket Album, Sunset, Badge Maker, Top Cameras, Calendar, Trading Card, Framer, Wallpaper, Color Palette Generator, Cube, Bead Art, Guess the Title, CD Cover, Random Photo Browser, Captioner, Lolcat Generator, Billboard, Photo Fortune, Slideshow, Writer, Blog Header, Gallery, On Black, Profile Widget, Scout, Flickr DNA, Name That Contact, Favorite Finder, Pool Cleaner

This was created using the "Motivator" link above:

BigHugeLabs also works with photos from your computer, Flickr hosted photos, and Facebook photos.

Photo Created and Courtesy of: Craig Rutman in North Carolina  (Thanks Craig!)

(Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells)

ActiveRain, ActiveRain, Active all the way,

Oh what fun, it is to ride,

To the office Everyday <HEY>

ActiveRain, ActiveRain, we have but one request,

that you enjoy your Holiday,

and your New Year is the BEST!!

From our family to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

 

Google Groups - Create Discussion Opportunities with your Niche or Community

In researching some of the many tools that Google offers Web Based Business users, (over 45 tools) I discovered that Google Groups might be a great service for you, your business, and possibly your niche's or communities.  Some of the features are very powerful, and the SEO within Google Groups is very good. I tested it out by creating a Real Estate Technology Group and already have 3 discussions showing up on the first page of a search within Google Groups.

Real Estate Technology

Visit this group

Results 1 - 10 of about 4,320,000 for real estate technology

What is Google Groups?

Google Groups is a place on Google that you can discuss items online or over email, create rich custom pages, and customize your look and graphics. You can add images, links, create discussions, ask questions, and build a collaborative area to be shared with the world, or at least with those you invite or who find you. Make it public, make it private, make it any way you see fit to best serve your needs.

Creating Your Own Groups

What type of groups might be useful?  You could create a group for your family, your golf or bowling team, your Real Estate Company or your own Business.  Create a group for stagers, inspectors, or even custom homes and niche markets.  There is no limit to the type and amount of groups you could create.  Creating and starting a group is easy and it's FREE.  All you have to do is pick a Group name and then start inviting members to participate.  You can even post to your groups via email or right from your smart phone.

Extra Features and Tools For Google Groups

A promo box, your own Group URL, and an email address all members can use.

Public website	Get a promotion box for your website
Group address Group email	Current web address: http://groups.google.com/group/real-estate-technologies Current email address: real-estate-technologies@googlegroups.com

If you Can't Beat em, Then Join em

One thing about Google Groups is that you don't have to create your own, you can just join others. Find groups where you have experience or knowledge and can contribute, or even learn something new.  The possibilities and opportunities within some of the existing groups might even be better for some of you to explore?  You can search Google Groups for just about any topic and find something of interest available.  There's even an "Advanced Search Tool" that refines and filters your search.  There are many groups available that could benefit you and your business.

The Real Estate Technology Group

I just setup this Real Estate Technology Group yesterday to test and explore. Check it out, maybe join, and possibly contribute.  More importantly, I wanted to share, and just let you know these groups are out there and available if you need.  Why not create a community group for the neighborhood and allow your friends and neighbors to contribute their ideas and collaborate on some "fun" or even important local issues?  (the wheels upstairs should be spinning about now...)

Many of you focus and specialize on specific niche and target markets with unique customers, a Google Group could be a very non-threatening and fun way to get members of your community and target audiences involved.  Topics and discussions create and build great relationship opportunities, just like Blogging and social networking do.  What group could you create or join to benefit your community or business?

It's a Group, Do I have To Sit In A Circle?

Check out all the things that Google Groups has to offer then decide on your own if this is a tool or product you can use. If nothing else, at least join my Real Estate Technology Group so I won't feel like I did all this for nothing! lol~ Seriously though, I see some great potential and opportunities to use Google Groups as a way to do much of what we're used to doing already in this business.  Connecting with others, learning, sharing, growing and providing value to all those who come into contact with us. This could be a great conduit to connect directly with some of your clients and potential future customers.  The best part of these groups is that you don't have to drive there to sit in the circle!

Here's Google Everything
and Everything Google

Resources for ActiveRain Training and Support

Are you a new member on ActiveRain?  Are you looking for the manual or guide?  Do you have questions, feel lost or overwhelmed by all the cool stuff ActiveRain has to offer?  Help is here, but do you know where to find it?  Many of the questions, calls, emails, and tickets I receive always start off with, "How do I.....?"

Here are some of the best resources for ActiveRain training, coaching, and support. 

• The ActiveRain "HELP" Toolbar for Browsers
  Add It To Your Browser, Never Get Lost Again!
  
• Getting Started on ActiveRain - A post to help you get started
  The "Getting Started" link located on the main ActiveRain Page
  

• ActiveRain Training Webinars - Webinars for new members
  Webinars held Tuesdays and Thursdays - Here's the Calendar
  

• ActiveRain University & On-line Campus - "Live" support webinars.
  Training, Q&A, Support, Presenters, Guest Speakers 3 X per week.

• Real Estate RainCamps - "Live" Conference for Members and Non-Members
  RainCamp.com teaches you more in a day than you could learn in a year

• The Help/FAQ Group - Multitude of member contributed tutorials
  Help/FAQ group provides members a place to share and learn

• ActiveRain Newbies - A Group every new member should join
  ActiveRain Newbies Group 9366 subscribers - 20,518 posts

• The ActiveRain Guide - Blog featuring multi-authored Instructions
  ActiveRainGuide.com culmination of members posts to support YOU

• The "Search" Tool - Keyword or Phrase Search Tool for members
  Searching ActiveRain couldn't be easier using the AR "Search"

• ActiveRain Ambassadors - Local Ambassadors Reaching Out
  Experienced members helping new and existing members

• Member Services - The ActiveRain Team and Support Staff
  These are the folks at ActiveRain keeping the heartbeat pumping
  

• The ActiveRain Manual - Blog posts written for members needing help
  This is an eBook I have been building since I joined ActiveRain back in 02/07

• Technical Support - support@activerain.com

Now that you've seen all the places to learn and get support, are you still unsure where to start?  Here's my suggestion.  If I were brand new to ActiveRain, or had signed up a while back and were just returning, I would make it a point to at least visit each of the above links to become familiar with what help, support, and training is available here, then I would go sign up for one or two of the ARU Training webinars. 

For details on what's covered, here's a link.

We are constantly trying to improve and enhance the Network and Community.  We will continue trying to provide you with the support and necessary tools and training to help you make the most and best use of your time here.  If you are new to ActiveRain, we welcome you aboard. If you're a returning member and notice things look a bit different around here, then this post is for you too, and we welcome you back.  I'm excited and looking forward to witnessing your growth and successes in the "Rain!"

The ABC's of ActiveRain

ActiveRain Blogging Can Deliver Excellent Feeds Google Harnesses.  Individuals Journaling Knowledge, Literally Manifests Numerous Opportunities Producing Quality Results.  So Try Utilizing Various Wisdoms, X-ert Yourself Zestfully!  Wow, that was kinda fun! :-)

The Virtual Real Estate Brokerage and Office of the Future Today! - WEB 3.0

What does the future Real Estate Brokerage and Office really look like?  If you decide to read on, it may change your perception of what the "Virtual Real Estate World" could look like in the future.  While Secondlife is the Internets largest user-created, 3D virtual world community, and used primarily for Social Networking, eXp Realty has taken this same concept, and created a Business Model where the Real Estate Brokerage and Office is 100% Virtual.  They are using the invisible walls of the Internet as their "Brick and Morter" office.

Their Business Model is defined as "The Worlds First Fully Immersive WEB 3.0. Real Estate Brokerage."

Last month, while at REBarCamp in San Diego, I got to meet and spend some time with Dale Kreiser, eXp REalty's Washington State Broker.  He shared what their company was doing, and how well it was working for them.  When I returned to the office, I did some research on their company and their site.  I was "Blown Away" at what Glenn Sanford - Founder and CEO and their team have created!  Could this really be the Real Estate Office and Business Model of the Future for Brokerages and even the smaller Mom & Pop offices?

Here's a video clip from a discussion held at that REBarCamp in San Diego.  The topic?  What does the Real Estate Brokerage of the future look like?  It's an interesting discussion with Tom Ferry, Stefan Swanepoel, Wendy Forsythe, Sherry Chris, Dale Kreiser and others.  What is the "New" strategy or tactic?  Here's a hint of what you're about to see; The future is HERE now!

I've a strong suspicion that these guys may be onto something here...
     

So I called Dale and asked him for a "Virtual Tour" of their "Virtual Office."  He and Glenn agreed to let me share that tour with you via this recorded video.  For me personally, this was really the next best thing to actually being there.  I felt like I was there.  Now anyone that knows me well, also knows that I love all the new technology that is being introduced to our Industry, but I am also a practical person and want to be certain that this stuff really works.  Don't just tell me it does....SHOW ME!!

This video is a bit longer than I wanted, but I edited out over 40 minutes of some really great stuff I wish I could have shared with you all, maybe another time. I would encourage you to watch the entire thing, I'd hate for you to miss any of this one. Sit back in that comfy chair of yours, relax, and enjoy this first ever virtual office tour...

Is this the way some Real Estate Company's and Brokerages will operate in the future?  Yes, here's one already.  Are these guys way ahead of their time?  Maybe, but after today's tour, I realized that just talking with them about it, and then visiting their website was no comparison and nothing like "virtually being there!"  I had no clue how well this was all put together.  It was nothing short of interesting, fascinating, and awesome!

The Virtual Real Estate Brokerage and Office - WEB 3.0  So tell me what you're thinking at this moment...

First, I want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to ALL of you who made the Seattle and SF RainCamps™ a total success. Without the support and participation from you, none of these events would have been possible. Bob, Ben and I, (and the AR staff) are humbled by the many comments, emails, and even calls we've received, Thank you!!  It looks like our next stop will be in New York City, with Inman Connect. We're very excited to be coming out to the East Coast.  Are You Ready?? 

"I am usually skeptical about the "seminars." I was not sure i wanted to be pummeled by vendors. Who does?  RainCamp was not a seminar but a super workshop where we were never bombarded with "buy this" or "for just $199..." A hardy thank you for the straight forward, down to earth, hands on approach of RainCamp SF.  My head is spinning from the great material and the call to look forward to change and embrace social media." Jeff Pereyda

The RainCamp™ Annual Platinum Access Pass

We are introducing the 'Platinum Access Pass' a level of participation that will give those willing to pay full price for RainCamp™ increased access and benefits during the event and for ALL future RainCamp™ events throughout the year.  We will be offering the 'Platinum' access passes for $179/person.  This means you could attend each and every event for the price of a single admission.  The pass will also include additional values and benefits to "pass" holders.  

We will continue to offer a limited amount of "donation based" tickets as the ActiveRain culture has always been inclusive in nature.  Donation tickets are based what you can afford, but will also be limited to certain seating arrangements and other restrictions.  Our number one goal at these events is to give back to the industry, and to promote cutting edge technology and best business practices.

(Platinum Access passes available now, Donation tickets become available as each event is announced)

"Raincamp was phenomenal from start to finish. The room was packed full of eager participants and outstanding presenters. There wasn't a moment the entire day that they lost my attention - not even after lunch!  I highly recommend that that you attend the RainCamp nearest you in 2010."  Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Annual Platinum Access Pass Includes:

• VIP Entry to any and all RainCamp™ Events in 2010
• Receive the Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge at RainCamp
• Hosted VIP Lunch at RainCamp™ w/ActiveRain CEO Jonathan Washburn & RainCamp™ Speakers
• Get Reserved Platinum seating in the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power (if available at venue)
• Sport your RainCamp™ T-shirt (exclusive for Platinum supporters)
• Receive your Premium RainCamp™ tote with "surprise giveaways" (no cracker jack toys)
  
• SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times - Limited Edition HardCover Book by Gary Keller
• First right to be part of an exclusive "30 Day Accountability" follow-up program by Local Coordinators 
• A Personal Invitation to VIP after party, including Drink Ticket and Appetizer, for each event
• Get the Latest cutting edge social media instruction e-book by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan
• Earn the Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge for your profile or Blog
  

"RAINCAMP... The best ROI EVER Received from a one day conference!"  Valesca Bogard

Read more RainCamp™ Comments Here: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=raincamp

RainCamp™ UpComing Tour Locations include:

January 12th - New York
February 16th - Dallas
Orange County
Las Vegas
Chicago
Orlando
San Diego
Washington DC

RainCamp will also be coming to: Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Minneapolis, Houston, possibly Salt Lake City and Cleveland, Portland, Nashville and Indianapolis. ~Dates TBA~

We'll announce the locations of each event once venues are confirmed and secured.

RainCamp™ - "Because the way we do business has changed!" Find Out More at RainCamp.com

                 

One of the common concerns I hear from people about Blogging, is that they just don't have the time.  Seriously though, we live in a world where Starbucks offers drive-thru coffee for those who don't even have time to sit and enjoy it.  Everything in life seems to be go-go-go!  So maybe Blogging and Time Management really is a valid concern and important topic for many!?!  I just Googled Blogging and Time Management, there really wasn't much out there.  So maybe there is no answer?  If you did find the answer, would it be right for you?

Defining Blogging - Is Blogging just writing an article, banking on search engines, waiting for comments, hoping for calls and emails, and wishing to close on the sale of your product or service?  I think Blogging encompasses much more than that.   Sure, creating a great post loaded with valuable content and information is important, but Blogging ends up becoming more, a part of life, and a part of you.  Blogging includes reading, commenting on posts, learning, sharing, connecting with others, engaging in conversations, exploring tools, researching technology, meeting new people, discovering new ways... etc. Much like what we already do in the off-line world.

We learn quickly that Time Management is important.  I've also learned that Blogging and Social Media Networking are really one in the same.  Your Blog IS your Social Network.  Having an acceptable "liveable" balance of time on your computer vs the time you spend having a life is crucial to both your Business and Personal success.  For me personally, it has helped me define and refine my daily actions and activities, my time, and my focus.  Thankfully, some time management strategies have assisted me in reaching some of my desired goals, and in less time.

So what is the "Best Blogging Time Management" skill-set?  Will it work for you?  How many hours a day, week, or month does it take for you to be a successful Blogger and to be an effective Social Networker?  Will you still have the time and balance to seek your other business and personal goals?  Is there a Time Management manual, program, or a person out there that can define the Best Time Management program for you?  NO.  I mean YES, but it's YOU!  You have to create it.  Everything you do, your experiences, and your rewards and successes WILL BE UNIQUE to you, and will happen because of YOUR own personal time management system or strategy!

You've learned to Manage your email and VM, your Blog is no different.  Somehow, we find a way!

          

Having had the chance to moderate Blogging panels, interact with AR members all day everyday, and read thousands of Blog posts all over the country, I've managed to learn a great deal about some of the things that make a successful Blogger "tick" (pun intended).  We'll define "Successful" in another post, but I think we can all agree that success is "to each his own."  Well, so is "Time Management."

Here's a few of the things I've learned and heard suggested...

TIPS & TRICKS:

1. Understand and agree that your Time Management and others Time Management will not be the same.
2. What works for you as a Blogger, may or may not work for other Bloggers with the same rewards.
   
3. Your Goals and Dreams are unique to you, so your Time Management and efforts will be unique also.
4. Except the fact that you will never learn or know it all.  "Focus and Willpower" are critical.
   
5. Realize time is precious and valuable and it should be spent focused on items related to your goals.
6. Don't let others try to convince you of what is the "right" or the "wrong" way to do something.
   
7. Believe in yourself, be passionate about the things that work and that bring you desired results.
8. Find a mentor or someone who has like-minded goals, see how they manage and achieve them.
9. Resist the temptation from every invitation that comes your way to be on every social network created.
10. Create a "Blogging and Social Networking" Commitment in your Business Plan, then stick to it!

IDEA & SUGGESTIONS

1. Set aside 1-2 hours everyday to utilize Social Networking and Blogging.
2. Consider using your Blog to respond to questions and consumer emails.
3. Write a variety of content, just like a newspaper, cover a "rainbow" of topics.
4. Create 2-3 posts per week, then build or reduce the amount based on results.
5. Look into your email sent folder for topics and ideas to write about and share.
6. Set aside time to research tools and sites that SAVE time, and money.
7. Automate your daily tasks and utilize technology that's gives you a ROI.
8. Analyze what sites you're on that just consume time and deliver no value.
9. Use mobile technology to maximize your Social Networking and Blogging during down times.
10. Watch less news and TV, write and create more of your own. Localize through your eyes.

Your Blog over time can and will become a great library of content, and will also be one of your greatest resources.  Blogging will actually save you time in the future.  What you Blog about today can be used again tomorrow without the time spent recreating it.  So what is the best Blogging Time Manager?  It's you!  It's your time, and it's your life, no one can tell you what or how to spend it.  It's really up to YOU. Time is the greatest gift one can ever give to another, so manage and use it wisely with no regrets.

One of our ActiveRain members just sent me a $10.00 gift certificate to go to any restaurant of my choice in my area.  What a nice gesture and what an impression it just made on me. It's not the gift so much as it was the thought that really did count.  Now the fact that the gift was for food REALLY counted because I LOVE FOOD!!

Keeping with the tradition of giving during the Holidays, I want to Pay It Forward "Feed It Forward" to any of you who would like to do this for one of your favorite AR members.  Maybe even a past client or family member, it's your choice. It only takes a minute and will really make someones day, at least it did mine.

Here's the deal:

You can give away up to (30) gift certificates each day up until Christmas Day.  Each Gift certificate is worth up to $10.00 each.  You can give them to anyone you choose. All you need to do is send them an email.  The email comes from you with a personal message, and then all they have to do is register, search for a restaurant of their choice in their area, then print out their certificate and go eat!  Sound to good to be true?  This time it is!! 

Feed It Forward is something Restaurants.com is doing during the Holiday Season and I commend them for doing this, especially in a time when the Country's economy has gone through some major changes. It's also a really nice way to keep the "giving" spirit alive and well.  Check it out, send a $10.00 gift certificate to someone and then don't look back.  It will "Make A Difference" in someones life, maybe yours!

This all reminds me of the time when I paid a $3.00 Bridge Toll for the car driving behind me (a complete stranger) then she ended up paying for the car behind her since she already had her money out, then they paid for the car behind them and so on and so on.  This went on for about 10-15 cars before someone finally broke the chain and put their money back in their pocket, said thank you, and then drove on. 

The very next day, as I drove through the toll booth again, the toll booth attendant looked at me and shouted, "Have you any idea what you caused yesterday?"  For a second, I was shocked, I thought I was in trouble or something..  I had forgotten about paying for the car behind me the day before, and that's when he told me the story about all the people paying each others Bridge Tolls behind me.  He said, "You really made an impression on me yesterday, it's something that will live in my heart forever!"  Nothing feels better than that folks! Nothing!

It feels good to give!  Give to family. Give to friends. Give to neighbors. Give to anyone who has touched your life, but most of all, just give! Who knows, you might be the next one getting an email "meal" from me!?!

Feed It Forward
Happy Holidays Friends!   :-)