Having been away for the past week or so, I have to admit that this was one of the best disconnects ever! My son and I just spent a wonderful time in Hawaii celebrating his accomplishments and graduation from Cal Poly, while also making sure our time away served as an awesome vacation. We had the best time ever. From the moment we landed in Honolulu, till we returned, it was go, go, go! Together we took over 2000 photos, and shared some of the best memories that will last us both a lifetime.
The first sign that our trip was going to be incredible was when Avis upgraded our car rental from a mid-size vehicle to a Mustang Convertible. The agent at Avis looked at Sean and said "here's my graduation gift to you." Every moment of our trip was like that. We stayed at a friends house in Kaimuki, a 4000+ sq. ft. home with a million dollar view of Diamond Head and Waikiki. The Aloha Spirit was overflowing from day one. Some of the things we were able to do included our Golf Game at Luana Hills, the most beautiful course in the world. (Like playing golf at Jurrasic Park) and yes, Sean beat me by 10 strokes. DOH! :-)
Click Here - More Hawaii Photos
We traveled and explored the entire island of Oahu, stopping to dine and swim at nearly every scenic location. From Sandy Beach, Kailua, Waimanalo, Lanikai, Hanauma Bay to North Shore and Waimea, you could find us snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the rays. We surfed in Waikiki, shopped at the International Marketplace, and even picked up some goodies at the ABC stores located on nearly every corner. We both soon forgot it was a celebration, and turned it into a vacation in Paradise.
One day, we were actually followed by the Google Maps car while heading to North Shore and we're certain we will be on Google maps when you search "Chinaman's Hat." We had a great time in Haleiwa, and ate at Cholo's, a great Mexican food restaurant in town. Then we had some awesome photo opportunities with the turtles swimming around over on the North Shore. Last Saturday, we took some time out to fly over to Maui, grabbed the Molokini Express, and spent the morning snorkeling in one of the top 10 underwater preserves in the world. Molokini Crater, a must see for any diver or snorkeler.
A day at the Aloha Stadium swap meet shopping was enough to almost convert our carry on bags to check-ins, they were completely packed with gifts and souvenirs. There were so many places we visited, shops, scenic views like the Pali, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and beautiful coast lines, there is no way I could list all we did in a single post. The best part of the entire trip was getting to be with my son, and celebrate Fathers Day with him alone, something we haven't done in years.
The only negative event that happened this trip was that a man passed away in his seat on the plane coming home. It made us realize just how special life is and that our time here should never be taken for granted. Sean's leaving tomorrow to go on a final cruise with his college buddies, then it's off into the working world for him. I could not be any more proud and pleased with what my son Sean has done and who he has become. He's a young man now, and is the legacy that one day I'll leave behind. The world will be good to him and he to it.
I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend together, and I appreciate all my AR family and friends supporting my leave of absence for this celebration/vacation. It was a very much needed break and disconnect for me and my son. Thank you. Now I'm back, rejuvenated, and ready to try and catch up with all I missed while away. It's great to be back home, but I will have to be going back to the Islands very soon
once again, my wife has made that very clear!! :-))
Mahalo and Aloha!
Connecting socially in the On-line World is great, and important, especially for networking, building relationships and business, but connecting in person after that cyber handshake is what makes it even more exciting and awesome than you can imagine. These are extraordinary times. Inman.com calls their annual event "Inman Real Estate Connect" and it's pretty clear as to why.
"Visitors to Real Estate Connect enjoy 3 jam-packed days full of the industry's best networking opportunities and the very latest business intelligence that will help you rethink, re-frame and recharge your business." Inman.com
The AR community has been a big supporter of "Connects" all the way from San Francisco to New York, and we're doing it again this year. The good folks over at INMAN have extended an "Early RAIN" special discount to ALL ActiveRain members in hopes you'll join us there this year. Jon, Bob, Jeff and I will be there, and we're excited to see old friends and finally get to meet many of you.
Here's some of what's been planned for REC "09"
Inman Videos From Past Conferences
Looking back at years past, I have never regretted attending one of these events. They just get bigger and better every year. If you have never attended an Inman Connect, it's difficult to put into words the value and benefit they bring to your business, and if you have attended in the past, then you know exactly what I mean. Come meet many of the ActiveRain members you may already know on-line, and also come away with a good understanding of what is needed to survive the future of the Real Estate Industry.
My trip down "Memory Lane" from previous connects:
VIDEO:
Video from Inman Connect 2007
ActiveRain Member Interviews from Inman Connect 2008
PHOTOS:
Inman Connect San Francisco 2008
Inman Connect - New York City 2009
We hope you'll join us August 5th -7th for another exciting "connect" and "gathering" and just FYI, ActiveRain Gatherings in the City By The Bay are the absolute best! So go get that member discount, and come join us for a time you'll never forget. We'll see you in San Francisco. :-)
Click Here for ActiveRain Partner Pricing
Deadline to register at this discounted price is June 19, 2009
The Northern California Chapter of CRB invited us to come discuss Social Media Marketing and Networking with their group at their annual spring luncheon yesterday. The event is held every year at the Sacramento Convention Center. First off, I want to thank the Board Of Directors for inviting ActiveRain to speak, and also thank those who attended. It was an honor and privilege to be part of your meeting. I also want to thank President Earl Shuttleworth CRB, GRI and Executive Director - Joseph Banuat CRB for the beautiful plaque and for their wonderful hospitality. Your organization is Top Shelf.
This particular presentation was to help Brokers and Managers to understand Social Networking a bit more and also the benefits of being an ActiveRain RainMaker. Our goal is to show Brokers and Managers how a group or team Blog can benefit their company, brokerage, or them as an individual. Also why supporting agents and their effective Blogging efforts is so important. There was a great deal of interest by the group as we had 30+ CRB members/guests ask to be included in the upcoming webinar "How To Build A Powerful Team or Group Blog!"
Congratulations to Gerrett Snedaker, CRB - CEO/Broker of Frank Howard Allen Realtors in Sonoma County for winning the drawing and an ActiveRain RainMaker Membership. We're looking forward to the development and success of Gerrett's new Team/Group Blog. For those unable to attend, I've included what was shared at the luncheon: a mind map from mindmeister, a PowerPoint presentation, and a video webinar created by Steven Graham using ActiveRains own Virginia Hepp from Mesquite Nevada as a case study. Thanks again for allowing us the opportunity to be part of your meeting, we hope ideas for opportunity were shared and created for you in return.
UPDATE: Here's the "RainMaker" Webinar Presentation if you missed it on June 11th. This was the follow-up that I recommend any Broker, Manager, or Individual agent take a look at. Thanks Bob Stewart for helping put this together for this group, you Rock!! Click below to play the video.
Are you a Real Estate Broker or Manager? Do you support your Agents Blogging? Should a Real Estate Brokerage have a company Blog in addition to their own personal Blogs? What is the value of having a Brokerage or TEAM Blog with multiple contributors? Who are the "key" people that should contribute to a group Blog? What should be the focus of a "Brokerage Blog" vs "Personal" and what kind of time commitment is involved? What tools can be incorporated to bring more value to your Blogs and to the consumer, and why the Heck should you care?
This Friday, we'll share some insight about these and other questions. The CRB (Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers) Northern California Chapter has invited AR to attend and represent the community. The question of whether to have a Blog or not is really no longer the question at all, especially if you're in todays Real Estate Industry and Market. The real question is; "how do you support, budget, and integrate time and technology so that the individual and Broker Blogs work, and are not something that can cause you or your office problems, lost business, or big money?"
Consumers are using the Internet more and more for research causing Agents and Brokers to take a deeper look at their involvement with Blogging, WEB 2.0 technologies, and their Internet presence. Is it time to be in tune with them and to find more ways to support them? Every Brokerage should consider having a Group/Team Blog. In the very near future, this won't be a choice or option, it'll be an Industry standard, just like "the website" was.
The only choices soon will become when and how...
Building a Team or Broker Blog with Multiple Contributors doesn't have to be challenge or nightmare. Understanding some basic key fundamentals can help you establish a powerful presence both on-line and in your Local Community. ActiveRain programmers, developers, and our staff have put in many hours of time and research to determine what works and what doesn't. Without a doubt, it takes commitment, focus, time, and a plan. Investing these four basic elements will deliver a multitude of positive results.
Making the decision to have a Blog or Team Blog is the easy step, but knowing how to make it work and what things to implement, along with who should be contributing, is the key to ANY multi-authored Blogs' success. If you're a Real Estate Broker/Manager, and you do not currently have a Blog or TEAM Blog for your Personal, Brokerage or Office, this may be an enlightening Luncheon for you to attend. Joe Banuat from Coldwell Banker (also the NOR-CAL CRB Executive Director) is inviting ALL OF YOU to join us in Sacramento this Friday for:
"Technology and YOU - the Broker/Manager"
brought to you in part by:
All Licensed Real Estate Agents are Welcome, you DO NOT have to be a Broker or Manager to attend this event.
ActiveRain - The National "Global" Real Estate Network
"Hi Brad, I live in South Africa and would like to join AR. No luck. No way to join if you are from another country. Any chance of this changing soon? Colleen." This was a request and comment I received yesterday. We have received many requests lately from all over the world about joining ActiveRain. New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia, Mexico, Tahiti, parts of the UK and others. So in an effort to expand our Network and help create Global Real Estate connections and networking opportunities, we've setup an "International Home" for our World Wide Web of friends.
The State of: International, County of: International, City of: International have been created. Anyone outside the US and Canada can use this new option when they sign up. We will be setting up specific Countries as we continue to grow in these various locations.
If you are looking or have been waiting to join ActiveRain, no matter where you're located on earth, now you can do so by Clicking Here. As we expand our Global reach to other Countries, please take a moment to say hi, welcome, and recognize some of our new found International Friends.
In years past, having a network connection to others in our Industry "Globally" may have seemed a bit far fetched, but with WEB 2.0 and Networks like AR, the World has become a much smaller and accessible place. These are very exciting and fascinating times. I'm happy to do my part by flying out to Tahiti and presenting the first ActiveRain class. Jon? :-)
Is your Blog getting exposure in these other Countries? You bet it is!
Helping Build Community, Relationships and Business through Social Networking & Blogging. Specialist in Real Estate Technology, Marketing, and Internet Strategies. "It's about People helping People."
Welcome. ActiveRain is a very special network and community to me. Every developer, programmer, member and contributor adds something unique to the mix, and together we create something beautiful and powerful that I'm proud to be a part of. Thousands of hours have gone into the ActiveRain Network, and we're dedicated to making it better every day. Thank you for making it part of your on-line and off-line world.
— Brad Andersohn
ACTIVERAIN - eBOOK and Manual
Some useful information for new and existing ActiveRain Members.
This eBook contains tips, tricks, how-to's and tutorials that are all about "how to get things done" on ActiveRain. Just click on any of the tabs to find out more about how the ActiveRain tools, products, and services can help you and your business in the Social Networking and Social Media Marketing process. Enjoy!
If you have questions about ActiveRain or need assistance, check out the Help/FAQ group. You will also find a "Getting Started" link on the main ActiveRain page, just below the Channels area. Feel free to contact me anytime if you are unable to find the answers you need here. If you are having a technical issue, Contact ActiveRain. There is also a Suggestion Box available, and a Feedback button on the left side of my Blog.
I hope you enjoy your Social Networking and Blogging experience on ActiveRain.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
"ActiveRain Voices - Members Speak Out!"
Wow Brad, You never cease to amaze me...If I was an active real estate agent I would move to your neck of the woods so I could do business with you and somehow figure out a way to put money in your pocket and keep you happy...The info you are dispensing here is really outstanding Sir!!! I can never hit the notify me of new comment box on your posts or my in box will be flooded when I wake up in the morning.
Bob Stewart - Active Rain
Dear Brad, I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other users. "If you are seeking someone who embodies a keen awareness of social media, the ability to bring the very best out of people and loves his work, I recommend you meet and work with Brad Andersohn. Besides being a really nice guy, Brad is a knowledgeable marketer, a shrewd real estate blogging expert and an experienced network builder. At Active Rain, Brad is called the "community builder" which is quite appropriate. In my mind, Brad Andersohn is the resident Active Rain "people builder" who possesses the rare ability to help jump-start your Internet presence so you can enjoy greater success."
Bobby Carroll - Dakno Marketing
I recently had the good fortune to meet Brad Andersohn. It was truly an amazing learning experience for me. The primary topics at hand were constructing my business plan for 2008 and growing my business into the future. Brad has written a full suite of software products that directly and intuitively take you down the path of your future business activities and projected results. He breaks the tasks down to monthly, weekly, and daily activities. Once one or several deals get done, the program updates and recalculates new target levels for contacts, appointments, and closings needed to stay on target with your original plan. Brad’s schedules allow flexibility in terms of client contact whether it be thru emails, notes, visits, or phone calls. He and his company,go into great detail in assisting agents with farming and building meaningful databases. Brad’s grasp of blogging, websites and all the interrelated parts of that segment of marketing is unparalleled.
My description of Brad’s ideas and products do not do justice to the value they have immediately added to my outlook, attitude and renewed enthusiasm to get my plans put into action. Hats off to a real Pro — and yes, this is a direct, hard core recommendation for you to contact him and REALLY grow your biz.
Douglas Moore - Alain Pinel Realtors
Brad can only be described as high-energy, creative, "brain food" for the real estate industry. If you want systems, solutions and technologies to take your business to the next level, Brad is the answer! I honestly don't know when Brad sleeps. Awesome Title/Escrow services by day, Technology genius by night. Really good Title/Escrow people take excellent care of clients you bring them, but Brad is on a different level entirely. He helps you develop clients you didn't have before!
Wendy Cutrufelli - Countrywide Home Loans
“Brad is phenomenal at taking technology and solutions to the next level. His blogs and ideas on ActiveRain
take the content-rich site to the maximum potential. If you have not seen his blogs or ideas, make sure to check
out his ActiveRain site for more detail.
Jason Bliss - Intuvo LLC
“I would highly recommend Brad's work. He is on top of technology and is a wonderful trainer. 100% ethical, honest and a person with integrity.”
Missy Caulk - RE/MAX Platinum
“I worked with Brad for several years. Brad was especially helpful in keeping my mortgage company on track with his knowledge of the mortgage and real estate industry. He assembled a team that was, in my opinion, the best in their field. As a mortgage broker, I relied on my title company for prompt, accurate and friendly service for my clients. I always recommended Brad's team and would drive 20 miles to use him rather than someone closer because of his dedication to his clients, his team and to me. I would, without a doubt, work with Brad and any team he puts together.”
Richard Smith - Keystone Mortgage
“Brad is the type of person everyone should have in their world; a man with lots of integrity, reliability, honor, helpfulness and smart, too. He has provided services I desperately needed many times - especially computer/PDA and technology fixes. He continues to be interested in my real estate business’ growth and how he and his company can make (my life simpler and) my business better. I very highly recommend Brad!”
Patrice Hall - Prudential California Realty
"Brad's industry knowledge, integrity, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile to help others is
an invaluable asset to his peers. I would, without reservation, highly recommend Brad Andersohn's work in
the escrow and technology services that he provides. As a 15 year veteran of the real estate and consulting
industry, I have yet to find someone so willing to share his time, knowledge and expertise with others.
Subscribe to his blog's! You will be amazed at the wealth of information..."
Nick Bastian - Homesource Preferred Properties
“Brad is a highly regarded member of active rain. His knowledge of technology and marketing is unsurpassed.
He is the “go to guy” with any type of marketing or technology question. He has been an invaluable resource for
me and everyday I learn something new from him.
Sandra Cummings - William Raveis Real Estate
“Brad brings a refreshing perspective on technology issues to Active Rain. His willingness to contribute
and to help colleagues with answers to their questions makes him a stand-out among members on that site.
“Brad is a pleasure to deal with. He has integrity and is always professional with his associates. He is a man that can get things done.” November 7, 2007 Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative!
Maureen Henry - Rockland Home Staging
I have had the great opportunity to be a colleague of Brad's on Active Rain. He has written numerous instructional and tutorial posts on utilizing online marketing tools for the thousands of members on Active Rain. His posts show great detail and precise instructions on each of the pieces of technology he shares with us, and he uses those skills to make sure his writing is clear and concise, and easily understood by his audience. I continue to use Brad's posts to make my online marketing efforts as efficient and productive as possible. And I know numerous other Active Rain members would confirm the same as well. Brad clearly has a firm grasp not only on the latest technology tools available, he also has a great handle on how best to implement them as well. I will continue to look to him for news on how to continue striving to make my online marketing as effective and efficient as possible. He's a terrific asset to all of us who are colleagues on Active Rain!
Ann Cummings - RE/MAX Coast to Coast
"Brad, a special thanks for your time, expertise and patience in getting our computer system going. I've had this system for nearly 4 years and have never had it efficiently the way it was intended. In about 3 hours, you accomplished what three other so called professionals were unable to do. WOW! Everything is up and running great! A million thanks would not be enough. I was extremely impressed with your knowledge, professionalism and ability to simplify tasks to a level I could understand. You have a rare talent, which should take you a long way in life and to a successful career. Thank you so much again...you have been an absolute "Gold Mine" to my office!
Steve Turnbloom - Turnbloom & Associates - Broker / Owner
"I am writing you to Thank You for allowing Brad Andersohn to participate in the Computer Farming Seminar held at the California Association of Realtors Convention in San Diego. Brad's high professionalism helped contribute to the success of the seminar. You are very fortunate to have on your team a person of such high Caliber! Please convey my sincere appreciation for a job well done!"
John Bolton - Century 21 Landmark
"I am writing to you on behalf of your generous and brilliant team of support personnel which include Brad Andersohn. I can't say enough about him. He has helped me so many, many times, and has gone out of his way, way above and beyond the "call of duty". I just hope that other agents are not as remiss as myself in writing to let you know how grateful we are to have him. He is truly exceptional and has done more for me than I could ever "Thank" him for!" It has taken a great deal to win my business, but I owe it to Brad. Many Thanks!!"
Cynthia Burke, CRS - Security Pacific Real Estate
"I teach a course for senior agents at Mason McDuffie in Orinda and have had Brad Andersohn speak at the prospecting session on three occasions. He is an excellent speaker with a tremendous amount of knowledge. I believe he takes his work very seriously and I will continue to ask him to be a part of my training classes. I think you have a great employee on your team. Thank you!
Kitty Cole - Mason McDuffie - National Trainer RE Services
“Brad has been (and continues to be) a terrific blogging resource for real estate topics
on Active Rain. He makes an extra effort to help others throughout the network.
Kristal Kraft - The Berkshire Group Realtors
"I would like you to know how much we appreciate Brad Andersohn. Brad continually goes the extra mile in service, and always with a smile. Brad has really made the Advantage Farming system a super tool. He has spent countless hours helping us get it in running order. We know it will make a big difference in our future business. There is something to be said about someone who takes time out in the evening to call from their home because they know the next couple of days are filled with many appointments. Much dedication to your company as well as to the agents he is helping. Brad has been a treasure to deal with. Our sincere thanks and appreciation in your having such a dedicated employee."
Dear Brad, You are one of those kind of people that instructors "Dream" of having in their class! You are eager, enthusiastic, ready and willing to learn, supportive, and you walk the talk. Your application of what I teach is excellent as is your ability to adapt what I teach to you and your way of selling. To say I am one of your greatest fans would be an understatement! Congratulations on winning the Sales Talk Championship. The competition was excellent. To be chosen Best-of-the-Best is the highest honor. Best of luck to you always!"
Eddie Snow - Dale Carnegie
Kelly Cantrell - First Amrican Title Company
"Brad, to stand out as a "Service Star" in an era that requires lots of energetic performances just to keep pace with our volume, is certainly an accolade. Thank you for showing us all how to get the job done! You set an example for our newer employees and keep the customers coming back. Congratulations on your award.
Mark Sachau - First American - Chief Operating Officer
"Brad was instrumental in the production of the 1st ever "Solano County Real Estate Tech Fair"! Being the Chairman for the SAOR Technology Committee, Brad took it upon himself to plan, direct, coordinate and implement the entire program. Most of his effort was done after hours on his own personal time. Brad definitely deserves a service star for his great and valiant efforts!"
Thomas Lucini - First American Title - Director of Sales
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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