Real Estate 2.0 Technology

An ActiveRain Conduit - Toolbar for Your WEB Browser

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:30:14 -0600

The ActiveRain Conduit - A Nifty Toolbar for Your Internet WEB Browser

This may be one of my coolest and greatest inventions EVER!! If you can believe that... lol~

ActiveRain members and even non-members should consider adding this toolbar to their Internet WEB Browsers. It will work with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The toolbar gives you easy and instant access to some of the most viewed pages and important helpful tools on ActiveRain. I think you'll find it to be a very useful tool. Here's some of the features and cool stuff it has:

The ActiveRain Real Estate Network Toolbar - Will help you "Stay Connected" easily and instantly.

Access ActiveRain.com with a single click
Pull-Down menu to select from ALL Industry Affiliates
Search the AR Network for members or any topic
One Click Access to Important Member "Must Read" info
HELP Menu for Manuals, Guides, Training & Support
Easy Access to AR Features from an RSS menu
Link to Search and Sort ALL ActiveRain Blog Posts
One-Click Access to the ActiveRain Staff and Team
Live Updates, Announcements & ActiveRain Broadcasts

You can easily download the toolbar for your specific browsers and remove it just as easily if needed. Take a moment to try it out, see some things you may not have known existed, and let me know what you think? Once you download the toolbar and add it to your browser, you'll see how easy it is. Most likely, your "wheels" will start spinning and you'll be wondering how you can create a "custom toolbar" for your Site, Services, Blog, or Clients Browsers? I'll show you how, and the best part is that it's easy and FREE!

I hope you'll check it out, I'm really excited about this one... :-)

Select YOUR Browser below to Install the AR Toolbar

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The ActiveRain "HELP" Toolbar for Your Browser

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:43:28 -0600

The ActiveRain "HELP" Toolbar for Your Browser - was created to help members and non-members find important pieces of information in and around the network, and to give additional assistance to newer members who aren't sure where to look or find help in the ActiveRain Community. It's an additional "help" source available for you if needed.

In this post I'll breakdown each section of the toolbar and show how it might be helpful. The "Toolbar" is not just for AR members, it's also for anyone who wants to keep up with what's happening in the world of Real Estate on and through the AR Network. It works on Explorer, Firefox, and Safari browsers and it's FREE.

The first section of the toolbar allows you to access AR with a single click on the logo. Next to the logo is a pull-down menu where you can login to AR or Join. You can also search by member "category" which helps save time if you're looking for a specific type of Industry professional.

There are 28 Industry categories to choose from, this makes it quick and easy for members and consumers to access any category with the single "point and click" option.

The "Read" button IS for ActiveRain members and those interested in joining the network. Unlike most boring community guidelines and terms of service, ours is unique and is a "must read!"
Can you say Weltanschauung?

The "Help" button and pull-down menu gets you access to the ActiveRain Manual, The ActiveRain University, The ARU Training Calendar, the Help/FAQ Group on AR, Information about Real Estate RainCamps, and member contributed guides and how-to articles and posts. This is one of my favorite parts of the toolbar and may be the most useful part for members needing "help" and tutorials about ActiveRain.

The "Daily Drop" is for those who want to be kept informed via AR's Daily Newsletter. Click To Subscribe.

The "Featured" pull-down menu gives you "live" real-time access to what's "Featured" on ActiveRain right now. You can browse ALL featured posts right from the toolbar and do it from any website or page you're on. Whether you're a member of AR or not, this is a great tool to be kept informed of what's going on in and around Real Estate all over the Country and Canada. (Your neighborhood included)

The "Blogs" button is a direct link to ALL AR Blog posts which can be sorted using the built in ActiveRain sort options. This makes getting to the newest and freshest content fast and easy.

Many networks, blogging platforms, and social media sights make it difficult to try and reach staff members. With this button, the entire AR Team is only "one-click" away.

Member support on ActiveRain is something we take seriously and are very passionate about. Our members' satisfaction and our reputation have been built on how well we support our friends on AR. The "Support" button pull-down on the toolbar shows we listen to our members, and we care. You are literally one click away from contacting AR support, making suggestions, sending us your feedback and comments, and emailing us directly.

The "Message" button is for communicating important messages. This will ONLY be used to make important announcements. IE: New AR features, Upcoming special events, RainCamps, Trainings and Classes etc. The message board has its' own set of built in tools for users to manage and respond to incoming messages.

The "Facebook and Twitter buttons" give you direct access to ActiveRain's Facebook page and to our "live" Twitter stream. No need to even leave the toolbar to see our latest tweets, but to become a friend or fan on Facebook, you will need to click the Facebook Icon.

This covers most uses for the AR Help Toolbar. It is completely customizable for each user. You can remove/hide any of the above predefined components that you don't need or aren't using by selecting the "toolbar options" in the main menu and checking the box next to those items you'd like hidden. If space on your browser is an issue, there's a "shrink toolbar" option that will minimize the space used. I hope you'll find it to be a useful addition to your browser tools and an efficient source for interaction and help on ActiveRain.

Select your browser below and install the ActiveRain Help Toolbar.

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RainCamp Denver - Taking Business Miles Higher

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:38:08 -0600

RainCamp Denver - "Taking Your Business Miles Higher, and Farther!"

Denver, Colorado is currently preparing for the ActiveRain Thunder and Lightening that's about to hit the City. Last night, as I was leaving RainCamp in Dallas, I received the confirmation that we are now booked and confirmed for Denver, and it's just 3 weeks away. Just yesterday, Kristal Kraft was asking me on Facebook when we'd be bringing RainCamp to her "Mile High" City, so I tossed out a rumor, and a few minutes later, Lauren confirmed it.

This will be the 5th RainCamp on our US tour, and thus far, every one of them has been a sold out packed house. I know the folks in Denver and surrounding areas are going to be very excited to hear that we're on our way over. We're excited to be coming! I've also been told that people in Denver really know how to have a good time. They play hard because they work hard, and when it comes to taking "Care of Business" they've set the standard and bar very high! Maybe that's really why the area is referred to as "mile high?" ;-)

Get registered early for this one, I know it will be sold out faster than the others. I won't try to excite you with all the RainCamp details, there's plenty of posts on AR with all that, but I will tell you to block out your Calendar for March 9th, 2010 and plan on joining us in Denver for one of those "Thunder and Lightning" Rainstorm RainCamps you've heard about. Trust me, it's going to be awesome!

REGISTER NOW!

Now before you leave a comment or question here that says "When are you guys coming to ?????" just know that WE ARE coming to a City close to you soon, and we'll make sure that when we do, and we have all the details confirmed, you'll be the first to know, I promise! :-)

Special thanks to Kerrie, Lauren, Christa, and Doug for their behind the scenes efforts, they make it happen!

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New GOOGLE Tools for Your BLOG - Customized Mapping

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:30:20 -0500

When I think of the old traditional maps, I still think of the ones in my glove compartment. You know the one, you unfold it six times to open it, stretch your arms across the entire front seat of the car to read it, and then you're never able to fold it back up the right way to get it back in the glove compartment again. LOL! I use to get those maps from AAA before going on road trips with my family, just 2 years ago.

Today, there's GPS, Google Earth, Mapquest, Mapopolis, Yahoo maps, TREO's and other options to finding our way around the planet. So clean out your glove compartments! :-) In my research to find a marketing tool for a client today, I discovered a Blog that talked about customizing Google Maps! It's the Google Lat Long Blog. DETAILS>>> We are creating a map showing all her listings, and one for open houses Sunday.

Customize your maps with icons, photos, images, graphics and more. Here are some links to some helpful sites using Google Maps!

	Use Google Maps on your phone: Learn more »
	Add or Edit your business: Learn more »
	Advertise with Google Maps: Learn more »
	Add Google Maps to your website: Learn more »
	Get free local info. 800-GOOG-411: Learn more »

Next, here's how to customize your maps. Personalize Google Maps using Google Real Estate Search, Photos From Picasa, Photos from Panoramio, Gas Prices from GasBuddy.com, Distance Measurement Tools and Browse other Popular Maps for ideas. Add these to your listings, open houses, MLS tours, flyer's, address domain names, and even your website. Here's how: Go to Google Maps:

Select "My Maps" to begin creating hundreds of customized maps for you, your business, your clients, and personal use.

Click the option to "Create new map" and you're ready to get started with customizing your map.

You'll notice that you have the option to: add place marks, draw borders and custom lines, import graphics from other Internet sources and much more.

Take the time to explore Google Maps and all these possibilities. In less than a few minutes, you can create some really cool and useful maps which are great Blogging tools as well.

If you want some support with doing this, there are support and instructional links and Blogs at Google's support Blog!

I think anything you do to advance yourself with these "new" technology tools will help keep you on the cutting edge, and ahead of your competition.

To View a Sample Map I created, CLICK HERE!

Once you're done, you can link or email with the URL address, or you can embed the map into your Blog or Website. The HTML code and links are provided by Google. THIS IS AWESOME!! Do I seem to be a little over excited?!? I think this new feature is the Bomb!! It's making me Crazy all this new stuff!!

                                                                                                         MY SAMPLE MAP

Just to show an example of how powerful this customized mapping can be, these guys are thinking really BIG!

Look what Google has done with maps in their International project, Cleaning Up The World. You're invited to participate in this project/event too. Pick a spot and join on in. Join Google, and the rest of the world, in the International Crusade, Cleanup Weekend! 3 EASY STEPS

I love how Google is making an impact "outside" of the Internet too! Taking a cyber-space tool to help our communities and our planet. I hope you can use these maps to make an impact in your area, and for your business as well! :-)

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Do You Have "ICE" on your cell phone?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:28:51 -0500

We all carry our mobile phones with hundreds of names and numbers stored in the memory but yet nobody, other than ourselves, know which of these numbers belong to our nearest and dearest ones? In case we are ever involved in an accident, or if we had a heart attack, and the people tending to us get hold of our mobile phones, they don't know which number to call to inform our family members. Yes, there are many numbers stored, but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?

For this reason, we must have one or more telephone numbers stored under the name ICE (In Case of Emergency) in our mobile phones. The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is simple, and an important method of contact during emergency situations.

Cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, just store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency as "ICE" (meaning In Case of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call.

He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a Nationally recognized name for this purpose.

Following a disaster in London, the East Anglican Ambulance Service has launched a National "In case of Emergency "ICE" campaign. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service Personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact your next of kin, by simply dialing the number stored as "ICE".

Please let others know. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

For more than one contact name, simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our mobile phones today! This was an email message that was sent to me by a very close and dear friend. This post is all about giving back and helping others!!

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Your Blog - Now Available In 18 Different Languages?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:48:00 -0500

What if a single click could convert your entire Blog or Web-page to a different language? How about 18 different languages? That would be very cool. Well, I get excited about this stuff because I see there is a potential to reach more readers, have global potential with your business, and use the latest and greatest technology to enhance and grow your relationships. Possibly breakdown the language barrier between you and your clients and readers.

I have a client who speaks 12 different languages. She is an Active Rain member, and I hope she'll find this post! I would love to see how she might use a tool like this. This could be a huge opportunity to open up the marketing floodgates all over the country! The best way to find out, is of course, to do a post on my Blog and see what others have to say.

Go ahead and try this, convert this post to any language you choose. I'll show you how to add this to your Blog, Website, or any other HTML Internet web-page! Some of you will read this and go get it right away, there are others of you that may not be familiar with HTML and how to place it on your AR profile or Blog. This is just another little tech tip for you in trying to help you, "Get Your Arms Around Technology"

You can go to my widget showcase, and look for the following text at the top of the page: Try it for yourself...

Convert This Page To Any Language

If you like this tool, you can pick one up yourself at their website, and add it to your Blog. Here's instructions how to add HTML to your Blog! DETAILS>>>

If someone does contact you to do business from another Country, or even locally, but speaks another language, how do you do business with them now? I'm sure many of you will have some great ideas on how to utilize this tool in your business, I just wanted to bring it to your attention. This is "NEW", and available....for FREE! It's a good life! Enjoy.

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Goal Setting - The 7 Steps to Success

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:10:46 -0500

The whole point in setting your goals is so you can accomplish those things you really want in life. Goal setting is so unbelievably powerful. Goals must be specific, written down, and have a time frame. Just making the commitment to put it in writing will help you get there. Having good organization is a hard thing to do in this business because we are constantly interrupted. You have to be able to multi-task. We all want to get to where our business is repeat and referral, but it will take good organization, consistency, and patience.

I believe that the great NFL Hall of Fame coach, Vince Lombardi, had it right when he said, "The quality of a persons life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." Do you agree with the coach or are you the type of person who has difficulty staying focused and keeping commitments? Do you allow the negative influences of fear, anxiety, self-doubt and worry to dominate your thinking and sabotage your goals and results?

Sadly, most people fail to achieve their goals, not because they're lazy or lack self-motivation, but because they were never "fully committed" to succeed! Walt Disney would frequently tell those around him, "When you believe in something, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably!

The four reasons people don't set goals:

Fear
Poor Self Image
Never been sold completely
They just don't know how

The 7 steps in a successful goal formula:

Identify the Goal
List the benefits you'll receive
List the obstacles you have to overcome
List the knowledge, skills and tools you'll need
Identify the people, groups and organizations you must work with
Develop an Action-Plan
Set a completion date

According to Zig Ziglar, there is danger in setting your goals because you might not reach them and if you don't reach them, there is that little damage to your ego, to your self-image. But, there is infinitely more danger in not setting your goals. Here's a great little goal setting application to help you set your goals for the fourth quarter this year.

It's an excel spreadsheet designed to map out what it will take to achieve your goals in Real Estate. It's very easy to use, easy to download, but you will need Microsoft Excel to run it. Now more than ever, we need to redefine our goals, our challenges and our obstacles. It's easy to know where we are, but can we determine where we are going, simply by setting some goals?

Here's the 8th step! You can

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How Are You Promoting Your Blog Out in the REAL World

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:32:08 -0500

We all know that Blogging can bring you business. That's one of the reasons we do what we do. It does take some time before you really begin to see results, but then what doesn't? When you breakdown all the benefits of Blogging, there are quite a few valuable and justified reasons to do it. But, are we missing a very important ingredient for our "Blogs" and their success? Take a second to look at just a few of the many benefits of blogging:

Social networking to create and build relationships and to grow your referral business.
Search engine optimization (SEO) so Google, Yahoo and other "Search" engines place your Blog on the top of the list! Getting to the first page, or being #1 is the ultimate goal.
Promoting and advertising yourself, your business, your services and your products to the end user, the consumer, community or other targeted audiences.
Resources and Credibility. 50,000 resources here on Active Rain. Your Blog is what builds your credibility to viewers and other Bloggers. Your content, your knowledge and let's not forget, your personality. The comments from others on your Blog are very powerful. They might even establish you more credibility than your post. (just my opinion)
It's FREE! Websites cost money and take time to maintain and update, not to mention the time it takes to learn the whole "HTML" thing. Your Blog will pass up your website on the search engines eventually. Your Blog is updated with fresh content more often than your website, and people don't comment on your website. Blogging just might be the least cost, most effective and powerful marketing tool there is for your business.

There are lots of reasons that many of us Blog, but here's the most important question at the end of the day... is it working and getting you business? This idea hit me yesterday when I was handed a business card, and it had the Agents "Blog" URL listed just below their email address. This is the first Business Card I have ever seen with a "Blog" URL on the card. Is your Blog on your Business Card?

Do you promote your Blog to your community? How about to your existing clients so they can refer others? Is your Blog on all your Flyer's, open house postcards, even on your sign riders? Do you have links scattered all over the Internet with other community supported websites and Blogs?

We rely on Google to do their part in getting us recognition and placement on the web, but are we doing our part "In the REAL WORLD? Are we doing all we can to market our Blogs? How do we generate more business and success? There are so many who don't even know our Blogs exist! I suggest at least having it on your email signatures if you use Outlook, Gmail, or Yahoo email.

Right now, many other Bloggers read your Blog, but is the audience your after reading your posts? Are you waiting for them to find you based on the proper Google keyword search? Make sure that the "REAL World" knows your Blog exists. Just like your website, and your designations, you need to promote it every opportunity you get. The outside world needs to know about your Blog! Just another thought provoking post that I hope inspires you to look beyond our internal Cyber community, and find ways to get "Your Blog into the outside, REAL World!"

Where is your Blog today? Where should it be and how are you going to get it there?

Todays Tip: Here are the Top 100 Blogs, People, Tips and Markets in Real Estate DETAILS>>>>>

Photo Courtesy of: jaibharat.info

All Content Copyright Protected © 2007 - The Escrow Guy
My Other Blog is a TechKnowBabble Blog

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Blogging From Your Cell Phone?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 03:59:29 -0500

Today a client asked me, "Why should I Blog? Why wouldn't I just use email or talk on the phone?" This was a great question, and momentarily had me stumped! "I wish I could just use my phone to Blog?" I asked, "Why wouldn't you want to expose your marketing and advertising efforts for free using a Blog? She responded, "Because I don't have time, I'm not a writer, and Blogging requires both!"

I have to say, these are valid concerns for someone who is considering starting a Blog. Then she commented, "If I could just speak into a microphone or something like that, I might consider it. If I could use my phone to Blog, that would be even better." I started looking for a solution on how to to create a "Voice Activated Blog!" Taking into consideration the cost/expense of creating such a thing, I did some research and here's what I found.

It's a company with a widget that allows you to use your phone to Blog. The widget is then placed on your Blog for others to hear, and they can comment or reply via their phone. I thought this was pretty cool, and wanted to share it on my Blog tonight. It's called Utterz. It's simple to sign up and begin using your cell phone or land line to Blog! IT's FREE!

Here's how it works: Just call 712-432-Mooo(6666) and record your topic, record an idea for a post, explain your world view, or just post what's on your mind. You can also send video, pictures and text to go@utterz.com, and they'll post it for you!! It adds a whole new meaning to "finding your voice" for a Blog! Here's another member's phone Blog regarding a woman who was fined $222,000.00 for "Stealing" some Music (24 Songs) from KaZaa

MY SAMPLE UTTER!!

"Click for more" on this Widget! Just look what all you can do!

I have uploaded a photo, a video, a text message, a voice reply from my phone, and a written comment! Too Cool!!!

Where does Blogging go from here? Where will technology take us and our Blogs in the days ahead? There are already tech-tools in place that will allow Video Blogging and now Voice Recorded Blogging? There is even a social networking community now called "Second Life" which is a virtual webspace with Life-Like Avatars! it's crazy, they're even selling lots and land in the cyber worlds. That's a whole different topic and post. (coming soon...) Check out Utterz, it's utterly a new way to Blog from your cell phone!

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Swicki - The Tag and Keyword Tool

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:45:17 -0600

This past week, I was busy exploring the use of tags and keywords for the Real Estate 411 Directory Network, when I discovered a really powerful tool called a Swicki! When a visitor or member finds your Swicki, they can see the keywords or tag phrases used to find particular posts or videos. A Swicki allows you to add all the "Key Words" or "Tag Lines" you want to use, and that you want your visitors to see! I have copied the one to the left here from the RE 411 Main Dashboard.

I love this tool because it allows your visitors, who may be searching for a certain topic, see keywords that may entice them to be interested in something they might not have thought of during their "keyword" or "tag line" search! Do you know what your visitors are typing into Google, Yahoo, and MSN to find you, your Blog, or your website? Now you can add them to your Swicki. If the keywords or tags they are looking for aren't on your Swicki, they can still use your search feature, and you'll get notified on what words they used to search your Swicki. Now That's powerful!!

Swicki is created by a Company known as Eurekster, Inc. (http://www.eurekster.com/) They are the pioneer and leader in social search technologies. Their custom search portal and widget ("Swicki") harness the knowledge, power and behavior of on-line communities to improve the search experience. Users can now build and customize their search portal on any topic, then share and distribute the social search widget to grow a community of interested users. With every search, your Swicki becomes more relevant and meaningful to the user, and more valuable to "YOU" the swicki builder.

I also love that it works with text or Video. To see a sample of the Swicki's I am using, you can CLICK HERE, or go to their website above. Eurekster won the 2006 Peoples Choice Award! They were also the 2007 Web 2.0 Awards Winner! Their headquarters are located in San Francisco, California, with their Research & Development Department located in Christchurch, New Zealand. I would consider looking into this product for your Blogs and Websites. To see Eurekster's Directory of many Swicki's, go to http://www.eurekster.com/directory.htm

Since I mentioned this above, I would also like to extend a Formal Invitation to any of my close Active Rain friends to join me at Real Estate 411. This site is nothing like LinkedIn, FaceBook, Cre8buzz, or any of the other Social Networking sites. The tools and options available there (like the Swicki) are like none I have seen on any other Network. It is a "New" community, with many valuable tools and benefits!

I really like that you can upload documents, files, attachments, videos, and even widgets into the comments of your post! That's right, into the comments! I also love the ability to customize and make your profile unique. There is much more to report, but that's a post for another time. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Hopefully this post will make up for the one I posted about BlogBar a couple weeks ago, where many AR members were unable to use it here on their AR Blogs. I know you'll forgive me after seeing the Swicki tool and the Real Estate 411 site....at least I hope!! These are definitely two items I feel are worth looking into. Also, watch for the upcoming post "Year-In-Review" being compiled by many of your fellow Active Rain members! It will be a fantastic compilation of "The Best of 2007 Here On Active Rain!"

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Making Your Post, A Mini - Webpage

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:46:11 -0500

Over 20 Years Experience, Helping You Provide Your Clients, The American Dream!

Search Active Rain

Real Estate Technology Group

Target Marketing Group

The Title and Escrow Group

Solano County Network Group

My Corporate Office

Property Comp Information

Realtor Designations

Bay Area Real Estate Tech Fair

Real Estate Website Links

Agent Freebies

My Escrow Blog

The Best Network in the World

My Music Blog

My Photography Blog

Creating a post to look like a website is in my opinion, a great way to market yourself and provide valuable information to the public on Localism.com. Many are doing this already, but for some, maybe this will help inspire and motivate you to put a little more into your posts' for the Localism website. This is NOT a very good sample of a website looking page, but you get the "picture". It's giving your readers the choices and options, the same as a kid would have, from the local Ice Cream truck! (Remember These?)

Today, I received a call from a consumer who found my "Short Sale" post on Localism.com, and wanted more information about my blog. She asked if there were any agents in my area that might be able to help her. She's a real estate investor. I immediately networked her with an agent (Viktor Manrique) in the area she was interested in. After I hung up, I had an after-thought, I should have combined other relative information with that post, regarding other issues like REO's, foreclosures, trustees sales, even Active Rain MLS data. This would have been useful to her based on our conversation. She liked that it was easy to reach me from my post too.

The links above are just samples of what you can do to add to your Localism posts, and make them more valuable to consumers and other viewers. If you are good with HTML like Craig Schiller, and others on the rain, you can make your posts look like a website, and encompass more tools, products and services for your clients. If you're "Not so Hot" with HTML (like me), there are members like Mike Mueller who have mastered the art of HTML, and you should take advantage of their knowledge and their services. :-) That's Mike, The Mortgage Guy!

I hope you'll find this post to be a useful "sample" of some Blogging ideas for Localism.com This, is just a sample, and is for "Members Only". I am working on my actual Localism community "website post" which is coming soon. Feel free to click around, then comment. Active Rain has been a great learning platform for me, and the relationships I have developed here, are "virtually priceless!"

*** Watch for my next post: The Non-Judicial Foreclosure -

All Content Copyright Protected © 2007 -

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Agent Assist - Realtor Software

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 02:42:36 -0600

Sometime around 1998, I went to a business planning seminar for Realtors in San Francisco. The guest speaker and presenter was Mike Ferry. Agents spent alot of money to come see how to create an effective business plan and set their goals to be successful in Real Estate. Over 350 agents attended this Goal Planning seminar. Many bought books, videos, tapes, visual aids, cassettes and other stuff to help them with their Real Estate Business.

While at this seminar, I had what I call a BFO! (Blinding Flash of the Obvious) I realized that every agent in that room and every agent here online all have one thing in common! We ALL NEED TO MAKE MONEY! Some a little more, some a little less, so I started developing my own software application that would help Brokers and Agents determine their goals based on specific desired incomes. I know that we all want to make a million dollars, but this program is designed to help you make what you need to survive, and then some. It's called Agent Assist.

It started as a planner, then I added income and expense tracking. It grew to include sellers and buyers net sheets, progress analysis, title and escrow fees, mortgage calculator, renters chart and more. Now it has resource tracking, transaction tracking, charts and production graphs and a lot of tools to assist agents with their business. Hence, the programs name Agent Assist. I am now up to version 5.0. This program has become what it is today primarily because I have listened to my clients and their needs. It has a great, non-threatening look and feel driven by a basic flat file menu system.

Agent Assist 5.0 is The Premier Real Estate Program Designed and created to assist you with many important segments of your Business. This is possibly one of the most practical applications and easiest to use programs in the Real Estate Industry. I want you to check out the program and let me know what you think? I will provide it to you for reading this post for just $29.99 and in exchange, I just want you to post your comments and feedback. I want your opinion.

The software was written in excel so you will need to have Microsoft Excel installed on your PC. (Works on the Mac if you can run windows). If you search www.google.com, just type Agent Assist 5.0 and you'll find it. You can also get it from my website, AGENTASSIST. No gimics, no expirations, no ploys or spoofs. This is just my way of giving back to my industry, my customers, and my fellow ActiveRain bloggers.

If you are interested in getting/purchasing a copy, post your comment and let me know. If you already have a copy, please post your thoughts and comments. Lastly, after trying the application, if there is something you would like to see me add or take away, please let me know. I appreciate your comments and help.

Whether you are brand new in the business, or have 20 years experience, I know you'll love this program. By the Way...every penny earned from Agent Assist goes to feed starving Children in California.......MINE!!

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ActiveRain Launches Outside Blogs - How Do You Get Yours?

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:31:12 -0500

Google offers Blogs, Yahoo offers Blogs, and now ActiveRain offers RE Blogs!! I am so excited that I get to announce this! ActiveRain is pulling all the stops and releasing the "BIG" storm today. It's been a long time coming, and now it's finally here! STOP HERE!

UPDATE 4/10/2009 - Please see this new post for details regarding the NEW OUTSIDE Blogs offerred on ActiveRain. How to Create and Maximize your AR Outside Blogs and 5 Tips For Your Outside Blogs.

ActiveRain "Outside Blogs" are launched today. You're going to love the ability to create one post, and then with the check of a box, send it to your Outside Blog. That's right, one post, syndicated in three locations. You can choose to have your post on ActiveRain, Localism, and now your own personal "Outside Blog" too.

Here's just a few highlights of the "" Outside Blogs:

* Host your Blog on your own domain name. (You must own name) ie: BestHomes.com
* Customize the look and feel of your Outside Blog.
* Set up in 10-15 minutes max.
* Build your posts in ActiveRain, no need to learn a new Blogging platform.
* Publish your posts to AR, Localism, Outside Blog, or all three, it's your choice.
* Benefit from the SEO power of ActiveRain.
* Brand your own Blog and yet stay connected with the AR community.
* Comments are syndicated between your ActiveRain Blog and your Outside Blog.

This is only the beginning, as the community jumps on these, each individual's exposure doubles. 2X the POWER! That's Exciting!! Imagine the possiblities with these Blogs...

Here's how to setup YOUR Outside Blog. The sample below is a screen shot of my Outside Blog. I'll demonstrate how I used ActiveRain to create it.

SETTING UP YOUR CUSTOM OUTSIDE BLOG:

1. To Start, click on the link "Outside Blogs" from "My Home" page.

2. On the next screen, give your Blog a "Title". It will already have the same name as your current ActiveRain Blog. You can change it.

3. Meta Keywords are the next option, don't panic What's a Meta Tag?

4. Next, you can customize or modify your Blog description. This text will appear underneath your Blog Banner.

5. Now give your Blog an ActiveRain Subdomain:
ie: ActiveBrad.ActiveRain.com

6. You can also use custom domain names. (advanced users only)
You must already own your own domain name. If not, you can see if the domain you like is available, click here.

Here's a screen shot of the options that are mentioned above:

7. Next, keep your current photo or add a new photo to your Blog. Your Outside Blog photo will NOT replace your existing AR photo. Here's your chance to update that picture from 7 years ago. lol~

8. Select one of the Templates or Themes from the ActiveRain Library: These can be customized. More templates will be available in the future. This is just the launch period, expect enhancements for sure.

9. Setup the colors for your fonts and for different areas of your Blog page. Here's a color chart.

10. Now, add custom created headers and images to your Blog. There are multiple posts on how to create and edit images, you'll find them in the Help/FAQ group. We have some very artistic and talented members who share valuable tools and resources there.

11. Under the Advanced options, you can display multiple Blog posts, up to 100 if you like.
(I suggest 20 posts max, or the page may load slowly, especially if you have video and large graphics)

Use the Syndication options to select which posts to pull, or add ALL from your primary ActiveRain Blog. Members Only posts will not appear on your Outside Blog. If you have concerns about Duplicate Content on your Blogs, read this post called "Duplicate Content and Outside Blogs."

12. The FINAL STEP, Click on Save Changes

YOU'RE DONE!
Go to the ActiveRain Subdomain URL you created
and there's your new outside Blog!

Here's A Sample Of Mine

*Note: When creating posts on ActiveRain, just check this box
to place them on your outside Blog.

If you do choose to use your own existing Domain name, please read the advanced information and instructions below. You'll need to know the following: You can also find this information located HERE.

Here are the STEP-BY-STEP instructions for setting up an Outside Blog using your own domain name.
Also be sure to check out some of the other members outside domains as ActiveRain Blogs Evolve.

That's It! We are finally launched!!. WOOHOO!! You will no longer have to search for a place to have an outside Blog. You won't have to start from scratch to create your own, or cut and paste, or duplicate efforts, or try and manage your time running two or more Blogs.

I really am excited about this. It's like watching the birth of a baby being born, and I feel somehow emotionally and personally attached to it. ActiveRain is moving onward and upward, and everyday, becoming more of a powerful source in this great industry. I'm honored to be the carrier pigeon of this exciting and community changing news. As always, if you get stuck, don't get MAD, call Brad.

For Outside Blog status updates and known issues being addressed: CLICK HERE!

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How To Create and Use iFrames and Tables on Your Blog

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:43:20 -0600

How To Create and Use iFrames and Tables on Your Blog

Last week I promised to create a post explaining how to add iFrames and tables to your Blog posts. Instead of making this a long drawn out technical "How To" tutorial, I decided to make it really easy for those of you interested in using this feature. It is HTML based and does require a little HTML skill, but I think the way I'm about to show you will totally simplify the process and keep you from losing your sanity! lol~

The hardest thing you'll have to do is switch the tabs at the top of your New Blog Post from "WYSIWYG" to "HTML" then you'll just need to copy the code onto the HTML page where you want your iFrame to appear, then save it. Can't make it much easier than that. So let's start with the iFrame. The purpose of Adding an iFrame to a Blog post is so that you can share a large amount of information in a very small (customized) space. Maybe a website, or an interactive page, or even an entire Blog for example.

Here's an iframe of a site I'm sure you'll all recognize. :-) (updated to show image only)

The size, color, width, height, URL, etc. can all be customized. Now for all you advanced HTML users and Bloggers, this is probably easy stuff, but for many of our members and friends, learning this type of stuff has been known to cause overdoses of Tylenol and in some extreme cases, even alcohol. So here's a way for you to preserve your anxiety and stress for something a little more worthy.... I hope.

HTML Basics has setup what they call an iFrame generator. You just enter in the information, and it creates the iFrame for you, then just copy and paste the code into the HTML tab of your new Blog post. It looks like this:

Just enter the URL of ANY page you want to appear in your iFrame, never make it wider than 550pixels if you don't want to Blow Out your Blogs sidebar, select any height you want, give it a name, set the alignment, maybe add a border with some color, setup how you want it to scroll, and generate the code for your Blog post. This is much easier than trying to explain the HTML which you're about to see once you generate the code anyway. Once you become familiar with the iframe code, you won't need the generator anymore. Now try it yourself.

Suggestions: Try using your MLS page, your IDX page, your Website, one of your Blog posts, maybe your AR Outside Blog, any page that's on the internet will work as long as you have the URL or website address. You can use iFrames to add some additional value to your Blog if this is something you're interested in. Now just be creative and imagine all the ways your clients, visitors, and subscribers might benefit from your using custom iFrames in your Blog posts.

Are you ready for tables now? Here's a link to a table generator, you'll be a pro in no time at all! :-)

Some Table Scraps	RE Video	RETechWorld
Goal Planner	ActiveBrads Blog	iDomain
TechKnowBabble	AR Manual	The REBlogger

HTML Tables

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RainCamp™ Platinum Access Pass and Upcoming Locations

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:38:05 -0600

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

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