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Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager

RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco

RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco

The ActiveRain RainCamp Tour is Official!  Our first ever RainCamp in Seattle was sold out in just two weeks.  Now there's a demand by many of our members and non members to bring RainCamp to cities all across the Country.  As you can imagine, this is a huge undertaking for our staff and team. There are so many details that go into setting up this event, but our members and guests are not only worth it, they deserve it.


The "Rainergy" and "Buzz" that comes from a RainCamp is like no other event I've ever experienced.  You have to witness it for yourself to understand and grasp the full value and impact it will have on you, your Business, your relationships in your community, and the industry.  Here's what a few of the folks from RainCamp Seattle had to say:

RainCamp is coming to San Francisco on December 2nd, 2009 for a full day packed with great content, presentations, and some of the most useful and applicable ideas and processes that you can implement immediately into your Social Media, Networking, and Blogging Business Strategy and Plan. The Location and Venue we've selected is once again a "Top Notch" off the hook spot.

How is RainCamp different from other Conferences?

  • Assess how you stack up in the modern market.
  • Listen to people that are practicing what they preach, and having outstanding success doing it.
  • Learn the methodology of a newer agent who has leveraged the Internet to become a 'Mega Producer'.
  • Walk away with executables you can put into action immediately.
  • Hard core real estate technology education. This is not a fluff event!!

What Do You Get?

An Action Packed Day: At a State-of-the-art conference and meeting room is just the beginning of our package at Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF.  They have Gorgeous meeting rooms with City and Bay views. Great layout with plenty of seating, wireless Internet Access, and much more.  All the comforts and ammenities of a 5-Star Resort.  "This is one of San Francisco's only full-service conference facilities."

 
San Francisco

Date: December 2nd, 2009

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
(registration 8:00am)

Location: Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
1675 Owens Street, Suite 251, San Francisco 94143

GOOGLE MAP Yahoo Map | Mapquest Map | Microsoft Map

Facility: Wireless Internet Access and Power Available

 RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

There will be approximately 140 seats setup classroom style (with tables) reserved for attendees with laptops.  It is all open seating so those seats are first come first serve the day of event.  We are limited to only 500 seats max capacity, so register right away. There will be On-site paid parking available, street parking and/or complimentary shuttles from the BART and Caltrain stations.  If you're wanting overnight accommodations, here's the Unique Venues Site.

RainCamp tickets are available NOW As an ActiveRain member, we are giving you the first crack before we give this opportunity to the public on November 20th. The tickets have a suggested price, but we don't want to preclude anyone from attending, so tickets can be purchased by making a donation of any amount. Register today before they're gone, it will sell out.

"When is RainCamp Coming To Your Town?"  We'd love to come to every Major City, and may do so eventually, but currently we are starting in San Francisco, then in no specific order, we'll be in Miami, Washington DC, Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Arizona and more.  I'll be announcing those date and locations soon.  We're still working out all the calendar and venue details.

This is our last West Coast event planned for a while, and we are really looking forward to coming to the "City By The Bay" and bringing the "Rain-Storm" with us.  Just like in Seattle, we'll be hosting another exclusive "VIP" event/gathering after RainCamp, we'll have more details about that coming up later.  It's going to be a day you'll never forget, I hope you can make it to join us.  We put a ton of heart, soul, preparation, and passion into RainCamp, and we don't want anyone to miss out.  So RSVP NOW! :-)

Check out the RainCamp.com Blog.  Also follow the twitter stream using #raincamp.

Photo Source: UCSF Mission Bay

 

Events

The Google Story - A Video Story Book

The Google Story - A Video Story Book

This just came out and was put together by the folks over at Google.  A two minute video that I expect will go viral shortly.  Takes you back from the beginning before Google, in 1995, when two mathematicians meet for the first time at Stanford.  Then you're fast forwarded onto the present "Google Wave!" It's Creative, It's Brilliant... It's Google. :-)

"It's already had over 100 views!!"

Get ready, I think they might be about to "Turn The Page!"

ActiveRain RainCamp - Better Than SummerCamp For Kids!

Kids of ALL ages, It's Time To Send Your Parents To RainCamp!

That's right kids, if your Mom or Dad is in the Real Estate Industry, just hanging around the House or Office pouting, pacing, misbehaving, biting their nails, or cussing while sitting at their computers, it's time to send them to Camp.  RAINCAMP!  We can help your folks become more productive, attentive, and obedient if you send them to us. We'll even bring the "CAMP" close to you!  (Watch for RainCamp Calendar Coming Soon!) 

If you want to help make life normal again, and see your parents come home with smiles on their faces and doing the Happy Dance, then RainCamp is the answer.  Just look at what these kids parents had to say who were among the first to ever attend "The RainCamp!"

Parents Responses Prior To RainCamp:

JoSoss: @BrettTousley raises hand and jumps up and down! Me me me - going to #raincamp
rfleroy: Signed up to RainCamp in Seattle http://raincamp.eventbrite.com Wishing it was called SunCamp or HappyCamp...or better yet, BeerCamp!
BitsyKalkbruner: If you think you're at the cutting edge of real estate technology now, you WILL BE for sure after you attend raincamp.com
JoSoss: hahaha @campingworld is now following me -must be all my tweets about RainCamp! I am not a camper- lol! But I am attending RainCamp #raincamp
todderific: fully aware that my lack of recent tweets will make me a target at #raincamp tomorrow.
benkinney: Packing up for raincamp.com tomorrow in Seattle. I am ready, swine flu, and all.
alltechmortgage: Heading to Raincamp.com tomorrow....Hopefully learning new skills. Can they still teach old dog's new tricks...
JohnPayson: Looking forward to Raincamp today!

Parents Reactions During RainCamp:

mallinawilson: sitting in an active raincamp in Seattle! I should come out brilliant!
victoriarealtor: @CoachKaterina Wish you where Here :O)) Brad and Bob are awesome #raincamp
activebob: @bradandersohn never has a camera more than one foot from his reach #raincamp
pmcmortgages: At Active Rain's Rain Camp-lots of excitement! #raincamp
chrispenner: #raincamp just getting going here with Ben Kinney and Active Rains first ever raincamp. Rock on guys.
DuaneHopper: Sitting in Active Rain "RainCamp" Seattle Bell Harbor Conference center. http://post.ly/7c9v
JordanCoxRE: Just got picked to video RainCamp #raincamp
juliannahind: I accidentally entered the men's bathroom when I went on a much needed break at raincamp!
tara_camp: 67% of peeps are more likely to respond to Twitter, facebook, & linkedin than a email #raincamp via @benkinney
Lizmoras: Sitting at active rains first RAINCAMP in Seattle - with bob Kiney - bob stewart - brad andersohn - hey and scott leaf - amazing!
pmcmortgages: Ben Kinney is on stage-this guy understands social networking! #raincamp
victoriarealtor: Top 10 keywords are 19.8 % of all your search terms http://hittail.com twitter#raincamp
findrebecca: Go for the less commonly searched phrases for your targets to get the 80% of your clients that are not using most seared phrases. #raincamp
depmodechick: Wow, these fancy Aeron chairs at Bell Harbor conference center in Seattle are amazing! :) #raincamp #activerain
victoriarealtor: Wow...250 Realtors are at Rain Camp today!!!
mikelovesrobots: At #raincamp. This place is packed! Also, I've never watched an agent use Activerain before live! #spy http://twitpic.com/km8sv
elaineAcook: in the most fantastic workshop...Active Rain, raincamp! Ben is doing great! Fabulous information!
findrebecca: Listening to the Social Media panel with Jim Reppond, Rhonda Porter, Courtney Cooper and JO Soss #raincamp 2009 Seattle.
concentriconlyn: #raincamp Do you promote your blog posts on any social bookmark services such as stumbleupon or del.icio.us?
RealtorSandyN: @BradAndersohn sharing his wealth of knowledge at @ActiveRainCorp #RainCamp.
KitsapAgent: @jososs is one of the better examples of what you can do with social media tools. Her quality content dominates our local market #raincamp
clockhours: #raincamp showing Social media video.. fad or revolution.. always give me goosebumps!
RebeccaChandler: http://bit.ly/OIIs2 (expand) @danielrmccarthy embracing social media to increase consumer engagement - a new way of sharing #activerain #raincamp
jimreppond: Find what's happening at the moment right around you on Twitter with your iPhone using "Buzzd" app. #raincamp
urownlo: listening to @activebob about twitter. #raincamp twitter helps get out my information i enjoy to share
GabeSEO: Twitter TweedDeck tip: Use the filter button in columns to only display Tweets with "?". Result, only question related Tweets. #RainCamp
Design29: Very moving video. Ben Kinney talking about sharing with others, amazing stuff!! #raincamp

Parents Testimonies After Attending RainCamp:

pmcmortgages: Wrapping up the first ever Active Rain raincamp. It was invaluable! Thanks to all! #raincamp
ChristineandCo: Loving what i am learning at #raincamp
victoriarealtor: Brad...Sharing is a good and positive thing ...Thanks for Coming and sharing!  :O)) #raincamp
dalekreiser: Great turnout at Seattle #raincamp. Good info to boot! http://twitpic.com/km1eo
Pamstages: The information here at Rain Camp is great, not just for Realtors I think it's for any small business #raincamp
chrispenner: @BradAndersohn Hey Brad thanks so much to you and your team for ripping up the #raincamp yesterday, just super.
DuaneHopper: @clockhours yep, another great show by #activerain at #raincamp. See you at the after hours for a video ;-)
victoriarealtor: Thanks to our Panel at Rain Camp Jim Repond, Rhonda Porter, Courtney Copper and Jo Soss with Active Brad #raincamp
clockhours: @DuaneHopper Hey Duane.. so you are in this crowd.. awesome conference, huh?! #raincamp
cheridiehl: #raincamp Looking forward to using what I've learned to sell Long Beach WA real estate
urownlo: i have so many great ideas from #raincamp that i will be implementing asap
jimreppond: @mortgageporter more like "getting charged" :-) #raincamp
RealtorSandyN: @benkinney The 10 Days of Pain for internet lead generation! You really missed a ton of info if you didn't attend #raincamp
eComprehend: #raincamp thanks for an awesome day of learning!
RollandJLS: Had a great time at raincamp, awesome to see so many positive good people there! #raincamp
kimcripe: #raincamp What a fantastic day! Thanks for making geeky sexy again....
RentonHomeFinde: #raincamp in Seattle social media and how do we sell Renton homes great stuff for our clients and business
depmodechick: My brain is percolating truckloads of ideas, thanks to the first ever Rain Camp in Seattle (put on by Active Rain). Thank you #raincamp !!!
JoSoss: No matter what level blogger you R- #raincamp has to be a must! I picked up lots of stuff Thx @activebrad @activebob @JonWashburn @BenKinney
Ricklie: Fantastic day of learning at Active Rain's Rain Camp. Thanks to all the planners & contributors for an inspiring six hours! #raincamp
JoSoss: Just posted on ActiveRain: ActiveRain- RainCamp - Thanks the Behind the Scenes AR Crew http://activerain.com/t/1274811
renefabre: #raincamp 1 Seattle... thanks Ben Kinney, Bob Stewart, and Brad Andersohn... AWESOME JOB! ActiveRain team, you're fabulous!
Dinah Lee Griffey Allyn - "I have seldom in my career been as inspired as I was today [at RainCamp]." http://bit.ly/luWJJ
skynnard: Most amazing day of learning and sharing. Thanks #ActiveRain for making #RainCamp possible. Well done everyone. Can't wait for the next one.
BrettTousley: Had a good time at Active Rain's #raincamp today. Great speakers and a lot of useful info. Catch it if it rolls through your town.
DaleKreiser - @JonWashburn It was good to finally meet you last night. Thanks for putting on such a great event yesterday #raincamp Cheers!
JonWashburn: I am gushing with happiness after seeing such a positive twitter response to #raincamp - http://bit.ly/4qqssZ

So as you can see kids, getting your parents to one of these RainCamp events is worth while, and will literally change their life. A Happy Parent is a productive, Socially connected and educated Parent.  If you're still not sure about "RainCamp" or if it's right for your folks, just listen and watch this video below.  Hopefully, you'll be convinced why you "MUST" get your parents to an ActiveRain RainCamp in your area.

We promise to take good care of them, and are committed to making sure that each parent who attends a RainCamp, will come out of it renewed, refreshed, energized and educated.  They will never be the same parent again. :-))  Looking forward to seeing your folks at the next Summer Camp RainCamp for Parents. C'mon Kids, it's really all about them!

MLS TECH FAIR 2009 - New York

MLS TECH FAIR 2009 - New York

I am really excited that ActiveRain and the MLS of Long Island have invited me to be a guest speaker and part of their 8th Annual MLS Tech Fair this year.  The days schedule will be filled with great speakers, topics, breakout sessions, and an exhibit hall full of new and exciting products from some of the Top Industry Service Providers.

The list of Sponsors for this event is nothing short of impressive.  If you happen to be anywhere near Long Island, NY this week, you should take a day out and spend it with us.  Once you see their site and all that is being offered, I think you'll agree that this is the Grand Daddy "Tech Fair" of ALL Tech Fairs.  Come join us if you can, I'd love to see you there.

"Discover Innovative Ways To Recharge And Grow Your Real Estate Business!"

Some of the topics and panels I'll have the pleasure of participating on include:

Plaza Room: 11 to 11:15
How to Use ActiveRain
Start networking with the largest online gathering of real estate professionals in the world.
Speaker:
Brad Andersohn, ActiveRain
Blogging Tips and Strategies: Dirty Secrets Experts Know
Starlight Room: 1:45 to 2:15
There may be a lot of real estate bloggers, but are there a lot of GOOD ones? Hear from the experts what defines an effective blog. Learn how a commitment to frequent, newsworthy and content rich blog posts can expand your sphere of influence, generate trusting clients and transform your business. Get a chance to ask the experts your blogging questions.
Panelists: Dan Green, Bring The Blog
Brad Andersohn, ActiveRain
Marc Davison, Partner with 1000Watt Consulting
Leveraging the Power of Social Networking 
Plaza Room: 3:15 to 4:00
Session highlights the strengths of the various social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, real estate community sites and real estate search/valuation sites and helps you choose what’s right for you and where you should focus your energies. Learn how social media sites enable you to reach large numbers of consumers in a powerful & interactive way. Hear the importance of managing your time, difference between networking & selling & how effective social networking today will plant the seeds for a successful future harvest. We’ll save time for Q&A with you.
Moderator: Brad Andersohn, ActiveRain 
Panelists: Kelly Roark, FrontDoor.com
Sara Bonert, Zillow.com
Diallo Stevens,CRS,GRI,SRES, RECS,e-PRO – Century 21 Best
Rudy Bacharaty, Trulia 

A very special thanks goes out to Jenny Natale and Katie Windham for helping put all this together and for getting me to New York in "style!" They are a couple of "first class" ladies that I'm really looking forward to meeting this week. Also thanks to Jon and Bob for letting me take a little break, and even though I'll still be working, you can bet I'll be having some fun too!

If you want to follow us and participate from where ever you are, the twitter hashtag is #MLSTF. There will be plenty of twitter updates I'm sure. I'll be using that hashtag to solicit questions from our audience and any other followers during the last session. (3:15 to 4:00pm) Anything you'd like to know or ask our panel regarding "Leveraging The Power of Social Networking? We'd love to hear from you. :-)

For more information, please email them at info@mlstechfair.com or call 631-661-4800 ext. 11.
Here's Directions To The MLSTechFair

RainCamp - Our New Training Program - Starts In Seattle, WA

ActiveRain RainCamp - Our New Training Program - Starts In Seattle and you're Invited!

This has to be one of the most exciting announcements I've ever had the privilege to post on AR.  I remember signing up that "rainy" day back in February of 2007.  My first question was, "Where Do I find the Owners Manual for this place?"  My next thought was, "How do I get the most out of Social Networking and Blogging here?  Does this stuff really work?"  OMG! My Journey began that day, and would turn out to be way more than I ever anticipated or expected.  We have all watched the AR community grow in more ways than just our membership and business growth, we have seen it change peoples lives and impact the Real Estate Industry.

It's time to take the Network and Community on the Road.  We are going to "Rain" in cities all over the Country.  It's New, it's Exciting, it's Awesome, and it's called RainCamp.  The first one will start in our Corporate backyard, the beautiful City of Seattle.  This is a huge turning point for ActiveRain, and also for our members and those who attend. 

RainCamp.com - "Because the way we do business has changed!"

Who: Join Seattle's most forward thinking real estate professionals to master the nuances of modern real estate marketing. 

What: Six hours of cutting edge real estate technology and social media training.

When: October 7th, 2009 (Registration is @8:00am)

Where: Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, WA

Why: Learn how to use the latest innovations to exploit this ever changing environment, and redefine your position as an industry expert and leader. Because you are a pioneer and because you refuse to be left behind.

What Do You Get?

The Venue: This is a High-end, High-Tech facility with stadium seating and comfy Aeron Chairs with plenty of elbow room. All the comforts you'd expect at the Taj Mahal. The setting is a top-notch environment where you can relax, learn and enjoy the day and program we have planned for you.

  • A single-track conference with quality content
  • Wi-Fi, professionally managed (Bring your laptop.)
  • Business networking opportunities
  • Conversations and experiences of a lifetime!

How is RainCamp different from other Conferences?

  • Assess how you stack up in the modern market.
  • Listen to people that are practicing what they preach, and having outstanding success doing it.
  • Learn the methodology of a newer agent who has leveraged the Internet to become a 'Mega Producer'.
  • Walk away with executables you can put into action immediately.
  • Hard core real estate technology education. This is not a fluff event!!

The "RainCamp" Schedule


Modern Day Real Estate Marketing (9:00a - 9:30a)

Find out where you rank before we kick off the day. How does your social profile rate against your neighbor? How can you expand that presence and create connections that are meaningful in a professional manner? Understanding where we are is the only way to figure out where we need to go.

Meet the Speaker: Bob Stewart


Search Engine Marketing (9:30a - 10:30a)

Advertising is undergoing a radical transformation. As advertising dollars make an exodus from print to online marketing, do you know how to position your advertising budget to get the most impact out of each dollar? As most of your potential clients go online to make purchase decisions, knowing how to target them in the places they reside will be instrumental in ensuring they do business with you.

Meet the Speaker: Ben Kinney

Break (10:15a - 10:30a)


Converting Leads Into Closings (10:30a - 11:30a)

It's one thing to learn how to drive traffic to your site, it's entirely different to actually convert that traffic into a commission. Learn the regiment required to get industry leading conversions with the prospects on your website. There is no reason the leads on your site should be treated like the rest of the industry treats theirs. Resolve to do something different.

Meet the Speaker: Ben Kinney & Bob Stewart

Lunch (11:30a - 12:30p)


Real World Social Media Success Stories - PANEL  (12:30p - 1:15p)

Listen to real agents on the street who are using Social media to enhance their business. Let them tell you how they did it. Not every story is the same but the critical component is this: They took the leap and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Panel Moderator: Brad Andersohn


30 Technologies You Don't Know But Should (1:15p - 1:30p)

Does this really need an explanation? Yes it does, so you'll need to come and hear it. 

Meet the Speaker: Ben Kinney


Becoming the Online Mayor of Your Community (1:30p - 2:00p)

The end game of all real estate social media strategies. Learn how to put yourself at the online center of your real community. This is market area "farming" and done by the cutting edge elite. Take full advantage of the resources available and create a plan to put yourself in the middle of the flow of information in your market.

Meet the Speaker: Brad Andersohn & Ben Kinney

Break (2:30p - 2:45p)


Hyper-local Blogging for Business (2:45p - 4:00p)

What is Hyper-local? Why does it matter? How does focusing on hyper-local content give you more qualified leads that are ready to act quicker? Find out how to target your next client by providing the information they are looking for when they are really getting close to buying.

Meet the Speaker: Bob Stewart & Ben Kinney

 

About The Speakers:

Ben Kinney, Mega Producer, Keller Williams

Featured: 2008 Realtor Magazines annual "30 under 30", RIS Media "Power Team" report, WCAR Realtor of the Year and Quarter

Bob Stewart, Director of Social Media Strategy, ActiveRain

Bob is responsible for growing and maintaining ActiveRain's vibrant community of real estate professionals. He has been actively involved as a member of ActiveRain from inception. Prior to ActiveRain, Bob was COO of Brio Realty and during his tenure he increased sales volume from zero to over $100 million a year.

Brad Andersohn, Community Manager, ActiveRain

Brad is the all around tech and member support services guru.  His focus and goal is to make sure members are getting the most out of the network and community.  He spends a great deal of time introducing new products, tools, and services with explanations and tutorials on how to best apply them to your business plans and growth strategies.

We're looking forward to your attending and participating in our newest endeavor.  We're taking ActiveRain RainCamp on the road so you can take your Business to the next level.  Check RainCamp.com for details regarding this and other RainCamps sprouting around the Country.

Register For RainCamp Below, but Hurry, these seats won't last.

Events

Picture of Bell Harbor Conference Center courtesy of Josh Hallett