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

Brad, #5 in Tips and Tricks resonated with me - with time so precious, and as we all work in very unique ways - there is a vast difference in blogging habits - so I  agree with your point #6 also.

If one can work smart and post a blog in 15 minutes that gets Google Juice and gets the cash register to ring - well - more power to you.

Hi Brad, this reminds me of a radio news broadcaster Wes "Scoop" Nisker I used to listen to in San Francisco decades ago. He would end his show with the words: "If You Don't Like the News, Go Out and Make Some of Your Own."

Time is one of the biggest issues of the entire social media scene it seems -- there are always more tools and things good to do and only 24 hours a day.

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the valuable tips and advice. Number 10 under Tips and Tricks is a key for me. Since I Made the commitment for blogging in my business plan I am sticking with it!

Some Great Lessons here - but we would expect nothing less from you.

Thanks for Sharing,

Merry Christmas

John

Brad,

 I am always trying to introduce REALTORS to AR and one of their beefs is the time, thank you for this post to help them better understand

Hi Brad!  To me, the most important message here is that WE are the ones who have to determine if we are doing it "right".  Wouldn't it be boring if everyone's blog was the same...same content, same reports, same news?  The fact that we all live in different areas makes our blogs unique - I always try to remember that I am showcasing my community to people who might want to live here and write accordingly.  I'm the only one that knows if it's working - and if it's working, then I'm doing it "right"!

Another great topic that I am sure we can all use more instruction in --- thanks so much for sharing - It is great!

Brad, I always  consider my "blogging" time as Lead Generation Time. . because it does brings me business.

I have time for that!

thanks for the great tips

"You've learned to Manage your email and VM, your Blog is no different."

This is enlightening, since many people still have no grasp on their inbox or mailbox either!! They have 4,000 emails in their inbox and a full voice mail folder.

I try to balance my consumer vs professional posts, so that I don't lose sight of the main reason I am here; to gain business directly from consumers. However, business from professionals may soon be outweighing that goal, which is awesome. Having siad that having this mini agenda keeps the focus and "forces" me to make time. When it becomes a major part of your business you almost don't have a choice.

Brad- you must have been inside my head lately.  I've been caught up in my newly found vice (ActiveRain) and lovin' it but felt I needed a balance.  #8-Find a Mentor.. . was one I've been focusing on.  I follow the blogs of those that I find interesting and look at their overall content, who they target, how often, etc. 

My goal in 2010 is to set aside a designated time for blogging, etc so I don't neglect the other areas of my work and more importantly, my life.

Excellent Brad,

Time Management and Blogging and Social Media are so important, I am shocked there isn't much out there.

Until you are addicted, you don't know you are. LOL

Brad, this is so true. Making time for my blogging is very important to me. All the aspects of blogging have come true, people find me online, I am learning so much, having a great time, found a place to satisfy the writer inside and get to put my photos out for all to see. Now how cool is that?

What I am finding is that I am watching NO tv, which is not a bad thing, instead I have the laptop on my lap and am blogging away.

Brad, for this coming year I am committing to a new 50 week plan for next year and it will include blogging of course. Blogging will work if you provide good content that engages readers and are consistent about it.

Thanks for the great tips, I definately agree that blogging in a way defines who I am and what I am doing, and where I am going, It takes time, and requires committment, but it is well worth the effort.

Hey Brad, with over 20 posts per week and moderating over 30 group I try to find time!

VB ;o)

"Great Tips"

Hi Brad! If it's important enough, people will make the time to blog. I picked up a new client last night because of my blog. It's a no-brainer! Thank you for the awesome tips! :)

I'm with Lisa #7 above. What I took away from this post is that I need to decide how to manage my time and my business plan. I can look elsewhere for the answers all day long, but the bottom line is that my life, my goals, my skillset and my weaknesses are unique to me. As my sister would say, "Put your big girl panties on and deal with it." Now that makes me laugh. And your post makes me think, Brad. I'm going to print it out and pin it up on the wall in my office...and make it part of my plan for 2010. Thank you so much. -- Tanya in Montreal 

Brad:

I am glad you tookthe time for this  post and all the others you have done.  Here like your other posts, you have supplied information, thoughtful insight, and great suggestions.  Thanks for share and have a great holiday season. 

Brad,

This is a very comprehensive approach and it makes good sense. If I'm asked a good question, I try to turn it into an article that I can use for a post.

I think an hour per day is sufficient.

Brian

Brad - I enjoyed your post.  One of the few I will have TIME to read this morning.  I just need more time!  I wish I could spend hours at my computer to read/comment/and write and post .... It's like a need a vacation from work to play (work) in the rain.  I need to set some (accountable/measurable) goals for 2010 as I know my blog is an essential part of my business.  I must "make" time.

Although I'm struggling with finding enough time to blog productively and successfully, it's empowering to hear from an AR genius that it's up to me to decide!  I'm already getting results from AR, so I've got the motivation. Still working on the time management! Thanks, Brad!

Brad, number 2 and number 3 resonate with me:

"Consider using your Blog to respond to questions and consumer email"

This is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from your competition! It hastens the speed of "trust." timetable.

"Write a variety of content, just like a newspaper, cover a "rainbow" of topics."

It's always disappointing to go to someone's blog and find nothing but listings...

Brad-Do you RainCamp in Phoenix soon!

We always find time for the things we WANT to do,it's the things that we keep reminding ourselves we HAVE TO do, that keep getting backburnered!

I like your suggestion to use blog post to answer e-mails and other questions that come up. For example, if one Buyer asks me when the earnest money is cashed and what amount it should be - other buyers are asking the same question. Write a blog post explaining/answering and send them the link!

I just fit it into my daily (weekly) routine. I consider it a part of my education (this site has so much to offer) and as a place for my clients to come and find answers to the questions they have. I have actually saved time by sending clients here rather then typing an email to answers their queries.

Thanks Brad - i think this is something that most of us struggle with, at least part of the time.  For me, blogging is a very enjoyable way to interact and even possibly attract clients.  Because of that, I probably tend to spend more time at it than I should.  I think your idea of setting a time limit will be the most helpful for me, so thanks for the tips, tricks, and ideas!

Mike

A good balance must be found between business and blogging along with family

Great post

Time management is tricky for everyone.  If I don't write something down right away, the thought vanishes (this is why I keep a notepad on my desk of blog ideas).  I find that I'm more "alert" and have more thoughts first thing in the morning so I blog then.  If I try to do it at night - useless waste of time.  :o) 

I like the idea of blogging with answers to questions!  Great tip!

I do agree that your own book of blogging so to speak is a very valuable resource.  I use it especially often when a new buyer or seller I get introduced to has the same questions I've answered before and I can send them the link to the blog and it will answer all of their questions.

Great point, you can spend a massive amount of time doing non productive things or put some focus into it and make the time work for you.

Brad,

Blogging here on AR is my primary thrust of marketing and it has been really the only marketing tool that has produced what I consider to reasonable results.  It has just become my morning routine...and I look forward to reading blogs in the AM, commenting and when I have something to post to post it!  I find it energizes me for the day.  You guys are like real estate coaches!

Brad...thanks for the great tips.  I am struggling with this topic as we speak. I have set aside 1-2 hours a day to try and focus on the social media. 

Hi Brad.  Nice post.

After two years on AR, I am just starting to realize some of the benefits of blogging...

Our blog is our library...

Thanks for writing,

Ken

Great information! Every so often, I run out of things to say, imagine that, and I'll go back through my emails for a topic, so it definitely does work!

Lori - you nailed it! Hit it out of the park!!  :-)
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1372941/blogging-and-time-management#5811138

"Don’t be fooled by the calendar.
There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.
One man gets only a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week."
Charles Richards

"The key is in not spending time, but in investing it."
Stephen R. Covey

I think the best way is just doing it keep it simple but you really do have lots of good ideas

Brad,  Great information here.  I still need to get  a handle on the balance of blogging and time management for me.  I know I will get there.  I need to incorporate this into my business plan for 2010!  All the best, Michelle

Brad: Thanks for the great advice-I appreciate it! I think you are right on. We still need to do our jobs. The way I look at blogging is it is ancillary or important but not urgent. That means I often do this stuff in the morning or evening freeing up my time during the day to concentrate on the task at hand. Thanks again!

Brad - thids article is really chock full of valuable suggestions and advice. I doubt there is a blogger anyway who doesn't struggle with time management BUT because of their belief in, adnd commitment to, their blogging make it work through a variety of strategies. I try to write at Open Houses and other "down time as one way to cope with it.

This one is bookmarked - I'll be sharing these tips with others when I teach again.

Jeff

Granted, I am a bit analytical but I feel that great time management is essential especially when being self employed. Having a predefined schedule with activities intended to keep you on track with your business plan will make sure that you are stearing your ship in the right direction. Having said that, it is easy to become consumed with blogging, reading and commenting on other blogs, creating vlogs.... I have a partner that will hold me accountable for my defined daily activities and it works well for me.

I dont buy into the I dont have time story. I have 4 children a husband and a great business and I havr time to do it all. Man up is all I have to tell them.

Favorite part of my day is working on my blogs and my SM sites!

Brad,

Great tips and ideas for maintaining consistency writing blogs.  Thank You.

Brad, very good post on how to efficiently use your time. Today's business marketers have the edge on their online time management. They have to.

Brad: Thank you for the post. I believe the main reason people to go any further with social media is due to time management...I can use several of your tips myself. Happy Holidays!

Technology is moving so fast that we "old timers" tend to resist the latest trends.  I was the first agent in my office to get a personal computer back in 1987. It was one of those large toaster-sized Macs, with a 20 MB hard drive. The salesman told me that I'd NEVER need anything bigger. Also remember saying, "Car phone? Why would I want a phone in my car?"

Now that I'm connected 24/7/365 via computers, Blackberry, etc, I guess it's time to get serious about Social Networking. Thank you for a great post!

This is very helpful advice.  However, it won't be easy to dedicate 1-2 hours per day to blogging.  Is that the ActiveRain average?  Have you done any surveys on the time investment?

Brad - great tips. I remember writing my first blog. I sat at my PC for hours not knowing what to say. I finally wrote something like ... It's a beautiful day in San Jose, CA.  That's it!  However, it was the first step in a journey of thousands of blogging miles.

Great post, but the hardest part is sticking to it. I find myself blogging for a few weeks here and there and getting distracted with something else. After a few months I come back to certain sites such as AR and see just how far behind I have gone. Trying to keep you with all the blogs sometimes become a job in itself.

These are great points Brad, thanks. I posted my first blog Nov.29/09.  It didn't take as much time as I thought to create it.  In fact I did it spontaneously and it took me only 20 min to write it. It was stuff I do/say over and over with my clients anyway.  If you write from your own heart/head like you are talking with a friend, client or colleague, it is easy.

Unexpectedly, that first blog was "featured".  So when the responses rolled in (over 80 in a day), I felt overwhelmed at first, but then I just allocated a time each day to manage it. That's all it takes. You can do as much as you want with it.

Just start something, anything, like Kathleen said above. You will then figure out the details.

To me, blogging is part of my lead generation activities. Whether I'm marketing to the public or to Realtors, I spend at least 2 hours a day on lead generating.

This used to be the worst part of my day. A necessary chore, but a chore nonetheless. Now, since ActiveRain and blogging, it's something I look forward to each and every day!

@kathleen A Journey in a Thousand Blog Miles. . .I like that phrase!

What a great article about blogging and time management! Even though what works for me may not work for you is one truth we can all agree to, having a blogging plan and a blogging business model is important!

Blogging is one aspect of one's business i.e. the actual content generation. Then, there's blog promotion and lead management, assuming you actually capture leads through your blogging efforts.

I totally agree that trial and error is the best teacher and yes @larry, 1-2 hours a day an average that I hear among very successful bloggers. I try ot get my blogging in early in the morning 7-8:30 a.m. so that I can go about my day and reference my blogs when it's appropriate to clients, future clients, on twitter, facebook, etc.  

Much success to everyone in 2010!

For me this Blogging habits have been hard to come by.  However because it is such a great tool for me to learn and grow through the community and in my own knowledge research topics.  Blogging is now a strong part of my daily non-negotiable!

Thanks brad for a terrific set of guidelines.  I am reviewing them with my daily activities in mind!

Brad: Awesome article. I love the idea of blocking time for Blogging & Social Media time. It is a task that needs to be done daily just like managing your leads or listings. This article definitely hit me in the right place and at the right time! Great job.

Brad ... a blog close to my own heart.  My very FIRST "feature" on Active Rain was a digest of how I handled my blogging day, my Active Rain "routine" 

Brad:  Great tips for folks that need focus, or just need a jumping off point.  It is hard to explain blogging.  For me, it has become a part of my life.  Hard to explain to someone contemplating jumping in our AR pool.  You've done a great job explaining and laying it out for folks.

Brad..I really had to scroll down to comment..most of the time when a post has so many comments I do not bother..but this one is so meaningful  I just had too say THIS POST IS FABULOUS...and Blogging has become a part of my life and whenever something happens that is meaningful,or even funny ,or a great photo..WOW its a BLOG ..Thank you for this Post it is very special to me..It is where my heart is

HelpfulHannah

Brad, I continue to learn so much from you.  This morning I spent more time than I had reading through many of your older blogs and I plan to eventually really study each one because they all contain things I need to learn.  I really MUST learn to manage my AR time because I find that I get started and time just slips away from me because I'm so involved in learning and writing and learning some more.

Thanks for all you do for us.

Brad, you addressed a lot of important factors related to blogging, but I find that just creating the content and making it readable takes me a a long time. Do you have an suggestions?

This is so timely, Brad.  I have been struggling with the time spent on blogging and my actual day-to-day business which definitely needs a kick in the butt.  And I feel guilty about spending so much time blogging, especially as most of it is not consumer-centric.  I think it is all about balance and maximising everything we do to the fullest.  Thank you for this post.

I agree, that the best way to start doing it is to commit to it. Make it part of your day.

Lots of good tips here to manage my time.  I've bookmarket it!

Thanks

Patricia/Seacoast NH

Brad, great summation of blogging and the activities surrounding its successful use. I have bookmarked it to keep track of my progress.

When I set a goal last year to learn to blog, my goal included 2 blogs a week about our area, 2 blogs a week about Buying/Selling Real Estate and one for whatever I wanted. To date, I have created a wonderful resource to send my clients when they need info. I don't find it all too time-consuming. I write blogs when I'm on floor and it's slow, during boring classes (shhhhh!), and after a fun week-end when I have new photos to share. I don't find it all that time consuming. Of course, I'm not very busy right now.....

If we were all better at many of the things we do, especially being personally organized and efficient, we would have more success.... and that includes with blogging.

I am a big fan of the Book Getting Things Done.  This book will help you become more organized, but more importantly, free your mind to think creatively.

Brad, great outline for a successful online presence. Enjoyed tha family band at rain camp, thanks.

I think the key is find out what works for you! My plan for the past two years has been about an hour a day and one to two posts a day, that plan has worked well for me and clearly has set me apart as the neighborhood expert. I don't live on the computer, you still need to be social in real life as well as on the computer to be successful, but do what works for you!

 

It's noon and I'm still in my PJ's reading and blogging on ActiveRain! Clearly I need to digest your Time Management segment:) The problem is.... it gets addicting. Thanks for sharing this great post.

Well put although I am still reading Cheryl's comment....Time Management is the key!

Bad...as always a great post.  Thank you for breaking it down and encouraging us to spend time (wisely) in this method of our online presence.

Brad,

Both Number 5's and your idea number 10 for me.  This should be a great source of blogs as well as a great tool to focus on my goals.  Time to Localize through my eyes.

Brad,

 Thanks for another content rich post!

 My favorite tip was #2 under "Idea and Suggestions":

"Consider using your Blog to respond to questions and consumer emails"

 We really do not have to guess at what clients and potential clients would like to read about and have answered.... the ideas are right there in our Inboxes!

 Thank you so much for reminding me of that fact!

Brad, that is a super post. You could almost use the same rules for setting goals next year and finding the time for them.

It's no fun when you take all our excuses away. Just joking.

Neat post! It's something you think about a lot. How much is just enough and how much is too much?My analysis is that you  all have structured the AR Points to coincide with the things we should be doing anyway. It boils down to an hour or two a day I am finding.

Brad,

I had to learn to USE my blog to replace some other things that I was doing.. make it do double duty, just as you mention - addressing emails and questions through blogs..

Other ways also but that's a post that I'm working on. :)

Hi Brad -- Excellent tips.  One needs to be motivated, have a good attitude, and have lots of tenacity, while being able to take things: one step at a time.

I just bookmarked this post because as much as i enjoy posting in my blog, I do a poor job of scheduling time to sit and put in the effort. You are the hands down best teacher here and i am thankful for that!

Brad, Great stuff, as usual!  Thank you!

So many great tips. All I have to do now is print this post and follow it to a tee. Then I'll be all set. Thank you

Jean Richer
Ottawa, ON

I'm with Tim up there...using a blog to respond to email Q and A is a great idea.  I used to be a classroom teacher, and, as we all know, if one person asks the question, lots of others are thinking about it.  Cheers!

While I haven't been a total slacker, Brad, keeping up with all the leads my AR Outside Blog is bringing caused me to stop posting.  Having whacked myself upside-the-head, I'm again buckling down.  Your tips will certainly help!

My goal is 2-3 posts per week, but sometimes I don't even make that.  Blogging is kind of stressful at times because of the time problem.  Going to try and build in specific blog times during the week in my biz plan for 2010.  Thanks!

Great tips.  I find that the more I write, the more efficient I can be with my time...

Brad, as usual, great tips and insight! If I don't set aside time, it doesn't happen - even for blogging. ;-)

"I don't have time" is just an excuse for "I don't see the value in doing that, so I will not make time." Some people just don't get how important this phase of the business is becoming to future and current success.

Going to Raincamp last week & taking the webinar today really help me to understand the importance of blogging. Blogging will be an essential part of my business activity from now on. Thank you Brad!

Going to Raincamp last week & taking the webinar today really help me to understand the importance of blogging. Blogging will be an essential part of my business activity from now on. Thank you Brad!

I find it easier to maintain a fixed schedule.  I blog every morning usually from 6-7am, 7 days a week.  Of course I have more flexibility on the weekends but I still do it pretty early while it's still quiet.  Conversely, I like to read and make comments at the other end of the day usually after 9:30 or 10:00pm.  Once you get into the routine it just becomes an effortless part of what you do.  -Marian

Great article, After trying to get my agents to use social networking, and hearing many of the same obstacles, I decided to start a new venture, SocialMadeSimple. WHich is designed specifically for real estate agents to use social networking more effectively and efficiently. We'll be beta testing soon, and launching in jan 2010, for more info, and to enter for a free subscription, check us out: www.SocialMadeSimple.com

It is like anything else we do is it important enough to devote some time everyday to it. If you think is is great if not it's just a business decision.

Good list of tips, Brad! Time management and time blocking is definitely something I can improve on in 2010. Without it, it's quite easy for 15-20 minutes online to quickly grow to two hours. There are also some automation steps I can take to optimize my overall social media presence.

Very timely. I was just talking with my sister-in-law last night about time management and I'm fairly new to AR. Hopefully I'll find the time to post my first blog soon. Thanks for the tips.

It's important to plan your time and mange the time you have.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this matter.

So True, Brad.  Especially, "Watch less news and TV, write and create more of your own. Localize through your eyes."  Thanks!

Thanks everyone, there are some really great comments and feedback here.  It's great hearing what works for you and what you're getting to take away from this post.  Some of the other concerns I hear quite frequently regarding social networking and Blogging are:

Blogging and Social Media sites are overwhelming - There are too many Privacy issues with signing-up - I'm never sure how it's done, or what to do when I get there - The applications are very confusing - I Tried in the past - didn't see results - There's Too many logins and passwords to track - Don't know which social media sites are best - I'm really not a writer....

Blogging and social media, for me, are based saved for evening after the kids are in bed.  Then it's both marketing and social time for me rather than television.

Thanks for the tips Brad.  I find myself spending too much time blogging, and it seems the longer I spend on a blog the less feedback I get. 

Dear Brad,

I had to bookmark this post because you cover so much ground. You consistently write the most informed blogs that help Newbies and oldtimers alike. Thanks for being such an accessible asset to AR!!

Betina Foreman

Betina - thanks for the kudos and your comment.  I try to be as accessible as possible, I know how it was when I first joined AR and needed someone available when I got stuck.  It's an honor and a priviledge to be that person now.  Happy Holidays to you and your family.  :-)

Brad - I really love reading your post! You are always informative and educational. I don't know what you mean when you said you're not a writer! You're too modest! Your archive of postings are a very strong indication that you're a writer and I'm honored to read your work! Consider this bookmarked! And reposted. You've written a wonderful post that I have to share with my friends in Santa Rosa. Thanks and keep up the great work!

Anthony - you are too kind, thank you.  Have a great Christmas and New Year if we don't chat again before then.  :-)

Whats to manage?  You get up you blog. You go to the office - you blog.  Take a coffee break...same thing you blog.  As the day wears on try not to become distracted wtih co-workers, friends or family as you have blogging to do, until you go to bed.   Bloggiing is not a business tool - it is a way of life. :)

lol @John - that is so true. It does become a way of life for those who get it, and don't resist.  :-)

Time is valuable and it is important to schedule time to blog and read blogs. Limits are important though so you do not spend 10 hours infront of the screen...balance is key!

In coaching agents over the years - Stephanie and I have witnessed agent after agent who hides behind technology and blogging, etc only to get so out of balance that they fail miserably and leave.  There is a healthy balance that is needed to maximize blogging and agents need to realize that they need real-world sales skills to succeed (it doesn't matter how many leads you generate or how much time you spend blogging) if you can't convert them when they come in.

Time managment and Blogging . Goggle it and I wonder what you get?

Joe - I just googled it and was happy to see that out of 235,000,000 pages, this post landed in the top 5-10 spots. WooHoo!  :-)

Brad, this is great stuff.  I'm now more committed than ever to blogging since I just picked up my first job from AR.  (Yippee!)  My problem is consistency, but I'm getting better.  Thanks for the great tips.

Hi Brad,

Great topic!!  Also comment # 68, I hope to check out that book!  Good idea!

Thanks,

Tom Davis

Thanks for your post. I put it on my Facebook business page.

 Blooming for home buyers this summer.

Well done, Brad!

But I'm gonna disagree with one word in this line: "Watch less news and TV, write and create more of your own. Localize through your eyes".....

NEWS.  Watching/listening to NEWS about what is going on in the world, city, neighborhood, will help you discover even more topics to write about.

Cheryl - great point and very true. I think when I wrote this I was imagining the person that just sits in front of the boobtube for 2-3 hours watching the news, then spends the next 1-2 hours complaining about it!  lol~  :-)

Thx.  Trying to find the right balance now.  Spending some more time at the beginning to learn the ropes, but soon need to get into more maintenance mode.

Brad: awesome post! I agree that over time, your blog becomes a great resource library for clients. I have sent links regarding specific lending issues over the past month and my clients were very impressed. Thanks for all the wonderful info!

Debbie - finding balance is the key to success in business, blogging, and in life! Keep searching and working at it, you will succeed.

Cari - yes, time is valuable and the time you spend building will be even more valuable....  over time.  :-)

BTW - I now teach a class called "Control+ALT+Delete" which goes over the details on how you can get your time and Life back in "Control" use "ALT"ernative solutions to increase your personal and business time, and how to "Delete" any and all things that waste your time and prevent you from reaching and obtaining your business and personal life goals. 

More on that coming very shortly....    :-)

Brad,

I am new to AR and your tips, tricks and suggestions are just what I need to point me in the right direction!

Thanks for sharing!

-Brian

Brian - thanks. 

It's been a while since I wrote this, I had to actually re-read my own post... so thank you. :-)