Hey, you can stick it in your BLOG!
Go ahead and BLOG yourself!
When I suggest to a Real Estate Professional to join Active Rain and start networking and blogging. You would think I said the nastiest word I have in my vocabulary. People almost start to hyperventilate at the word BLOG. What the BLOG did you just say?
It's a scary word, BLOG, but is it? Why do so many fear the word. OK, I agree, the word BLOG has not made the spell check dictionary as of yet (Hint, Hint Active Rain Team) as most swear words don't, but it's not a naughty word.
Blogging is so simple, it's a marketing tool. Marketingterms.com describes BLOG as:
"BLOG"
Definition
"A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links."
Information
"A blog is often a mixture of what is happening in a person's life and what is happening on the Web, a kind of hybrid diary/guide site, although there are as many unique types of blogs as there are people.
People maintained blogs long before the term was coined, but the trend gained momentum with the introduction of automated published systems, most notably Blogger at blogger.com. Thousands of people use services such as Blogger to simplify and accelerate the publishing process.
Blogs are alternatively called web logs or weblogs. However, "blog" seems less likely to cause confusion, as "web log" can also mean a server's log files."
Many of us have kept diaries throughout our lives, A BLOG is your daily business diary. Do you keep records for taxes? Why? Because you have to, or is it so exciting that you want to? The difference, blogging is fun and can help you make money, get your name, business, products and listings out to the public and allows you to be a marketing guru at no cost! 
So if you think that BLOG is a dirty word, and are avoiding getting involved because you are scared, your heading the wrong way. Blogging is here for the Real Estate Professional, don't be afraid just dive in. Sitting on the sidelines and watching the Blog World pass you by will gain you nothing.
Please take that first important step and join the great Active Rain Real Estate Network.
With over 97,000 helpful members to help guide you, the word BLOG will no longer be a dirty word to you.
A day without blogging is like a day without business. Think about it. Can you afford to miss this new way of doing business?
It sort of reminds me of those people 10 years ago that said "I'm never going to have one of those cell phones, who needs to reach me all the time?"
Blogging is here to stay.
Hi Duane. Good points. Lots of people blogging. Great place to put our thoughts!
Ken
Duane--you are so right. I suggested to a few of my real estate partners to join AR networking community for RE prefoessionals. You should see the facial expressions by some when they hear that AR networking involves blogging.
I can relate to "blog" being a scary word. I never would've thought I could do this. Granted, I'm not great, but I'm learning a lot! :)
David, funny you wrote that, I was going to include a blurb about the exact statement. GMTA. It's kind of like working without a cell, computer, copier, fax. They will figure out the importance of it sooner or later. Just glad we all have found the answer, now they can play catch up.
Thanks for stopping by,
Duane
Duane, I agree. I've sent out quite a few invitations to join ActiveRain and they all came back "Not Accepted" by the person. I guess you can "lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink."
Duane,
Do you think the dearly departed George Carlin would have had to add "BLOG" to his list of the words you can not say on TV?....LOL
Ken, thanks for stopping by, if the Professional isn't blogging these days they are going to find themselves lost in the shuffle.
Hi, my name is Jeremy, and I am a blog addict. If they only knew what they were missing....
Hans, I know what you are saying, wonder why that is that it's such a scary word? Eventually they will be blogging. I have to admit I was confused (scared) by the whole concept at first but once I dove in, it's been a riot.
Did you just swear? Nice invite blog Duane but still not a picture in sight!!! I will be away for a week but don't worry I will have Clint bugging you on a regular basis.
Debi, you are doing great! I agree, I didn't think I could either and by far am not the best, or even good at it, but having fun none the less.
If they don't want to improve their marketing, seo, and business, and look at you like you are nuts, then it is their loss. Eventually they will come around when they see that you are being successful.
The word BLOG does emit varied responses - the paradigm shift needs help and hopefully your excellent post Duane will be found by those who look funny when you mention Blogging :)
Sincerely,
Grace
Michael, I've found the same, I think most are just scared or don't understand the concept. Keep on trying, I am.
Dan, George would have loved to add it to his "Blogging" List, grin.
my theory is that if we invite from 'outside' our immed. area, there is less a feeling of competition and more spirit of cooperation. It is all good. Even if a person only adds this to their reading list, it is not time wasted. IMHO cheryl
Hi Jeremy, K my turn, Hi My name is Duane and I'm a BLOG addict. Grin, good one.
Paddy, LOL on having Clint be your strong arm. Enjoy your time away, I'll miss you.
Hugs,
Duane
Matthew, so true, I try to explain the power of The Rain, but they still look at me like I'm trying to sell something.
Blogging is definitely scary when you've never done it before - heck, it's scary when you've been doing it for ages. Coming up with topics requires hard work sometimes, but it's definitely worth it...
You are right - it's hard for people to get it...so sad, but hey, if I had 50 leads from it, they would all be here. The point is, you have to lay a lot of foundation before the leads come and most people won't go that extra mile. If it is just one more blind alley, they think - why bother? We will have to keep pioneering. Where is your picture?
Grace, I made it public for that reason, lets hope.
Thanks for stopping by,
Duane
Duane - remember Blog is just another four letter word. And blog spelled backwards doesn't mean anything but sounds like choking.
Most people I know are afraid of the commitment to blogging and finding material (how well do I know about that fear!)
Girl Cheryl, so true, just reading in The Rain can be rewarding. I notice that the people online are always a big swing for non-members, and thats a good thing.
Carey, do you find yourself going down the road thinking about topics now? I know I do.....
Dawn, hey did Paddy put you up to that since she is on vacation? LOL. I did add my photo in my profile, she's not buying that yet, grin.
I agree, it is a blind alley that many are afraid to go down, still feel its their loss.
Thanks for stopping by,.
Duane
Mike, LROL on the four letter word. I know what you mean about coming up with content, then when you do, how it will turn out.
Duane,
Blog is now my new four letter word. If you don't do.... what is right (fill in the blank) I am going to " BLOG IT "
Margaret, LROL, love it. I'm about ready to get the BLOG out of here and get a bite.....grin
Duane, I am seeing some funny cartoons. Mother's all over will be using this on their toddlers. Kids saying.if you don't stop... my dad's going to Blog your dad. Uh oh you've started something.
Why not start a cartoon group about blogging...if there isn't already one.
PS.. Would you please post your photo. I like seeing who I am blogging.
Margaret, LOL, you may be on to an idea there. I do have a photo in my profile about 1/2 way down, but I think it makes me look like a BLOG. Grin
"BLOG" Definition "A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links."
I like that definition. Seems many thing blogs have to be about work only and I think it can be about family, life experiences, etc.
I had never written a blog until I joined Activerain and now I know that they are great - I enjoy reading from everyone and learn so much! Thanks to all that blog!!!
Duane, The one with the guy hold his head saying "Stop the Frustration". We can do better than that! :)
I wouldn't consider blogging a new way of doing business, after all now even Walmart has a blog. If you aren't blogging and social networking you are at a competitive disadvantage.
Duane,
I really enjoy blogging. It gives me an excuse to write and communicate with people, and as an extra added bonus, it's good for business. I'm afraid I'm not one to consider it a bad word.
Sandra, I liked it as well, life is every day, work is what we do to live life.
Duane,
Great Post and as usual, you hit the nail on the head. The main problem is that people do not understand the great source of knowledge for the taking. To the point of not sleeping as much. I agree with an earlier response that said it is easier to invite from areas outside of the immediate influence of the Realtor. I think it is more comfortable for both.
Norma, it can be quite addicting isn't it? I think many are scared to dive in because they read the professional ones we see and think that they have to meet that level of blogging, so not true.... Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Duane
Margaret, go lower, I'm the one with my beautiful bride about 1/2 way down the page. No hair, on me of course, grin... The other "Frustration" one was my original programmer for Rate A Home.
Duane,
That is a beautiful photo of you and your bride. Why not use that as your profile photo?
IMNJ, I agree with being at a disadvantage, Wal-Mart, hhmmm. They do have the answers, wonder why other R/E Professionals can't see the advantage of this great tool?
Christine, I think the ones who have found the answer don't consider it a bad word. It's the one's who don't dare trying it that are shocked by the word BLOG....
Derenda, so true, I would have to agree as well. It's like pulling teeth, they seem to want to bite the hand that's trying to help them in business, oh well.
Margaret, Thank You, we were more concerned with keeping the company image, but have been kicking around shutting it down for lack of interest. Then no more Active Rain, pouting.