Comments and Connections – I’m reaching out to you, I hope someday you will think highly enough of me to share your trust in me. When I opened my Activerain Blog site this morning I noticed I was a few comments shy of 10,000. Is this sufficient evidence I am reaching out to my fellow bloggers? Or am I simply throwing a jumble of 10 words or more together and making little attempt to engage our connection.
I’ll admit, when I joined Activerain I had hoped to cull a New England Net Work of my peers. I have formed a bond with other Realtors, stagers, and mortgage brokers from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine and of course New Hampshire. What I didn’t count on was the regular dialog I found myself having with new friends in Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Texas…and of course the list goes on and on, to the Farthest reaches of our country. I have talked regularly with new Friends in Hawaii and Alaska…how did that happen?
The Answer is kind of simple, we here…all have something in common, and it is “we want to connect”. And we want to connect for the connections sake, not because of any promise of profitability…that could (maybe) come from the connection. No, we live our lives and understand each others shared experience. I don’t comment on your blog because I’m a know it all…quite the contrary. I want to learn more, and I would like people like me to share what they know.
Subscribe to my Blog or friend me on Facebook, I’m reaching out to my friends on Activerain and I hope you will reach back to me. If you comment on this post or any post I have written, I will respond to your comment…this is a two way street and I’m here to make your acquaintance.
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert
steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898
MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com
My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com
Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln
Here is one comment to help get you to 10K. Good luck
Is that 10,000 comments received or 10,000 made Steve?
I think I have to add mine up to be over 10, Now I have to go and check...
OK, I have 12k if I add them up... but only 60% of the way there for both received and sent on an individual basis!
Steve,
We are happy to reach out, I have read your blog as I do my other blog rounds prior to posting ours. We love reading about other marketplaces, it is a wonderful "geography" lesson. It also opens up travel ideas, but more than that, it really expresses how many dedicated and wonderful people are spending time to share and to connect.
We are really happy that you commented on the profit part. On Active Rain, we have found less people focused on "what"s in it for ME?' than anywhere else. We love the relationship aspect. In our practice, we often get asked to refer an agent, and we check them out on Active Rain and their blogs, comments, etc. You can tell a lot about people that way.
Happy Connecting.
Robert, I have received almost 11,000 comments, and have made a few shy of 10,000 comments myself. So if the connections we made hold any water...I've been reaching out 20,000+ times.
Ron & Alexandra, I really enjoy posting on my localism blog ( http://www.localism.com/nh/lincoln ) many folks have commented on the photos I post of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. If you get the chance this is a beautiful part of the country to visit. And Thanks for making the Connection, I'll click on and subscribe to your blog. Steve
Steve, we pretty much communicate on a daily basis, your comments are always appreciated and I enjoy your posts as well. Keep going
Very interesting Steve, what a great network this has become over the last 4 years!
Hi Steve~ I have to add that this is one of my favorite places to be on the web! The extra business we get from it is nice, the the friends and knowledge I have gained... priceless!
Good point Steve. I have found great friends on both here and other sites. I do get referrals, but more importantly, I have learned so much from my fellow colleagues and I really look toward the friendship and sharing portion more than I ever thought on the profit side.
Gerry , It has been my pleasure making your acquaintance, I have enjoyed your comments and thank you for taking the time to make them. Thanks my new friend!, Steve
Hi Steve,
Now I will have to go check my comments but I enjoy all the different personalities on here (some more than others!) , plus I learn so much. The Search feature is my new favorite google!
Jennifer, & Vickie, it is strangely appropriate that I am writing this response to - two new friends, and the comment itself will put my number at 10,000. Thanks for reaching out to me, one of the things we can judge ourselves by in this world is the amount of friends we have made in our life and the quality of those we meet along the way. Thanks again. Steve
Kim, You know you reap what you sow, I have enjoyed your stories of your home town , baseball games and local events. It is not very likely I will ever get the chance to visit one of your families sporting events but I do share in the joy you have for the things you write about. Keep being authentic...it's been nice getting to know you, your friend Steve.
Consider yourself reached. My comments always run about 2 to 1 of given vs. received.
Hi Steve. I've alway enjoyed reading your posts, and especially living vicariously through your travels in and about New Hampshire. I'll head over to FB to find you there too. Congrats on the 10K!
Michael, Thanks my new Facebook friend, it is nice meeting you I hope we can share some laughs and good real estate content in the future. Steve
Kathryn, You are too kind, I love the part of the state you live in I have such fond memories growing up in Sudbury Mass. The Western part of the state Sturbridge and out to the Berkshires were my favorite places to go.
Steve,
At first, I thought that I would just add one more comment to push you to 10,000 and beyond. But you comment about connecting to Realtors in California and Hawaii struck a chord. I live sell real estate in California, specifically in Fremont, California, in the San Francisco East Bay. At the moment, I am in Maui, Hawaii, on vacation with my family.
On vacation...here I am on Active Rain. I have also been answering emails, responding to cell phone calls and, basically, portraying to my clients that I am at work for them even when they don't know it. I expect to write a purchase offer later this afternoon.
Real estate is an enjoyable life.
Steve, I've made new "friends" as well, this is a great place to meet. AND what an opportunity to refer clients to out-of-area agents you know and trust! Good luck you your quest.
Steve,
I enjoyed your post, and loved the title. What an appropriate tie in. I'm like the others on here, I like the connection and love to vicariously visit other parts of our great nation. Shariing experiences reminds us that we are all one big family. If I ever get up to your beautiful New Hampshire White Mountains I'd 'be pleased to meet you'.
Steve, you are right. Beyond the hopes of making business contacts, the true value of Active Rain is the personal connections we make with people who earn a living in much the same way we do and who can relate to what we experience on a daily basis. This was a great post.
Sounds like your doing well 10,000 made and 11,000 recieved
Great work, and Beggars Banquet is my favorite Stones album.
I am new to the business and I love AR. You and the many other bloggers have been great training for me. Thanks to everyone.
Steve, I enjoy reading your posts as well. I have made more comments 6,435...than received 2,982.
Steve, I enjoy reading your posts as well. I have made more comments 6,435...than received 2,982.
Steve, your posts, photos, and commentary are always a good read, so that says a lot about you! Congratulations and thank YOU for sharing with US! It really is the give and take. I have left many more comments than I have received, but it is the comments I left that began the relationships...
Steve - I appreciate your posts. 10,000 is a lot of comments and it really is a network of peers.
Steve, I love Active Rain. This is a great social networking site. The information others share is simply invaluable. I learn something new everyday.
Here's another one, hope you meet your goal "woo, woo".
Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'll "friend" you on Facebook as well...
John, What other business could you get the job done from such a great distance...and what other profession would you feel it necessary to be working on vacation. We do it because we love the connections and the help we can provide in families very important decisions. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Nice job, Steve! Ralph and I missed you while we were gone.
Good luck. You get points, I get points, everyone wins!
Heres to 10000
I love all the information I get from Active Rain. So far I have made a lot more comments than I have received but I need to get my number of blogs up.
Congratulations on reaching the 10,000 mile marker!! Here is to the next 10,000!!!
Good for you Steve, I am far behind you...............hailing from the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Steve,
I'm only sorry I met you AFTER my hubby & I camped in the White Mountains. Would've had you over for franks and beans in front of the campfire!
Steve, congratulations on nearing the milestone.
Steve - connection is important factor in our line of business. Whether you connect with others in town or out of town, it doesn't matter. What more that we are also connecting in the cyber world. Good luck.
Steve,
I am amazed at all the connections I have made here in the rain. I am subscribing.
It's incredible how much we all have to share. It makes me feel like we are in this together as a virtual office.
All the best, Michelle
Hi Steve, You're right - we come here to make connections on all levels. And it's all good. I enjoy reading your contributions !
Good luck & hope this sends you over the top. Thanks for your support on my blog! Prizes? Did you say prizes?
I came for business - that is, to get leads. I have gained boatloads more - friends, partners in crime, accountability partners, etc. I was over 5k in comments last time I checked. They add up when you aren't paying attention.
Wow, now that's a lot of comments! I'm only at about 225 but it's only been a short while since I've been commenting. Most of the time I'd rather hear someone else and not chime in but in the name of community I'm going to be chiming in more often!
Steve - Congrats on your latest milestone. They seem to get easier over time. :)
Totally agree with your sentiment and congratulations on the milestone.
Hey Steve, How was the Birthday Party? OK I'm adding you on Facebook. Care to do the same? (Meanwhile, I've got friends who moved to NH from Greenwich CT recently. I'll see if if they need a realtor...
Steve,
Congrats on your latest milestone! That's a lot of "talking" going on! I keep hoping that you'll put up a new picture...... I wouldn't recognise you without your sunglasses on! Who are you really masked rider ,er,... masked driver? LOL!
Malcolm, The old saying you can never be too thin or have too much money isn't true...you can never have too many friends is the real test of how well you are doing.
Scott, It was never about the points, it was about the connections.
Joe, What a great album to poach a title from, I hope I did the theory justice.
Tom, Welcome to the party.
Rebecca, I am behind the received to sent ratio, but it is hard to respond to 50 comments when they are saying the same thing. I do make a lot of comments on your posts...they are so often funny and that gets me going.
Hey Steve, How was the Birthday Party? OK I'm adding you on Facebook. Care to do the same? (Meanwhile, I've got friends who moved to NH from Greenwich CT recently. I'll see if if they need a realtor...
Marney...You are too kind, thank you for the message (it is more than a comment), its folks like you that keep me coming back to the A/R platform...Thanks again. Steve
Sharon, We are expected to network in our field, but if are 1 million realtors in the U.S. why is it that such a small percentage reach out like this? I think the Activerain group is different in a good way...than the rest of our colleagues.
Niema, The Social networking aspect of Activerain is what really got me hooked, the info that folks share so readily is just a huge bonus.
Wow 10,000 comments, impressive. Active Rain has paid off for me already had a Realtor contact me!
What a milestone... conversation is opportunity... congrats on the feature.
Hey Steve!
10,000 comments is something to be proud of!
I was subscribed to your blog for some time and then when I read your blog, I discovered that I wasn't. This has happend to me a few times.
I just thought those people hadn't posted in a while when they didn't show up on my blog roll.
But I'm back now!
WOW I am looking forward to the day that I am where you are at. keep up the good work! I am rooting for you.
Craig, I know I have subscribed to about 100 blogs and there are hundreds more I read all the time. Thanks for the humor you put in to your posts they are right on target. Steve
Hello Steve, I often read and comment on your blogs so I'm glad to know I've contributed to that awesome number. I don't know how many comments I've made or received but you know I'll be going to check as soon as I post this comment.
I totally agree with this post from you. This is where I go to make connections. If some of those turn into dollars someday, great, if not, it's still rewarding to be here.
Evelyn, thanks for taking the time to hook up a friend on Facebook, we New Englanders have a great opportunity to connect here on Activerain...thanks again I look forward to sharing a deal with you someday.
Kathy, I'll leave on the glasses A man of mystery is so much more interesting...then plain old me!!
Steve, I immediately returned to my home page and checked my points summary. That's not it. Where do I find the number of comments?
Steve, hope you're already over the top, but if this is the comment that makes it happen, that'll be great!
Congrats Steve...ActiveRain is a wonderful way to form new relationships in the business
Congrats Steve...ActiveRain is a wonderful way to form new relationships in the business
Is that Bode Miller territory? I visited NH once and loved it - it was beautiful, we did a little skiing and sledding. Glad to make the new connection - I am a newbie and having fun meeting new people.
You go Steve! I bet the first 10,000 comments were more difficult to come by than the next 10,000 wil be!
Okay Steve, I'll be adding you on facebook too. Don't let the aka fool you though. It's still me.
I'm going to have to dig through my old comments and see what post of yours I first commented on, I mentally connected you with Steven King that day... now I have to go find out why I thought that.
I think I am a "friend" on Facebook but I agree with you ...the networking and friend ships on Active Rain are the best...i have learned a lot in the short time I have been active here....
congrats on this milestone!!!
Steve,
Are you there yet? Hope this helps!
Pleased to help you out on your quest for comments, Steve. I think that you are one awesome blogger. I aspire to be like you! Happy day!
I can personally vouch for your love of New Hampshire. Its always a goodtime hitting the Lincoln area and driving the K.
Sad about the Old Man.
Hi Steve...
I think I know you pretty well be now, as we have both be very "active" in the rain. It's been an exciting journey so far, but we still have a long way to go!
Steve--here, hope this helps; I have been writting my brains out and am just now realizing that it's not the points that matter!! Can you imagine that??? It is content!!! So you are in a good place to write from your heart and let your writting juices flow . Good luck and I will check in on how you are doing in the near future!
I'll throw you a bone and congratulate you on your 10,000 comments!
Steve - I will gladly sip a "Hot Toddy" with you INSIDE the lodge with the fire roaring. Your probably not going to get this southern gal out on the slopes. I do live vicariously through your SNOW & SKI photos on AR & FB.
Lets both look forward to thousands of more comments in our future
I'll have to check on this and get back to you. I enjoyed the post. Please keep me in mind if you have anyone dying to move to seacoast NH/& ME...I'd appreciate it.
Patricia/Seacoast NH
I think this is cool. After reading this post i looked at my page and aw that i had over 13,000 comments and it made me realize that I have had a great dialogue wt. others here at active rain. It's a really great way to make a real connection with others!
I think this is cool. After reading this post i looked at my page and aw that i had over 13,000 comments and it made me realize that I have had a great dialogue wt. others here at active rain. It's a really great way to make a real connection with others!
To take it to another level, I have set a goal to pay for all of my annual training and events from referrals from great people like active rainers. Look forward to working with you and connecting on facebook.
I am newer at blogging but am enjoying the feedback, the encouragement, the learning, the soundoffs. Pretty neat to have over 10,000 comments and growing. I enjoy reading your posts. Do not always comment, but I read them.
Congratulations Steve. It is true, we leave comments so we can connect with each other! Reading blogs and leaving comments take a lot of time. Some say we do it for points but I truly believe most AR members value their time over how many points they have. So it must be the connections and the value of meeting and learning from others that really count!
Steve, I hope to help you get to your 10,000 comments. I agree social media and the part Activerain plays in it is all about connecting with other folks in our industry.
Steve - I am glad we've become friends on AR. When my Hubby and I travel up to NH we are going to say "Hi!"!! (Maybe you can still get me Bode's autograph?)
I couldn't agree with this post more. We can learn so much from each other and the DIALOGUE that we create is one of the most valuable teaching tools I have found in this industry.
Steve, Congrats on your feature, it looks like you reached your goal. Yes, it is all about being reciprical and it looks like you have a lot of folks to answer to. I will subscribe to your blog.
Steve, making and receiving comments is a huge part of the Rain, and in order to receive them you need to also make them, and you have done a great job in both areas.
Steve, congatulations on your milestone. It isn't the number of comments made or received, but the connections that come as a result. Besides being a fountain of information, AR is just the greatest place of sharing and giving.
Steve, Congratulations on your milestone. Thanks for inspiring me to listen to the Stones. Things always happen differently then we first envision. All the best. ----Gloria
Here you go LISTEN if you like!
Very impressive numbers! I'm not too far behind you, with just over 7000 comments made. Having been the recipient of your usually funny and articulate comments, I have to admit...I enjoy when you stop in to visit my blog!
Great work!!
Hi Steve,
It's the networking that has me hooked too! Congratulations on your 10,000 comments. And thank you so much for the great advice you left on my post! It was very funny and informative.
~ Vienna
Steve, Here is one more comment to put you over the top. ;-}
Steve, It is amazing how many people we have met and learned a litlle bit about.
You've thrown out 10000 pieces of sunshine or words of wisdom to your community :) Also 10000 ways for someone to connect with you for business or in a personal way. I have never thought of your comments as "thrown together!"
Steve, great great post, you have said so well what I have tried to say and think all the time. When I first came here it was because I had been told it is the place to be to get your name "out there". Took me all of 1 day to realize it was so much more, and by day 3 I was hooked. Completely, totally and absolutely hooked. Friendships are real, the knowledge is unmeasurable and the support is awesome.
Congrats on the gold star, you certainly deserve it!
Wow, Steve. That is awesome. I have a long way to go (many many miles) before I hit 10k. I love reading your blogs; they remind me of ski trips with my eldest to NH on the weekends.
AR is a great place to meet friends and grow your business. I've learned so much here, just got to get the system in place to start the blogging continuously. Good luck Steve.
Congrats, Steve. AR is the ultimate learning environment. I don't really keep up with the points, mainly because I don't have very many. Better get to bloggin'.
Hi Steve -- Congrats. I see the point totals, but not the # of posts, comments, where do you find that?
Hi Steve, It's been a pleasure to read your blog and learn about New Hampshire and yourself. I find your photos and dialogue most interesting. Congratulations on reaching 10,000! I have a long way to go, but I know I'll enjoy the journey.
Hope that you are well over the limit by now! congratulations on your success! Someday we will be there too!
Steve, that's enough points to mound up a pretty good sized ski jump, I'd say! Great job & thanks for reaching out! I enjoy your posts!
Steve, your blog is friendly and informative, as well as your comments - you and I had a little radon discussion on one of your posts - I recognize your name and your face when I see either, that is what it is all about.
Keep on posting to all the social media sites and connect with all of us all over the US. It is really the preferred way of communication these days and it truly is a fast way to grow your network.
I want to be your friend I'll check you out on face book.
Keep up the good work. It pays off, and along the way you and I learn something.
Pleased to meet you again. I have made over 1,780 comments...and have received about half back. Not too bad. I attended an AR webinar with Jason Crouch today who is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He tried to make 20-30 comments a day. And, to date, he has made 21,000. You only get points for 10 as you are aware. This community is about giving and receiving...advice, support, encouragement and knowledge. Keep up the good work.
I've been fortunate enough to make connections from one end of the country to the other here. I even connected with someone right in my own city.
Ten thousand, must already have been passed, by the time this is done you may have another milestone to blog about in the number of comments on a blog.
I hadn't considered the social effect of responding to comments until I read your blog. I thought that private messaging was the way to build relationships. I see now that the comments open dialog between even more people.
Thank you for opening my eyes today.
By now you must be over the top.... maybe in more ways than one! But heres to ten thousand comments on to twenty!
You deserve a comment. Goodness, a 10K milestone would make anyone's day.
Steve - You "connected" with many Rainer's in this post. You have been a very busy man, that is alot of comments to make. Nice job.
I don't want to feel like I'm missing out on something so here is comment #117 for this post. ;)
Steve:
Your comments are always welcomed on my blog posts. And, they are not just thrown out there. I think you put quite a bit of thought into them.
I just friend requested you!
As a newbie to AR, this is an interesting read. I look forward to developing similar relationships! Thanks for sharing.
Hard work and dedication, no one ever said, the good things in life come easy. Hope you hit the 10,000 and be thankful for the day, as it is just that.
Semper-Fi
Eric Ristey
wilandandhome.com
Wow, that is a lot of commenting. Congrats on another milestone.
Steve you're my blogging hero :) I just wish I could catch up to you, but I can't so I'll just enjoy where I am and continue to enjoy your posts here in beautiful New Hampshire.
Steve,
For those of us that have gotten to know you through your writings on Activerain- we have enjoyed your rather unique perspective and beautiful presentations of whotye mountain properties. Blog On !
I hope this sends you to 20,000, not 10,000. Obviously you are well thought of here. Congratulations on the achievment of 10,000, soon to be 20,000.
Thank you
Steve- Commenting is the best way to connect. When I first joined AR i made about 30 or more comments on other members' posts each day. I no longer can do that. I also can no longer return every single comment and still provide valued content. So there is a trade off; I want to make sure that all who read my blog- members and consumers- are getting great value of good content. But I do read your blog:)
Great Job.... Keep up the consistent work. Please keep us updated.
Hey Steve...any listings over $1 Mil? I will check you out on Facebook...sign up at castlesmag.com. Jim
Steve.. I've enjoyed reading your blogs over the year (since I joined your subscription) and look forward to many more. As others have mentioned.. and I am too, that this comment brings you over 10,000.
Congratulations on the *feature*.. .job well done.
Subcribed to your blog...congratulation on the big milestone!!
Hi all, it's funny I promised to respond to your comments and I'm breaking my own rule as I type. When I left my office yesterday I had 50 comments on this post, last night obligations kept me from logging in , and then this morning I had the dreaded 3 hour continuing Education class requirement (an hour away)...So nearly 20 hours later I have "80" new comments to respond too. Here is my Blanket response:
Thank you so much, you all make my time in the rain rewarding and an important part of my day to day activities...like my cup of coffee in the morning, I have to log on to Activerain.
The post was about Connecting, and you all have shown your willingness to reach out to me. I hope in the course of time I will have further dialog with all of you. There are some I know will be part of my day and now others I will make part of my new connections.
Thanks to All. Steve Loynd
Loving what you're doing, add me as a FB friend, friend :)
It's not too bad keeping up with commenting back to everyone except when you're featured it can get overwhelming very quickly. Congrats on 10,000 comments.
Steve ~ I agree with David it can be overwhelming if your featured but I'm not featured all but twice...lol Congrats to you! See you on Face Book Now...
David, I have had 16 featured posts, and try as I may to thank each person who took the time to comment. It just isn't realistic to respond to all of them, plus many are passing at-a-boys, not much to say.
June, Keep at it girl, it is the quality of your connections as much as the story you are telling. Your friends will feature you by reading you. Thanks for stopping by.
Warmest Regards.
Steve L.
Steve, I'm a newbie - a few months in to ActiveRain, but I've learned a lot in the short period that I've been active. I have enjoyed some of the comments on my blogs from people all over the country. Thanks for you commitment. Best Regards.
Steve, I agree, it isnt about the points, it is about the connections and relationships. But the points certainly make it entertaining!
Congrats on the huge milestone
Steve,
Congrats on 10,000. I hope my comment helps. I have met quite a few people through AR and this site is one of the better information resources out there.
Connections are the key. I know for myself, operating within my own market can seem isolating due to competition, etc. I appreciate the forum to speak to other professionals around the country & the open exchange of ideas.
Steve.. I must be missing something here. You are WAY over 10,000 points on comments made and/or received on ActiveRain. Sorry, I had to check and see.
Congrats on your sucesses. I hope you have continued success in the future....now I have to flash over and see where my comments are.
Steve ~ I'm sure this 142nd comment put you well over the well earned 10K comments and friend connections! Congratulations!
Steve ~ I'm sure this 142nd comment put you well over the well earned 10K comments and friend connections! Congratulations!
Steve - 10,000 comments! WOW! What a milestone....congrats!
It's easy to rack up the comments out here in the Rain....first, trying to make business connections, but then, falling into friendships you didn't expect.
Way cool stuff!
A lot of networking here at Activerain for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Steve...way to go man. You are friendly..love where you live..so the rest comes easy to you.
Val, You must have miss-understood, I have made over 10,000 comments. This I feel is more important that the points (which I have 361,000+) these are the connecting points of our shared experience. If I were to blog and never respond to the comments people left...I would not be engaged in connecting.
Andrew, you and I have lots in common, and starting this journey of blogging on the A/R network, frankly I assumed I would connect with other New England folks. We share a geographic connection, what is really cool is the distance I have found friends in.
Steve,
I better be your friend in Texas!! Congrats on the feature, points and friendships you've made across the world. All the best bud.
Greg...short of mentioning you specifically by name, of course you were on the list of new friends. And A pretty funny one to boot, best wishes right back at ya. Steve
Steve I have only been on AR for a little over two months but ebjoy writing, seeing the results in Google and the comments or lack of comments on each blog post. I subscribe to most of the members blogs who put a comment on a blog post. I hope you will subscribe to mine and I will gladly return the favor. Happy Sales To You!
Sally, I will be checking in with you in a bit, thanks for the connection. Steve
WOW Steve! And did I miss a good one, congrats my friend and thanks for the read & the comments are wonderful!
VB ;o)