When I returned home from Inman's Real Estate Connect in San Francisco last week, I searched through my notes, videos, photos and handouts looking for something to post about that might be unique. There were so many things that I learned this year, some really great topics and technologies, wonderful panels with experienced speakers, it was fantastic. I was a bit challenged on what to post and share today.
Looking back, the one thing I came away with more than anything else this year, was the impact of the people and all the friendships I have made. Socializing, Networking and Connecting with People.
There are so many reasons why people in the Real Estate Industry join and stay on ActiveRain. You'll find many here that have written about their personal rewards, benefits, and successes on their Blogs. There is a common thread and purpose behind each and every reason people love ActiveRain. As I walked the halls and meeting rooms in San Francisco, I had one question for other ActiveRain members...
To see the full length 5 min video on youtube, CLICK HERE.
"What is the Biggest Benefit or Value you get out of the ActiveRain Community?" I was very fortunate to catch these members friends comments on video. They shared their voices, and their experiences publically and I am so grateful to be able to share that. It's an honor and privilege to be a part of this video, the three day event, and most of all, a part of their lives.
Thank you to: Rich, Desiree, Cindy, Kristal, Richard, Jeff, Missy, Gena, Kim, Tracy, Ginger, AJ, Brian, Jeff, Mara, Tom, Nick, Tisza, Mary, Teresa and Mike, each one of you for sharing your thoughts and for helping make this idea and video possible. Your voices will be heard and I hope viewers will come away with a greater understanding and idea of what Social Networking and ActiveRain is really all about.
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Brad, that was so cool. It was almost like being back at Inman. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AJ
Thanks for being a part of it AJ, I really enjoyed finally meeting you in person. Can't wait to meet with you again soon. :-)
Brad- Fabulous! Can't wait til NAR! The video was fun and very clear too.
Katerina - I shot this with the Flip video camera and no tripod! Probably the ONLY times I really stood still during the entire 3 day event! lol~ See you at NAR in a few months. :-)
AMAZING video. Really good quality, especially for a flip. You should get a raise with that!
Awesome job on the video Brad, it's stunning how professional it looks, especially considering what you shot it from.
Brad, great video. What a thrill to be a part of this project!
Ginger - thanks, it was great seeing you again. Thanks for taking the time to share. Regarding your comment, do you need Jon's email address? lol~ :-)
Matt - thanks. You mean considering I shot it! haha. It's never the camera, always the operator! :-)
Brian - I got to see you in action first hand, you're a natural. Congrats again on winning the M2T contest, I was going to post about that, but many others already have. As I said, I wanted to put up something different that most likely had not been posted yet. Thanks for being part of this project, for the good times and memories, and for all you do in our community and in yours.
Loved seeing everyone! Great video. I'm still pouting that I had to cancel at the last minute.
Susie - sorry you had to cancel, I hope everything is ok??? We'll get you to the next one either in NY, or at NAR. Have a great week. :-)
Brad --- this was so much fun to see this compiled together of so many great AR members...I am sorry I missed a great time, next time...I am going to be there! Fun, fun video...Thank you!
Brad that was such a great video. I felt like I was attending an Active Rain Gathering. Thanks for sharing that with those of us who did not make the trip.
Brad what a wonderful way to share and allow others to roast ACTIVE RAIN! I love it!
Brad,
Sums up my experience since becoming a member. Looks like everybody had a GREAT time.
Don R.
Brad, what a good summary of how we all feel here. It is a community like no other. Since you YouTubed this I may use it on my outside blog, to let Ann Arbor people know why I blog here.
Nicely put together. Really decent production quality for $150 camera. Looking forward to that editor. Am out from noon on today. Lets try to hook up tomorrow... or thereafter at your convenience.
Brad that was a great video!!
Good Job Brad and CHEERS For Active Rain !
Thanks,
Tom Davis
World Class Delaware Realtor
Brad,
Really enjoyed the video and the conference updates. Thanks. Seeing and hearing the people you have read and commented is pretty neat.
It makes for an even stronger connection.
Thanks,
Richard
Brad what a gread video! This is such a great testimonial for Active Rain.
Morning Brad,
Excellent video, I can't believe the quality that lil trinket produces. ActiveRain is the place to be, no doubt about it, The members are just outstanding in every way.
Hi Brad,
Thanks for the video. For those of us who could not attend the conference, it was a great way to connect.
Nice Job on the video Brad.... Really illustrates the up close and personal feel you get from attending functions.
Brad as always - another winning idea! And one that will stay in the history books for AR - good stuff to all who participated!
Pamela St. Peter
Brad- That was a great idea. It's funny how some of their voices were nothing like what I expected them to be. Rich J has the coolest voice, was he ever on the radio? After all he has the face for it..LOL....just a joke!!
Wow Brad! What a tremendous video - and a true testament to the benefits of AR!
The relationships forged in this cyber-world are incredible. And when the opportunity arises that you can meet those people face to face ... it's beyond words.
Thanks for sharing - as always. I'm glad the conference went well and that everyone that was there brought back lots of info to share!
That is a great video, you guys did a great job and din no time. Thank you for creating AR, It is a great source of information
Anne
Terrif video, Brad. It was fun to do and fun to see what others had to say. Thank you for sharing this.
Jeff
Brad~ What agreat start to my morning...I LOVE seeing all those faces, and hearing those voices. Great job on the video once again!
Brad, Awesome video. I am so happy to be a member of this fantastic and fast growing network.
What a treat, Brad! Thanks!
Brad: This was GREAT ! Good to see so many Active Rainers there together
Brad as always,thanks for another wonderful video...I love the fact that I was able to get to know a little bit more about so many wonderful people on here by just listening & watching the video. Good Stuff!
Hi Brad,
Very cute video. Getting into the video segment of the business is something that I have been trying to coax Bob to do but with so many things to do in this business it can be mind boggling. I really enjoyed your video. Hope you and your family are doing well!
Lisa
Great Video Brad..very professional! Will add to my calendar for next year.
Brad - Thanks! It was fun hearing those Active Rain Voices out loud.
Brad,
Lots of heavy hitters in your video. I am curious though why you edited with YouTube instead of Activerain video?
Brad...you know what was cool for me? I knew just about every one of the members you interviewed and many of them are friends...how amazing!
Mike - your question about youtube? Youtube only hosts video, they do not allow you to edit. I tried out Windows Movie Maker for editing this one, wanted to see how it looked in general with youtube as the host. Also testing SEO to see the difference and comparison of ActiveRain video.
I am working on the AR Video editing for this same video to be used in a different location and for a different purpose. One must explore all the different options to determine what drives the best results. AR Video rocks, we all know that, now that AR Video automatically uploads to youtube for you, I wanted to see the comparison of SEO for when I upload it and when AR does it automatically.
I'll let you know what I discover after I post this video using AR Video. Great question, thanks for asking. :-)
I am learning to hold very still when not using a tripod. I have found that by using two hands to hold the camera, I get a much more stable and motionless video. Learning to do video with motion or movement is truly an art and must be practiced to get good. Panning, walking, subject movement, and timing are all key elements to producing a decent video.
Thanks for all your great responses, it makes me feel like I might be on the right track with my video endeavors. It's great to have the support and encouragment I get from all of you, thanks! :-)
I Google searched "ActiveRain Voices" and here were the results.
AR post comes up #1 in less than 24 hours, Youtube comes up #2 on page 2. I'm testing the AR Video platform to see where it gets placement in this same search.
Brad- The video skills you got down...and you followed the 5 keys I gave to being effective the other day!
Hey Brad, how cool is that! AR Video placement, eh? I shall definitely start taking the digital hi8 out on some of my runs and do a few tiny experiments as well. Enjoyed your Inman SF presentation. Looking forward to seeing you guys in NYC. ;-)
How fun!!!! Love the video Brad!!!
Truly, the best part of this video is the fact it will help me remember what a great time I had with such wonderful people. I wish I could have gotten all of them on this video. The photos will help too. lol~
As we ripen mature get seasoned, OK...get older, video and pictures is all we'll have to reflect on people, places, events and memories. I'll be counting on all these videos and photos one day for sure...hopefully later than sooner! :-)
Hi Brad... definitely looked like an awesome event! Sounds like you are really getting the hang of the video thing. It has truly become a strong marketing tool in addition to the preservation of people, places and fond memories!! Happy videoing!
Hi Brad
Thank you for everything you do.
Did you attend the NY conference and if so which was better? I plan to attend next year but can't do both.
Rich
Consider this my leap out from under a rock... I have never heard of AR Video. WOW... I'm glad I ran across this post. I'm going to do a search to see what else I can find out about it.
Hi Brad - The video sum up what Active Rain is all about. Thanks so much for putting this video together and sharing with the members of this network.
Hi Brad-that was awesome! I really enjoyed it and I love your background! :) I admit it...I love Activerain!
Brad, I downloaded the new flip software tonight and it screwed up all my saved movie mixes. Then it won't let me save titles to the new one I was doing from the conference with all the AR people eating.
But I am bummed, have you downloaded the new update yet?
Yes, I have a ticket into support.
Brad, I am still learning....haven't tried writing from an email and didn't know I needed to enter my name for you to know who was writing. :-)
Brad, love the video and seeing all of my AR Friends "in person". Thanks for sharing. :)
Great getting to hear the voices of so many online friends. Hoping to meet a lot of them at REBlogWorld in September.
Brad that was a great video, well done! Looks like some great networking and also getting together with AR friends and cultivating those relationships. Looks like fun!
Great video - thanks for sharing - looks like a lot of fun!
Brad - what is the name of your flip camera? It does have good picture quality!
Brad great job with the video. It made wish I had gone to Inman this year. I really liked the conference in the past
I wondered why you didn't use mixpo.
For those of us who couldn't attend, this was a huge contribution. Thanks so much.
Missy - I finally got the edits done with Mixpo/AR Video last night, and I got it down to the "Viral" under 3 minutes! YEAH!!! That was quite a challenge since I had 25 minutes of video to go through. The video is available on youtube, but this one has links to everyones Blogs. (huge benefit of Mixpo IMO) Thanks again for being a part of it! :-))
Regarding the Flip software, no I haven't and now probably won't! I'll look into it when I get back home. I am going to be at the CRS annual meeting in Monterey this year, be gone the rest of the week, but I'll check it out when I get a chance. You can call me if you need some help getting that resolved or figured out. I'll be leaving around 10:00 this morning.
Jeff - thanks for taking the time in the hallway, glad you enjoyed it. Was really nice to see you again.
Nick - you were a star in the movie my friend, thanks for taking the time, looking forward to coming to Tempe and seeing you someday soon. Thanks for everything, it was gret getting to know you in person. Keep me posted on what's happening with Rail Life. :-)
I was forced to when I plugged it in. I'll wait to see what they suggest on the support ticket. God knows your busy. Thanks Brad, talk to you soon.
Gary - I'm going to be gone for a couple days, speaking at the CRS meeting in Monterey this week, my Secretary will call you and get us on the calendar today or tomorrow. I'll be back in a couple days, but available via cell and email.
It was a blast getting to finally meet the Bolen Brothers, tell Richard I said hi. :-)
Gary - I'm going to be gone for a couple days, speaking at the CRS meeting in Monterey this week, my Secretary will call you and get us on the calendar today or tomorrow. I'll be back in a couple days, but available via cell and email.
It was a blast getting to finally meet the Bolen Brothers, tell Richard I said hi. :-)
Rich - I did not attend the NYC Connect so I'm not the right guy to ask to compare. I'm sure they are both equally excellent and offer great value to anyone who attends. Trust me, there is so much information and connecting with people, you'll leave these events like a bobble-head doll. I suggest attending both if it's in the cards. (credit cards that is .. lol~) :-)
Susan - that just means your weren't logged in to ActiveRain. You won't need to enter your name when logged in. You'll also automatically have a link to your page from your name when you are logged in, not to mention you only get points for commenting when you're logged in. The long and short of it is...Login first! :-))
Thanks Brad! I really do hope you get to Tempe soon. Next time, I get to interview you! :-)
I love being a part of active rain too! I always feel that I can come here and get honest advice, not "my competitors" advice, but more like a room full of mentors!! There are many time that I just read the different Blogs and never even comment. I just try to absorb what I learned and take notes on what everyone says!
Krista
Brad, awesome video, not only was it nice to see and hear the voices of our family members but to hear their thoughts and praises of such a great Network!
Nice ThemThem to the members and our great meeting place, called Active Rain!
Great job and thank you to the entire AR Team!
Featured post in the ThemThem Group.
PS: I like AJ & Jeff's hair cut, Tom's getting close to joining us baldies....
I wanted to see the comparison of SEO for when I upload it and when AR does it automatically.
I'll let you know what I discover after I post this video using AR Video. Great question, thanks for asking.
Brad, What did you find out about the SEO?
Once again - great post! I always look forward to what you are going to share with us next.
I am all over Inman next year.
Oh I love hearing from all these folks that I only know by reading their posts. Thank you for bringing them to us. Best to you
Brad,
Awesome post, thanks for sharing. It is cool to hear from real people here at the Rain.
OH NO!! My stats are going to be off the charts on this one for sure. I keep watching this video everyday and that's going to mess up all the analytics and tracking. lol~ I just love watching these guys, it's like I get to see them all again. Makes me smile and get warm and fuzzy all over. aahhhhh :-) Mike just cracks me up at the end.
I should create a video platform or web conferencing room on AR. hmmm... Maybe have monthly or quarterly online gatherings and brainstorming sessions??? I'd love to even do an AR Bootcamp or Webinar online, maybe a focus group or something like that. Nah, we'd all just want to socialize anyway! Do you have a webcam????
Mike - still #1 spot, Youtube moved to page 1 #5 position now. You can google "Activerain Voices" and track it for yourself. I have both the Youtube and Mixpo versions out there, let's see what happens?
So what was the best part about the Innman Conference?
Brad-What a great video blog, I wish I was able to be there.
Joe
Brad,
I looked and you are right. Mixpo version #1 and YouTube#5 both on page one. Not sure why Activerain(mixpo) would be ahead of YouTube?
Love the video..... It was a pleasure meeting you guys at Inman... You do make this "world" a pleasant place to work and play
Brad: Great video. Loved seeing so many of the members that I follow almost daily.
Brad ...... great job and it looks as if everyone had a great time.
Mike Frazier - Your Comment:
"Brad, I looked and you are right. Mixpo version #1 and YouTube#5 both on page one. Not sure why Activerain(mixpo) would be ahead of YouTube?"
Just goes to show you how powerful the ActiveRain/Mixpo Video really is. I didb't post the Mixpo video until 48 hours later and it passed youtube within hours. THIS IS GREAT SEO NEWS FOR AR VIDEO my friend!
It sure is passing my taste test! :-)))))))))
Brad,
Didn't you make a wrong move? Maybe you should have join Hollywood. Very nicely done, terrific sense of time, pleasure to watch.
And a good ending.
Dynamic video.
BTW, my grandson is promising me the first Flash video for me. So far it is kept ways from my eyes, but I hope to get knowcked out tomorrow.
Dez - MWA!! :-)
Pam - I got to show this video at the CRS meeting in Monterey on Friday. Your name was mentioned as the reason I was there so I played this video for the group in your honor. Thanks for hooking me up at that event and with Mike Kelly. Wish I had the time to do a post about it, maybe later, anyway, thanks again for the referral and for connecting me up with that chapter of the CRS. Excellent contacts and BIG things are gonna be happening with the "NEW" CRS Blog!! Yeah! :-))
Jon - thank you so much for your compliment. I worked hard on that video, editing can be so consuming and difficult at times, but I try to make each video better then the last. I do hope you'll let me know as soon as that Flash is ready and you're sporting it somewhere... I can't wait to see it. Thanks my friend. :-)
I see a few of the folks in this video haven't been by yet, or maybe they have and didn't comment, either way, this video is really all about them. They are the makeup and voice of what makes ActiveRain such a great place to work and play!
Without YOU, there is no voice!! :-) Here's A toast to ALL YOU AR ActiveMembers.
Cheers!
I just made a couple size adjustments and figured out a new trick with AR Video. This will come in handy for all you AR Video/Mixpo subscribers. Notibe the (I) now shows up over the Black side bar in the video and not over the toip of it? Also notice the video looks HD and widescreen? Very cool trick with the new video console and player. I love when I discover something new by accident! lol~ ROFL! :-)
Brad - What fun seeing people I've been communicationg with live! - well, kind of - at least taped live - in person...!! seems to me we need a national event - or more regional events..
Anyway, well done!
Brad:
It great seeing so many people comment on your blog and it was a treat to watch and listen to your interviews.
Brad,
This is great SEO news for Activerain video. YouTube is very prominant and for Activerain video to rank higher is just impressive to say the least!
Eva - we do need a National AR Event. Maybe I'll take that one on someday soon if Jon will let me. I think he'd go for it in the future... I always wanted to head up an AR BootCamp at a Big National AR Conf. :-)
Lorraine and Loretta (BTW - which one am I talking to) the comments on the blog are great, the ones in the video are priceless, so glad I got to meet these folks and get their testimonies on video. Very fortunate I am. :-)
Mike - this is AWESOME news!! Did you see what I did to the video player in this post? I like it better. Click play on it and see wat happens. It turned out way better than I thought and it all happened by mistake. Let me know what you think of the widescreen playback with menus and options to the sides. Thanks buddy!! :-)
Brad,
I love the widescreen and the menus on the side!
Mike - all you have to do is adjust the width in the HTML code once you've added it to your AR Blog post. You may have to experiment with it to get it just right, but I'll be doing all my videos this way from now on. I think it just looks better and the video isn't interferred with by all the great tools that the video player offers. :-)
This video was just featured by NikNik over at MTO. (MyTechOpinion.com) She is the BOMB! Go check out their site, I'm a subscriber. :-)
Brad - Great site, I subscribed too, thanks, I need all the tech help I can get!
Virginia - if it's techy you want, there's plenty of that on my Blog for sure!! LOL~ enJOY! :-)
Brad,
I will see if I can master the wide screen video! Thanks for the advice.
Mike - you can view the settings I used for this one, just write it down and then apply it to your player, I have mine set at 480 width X 280 Height. Gives it that wide screen effect and keeps the player tools from appearing over the video, places them on the sides instead. Try it, let me know how it works for you.
This is one of my better Flip Videos, not because of anything I did, but because of the voices that made it possible. :-)
Brad that was a great video and awesome testimony to active rain.
Brenda Edmontson
What an inspiring video to those that are new to AR!
Brenda - I love these guys and all that they represent here on AR. They are good people, with great testimonies and now, really great friends!
Jan - thanks. This video was worth every second of effort it took to create it....and that was a lot of seconds!
Man I just love this video. It has to be one of my favorites ever produced.
That was SOOOOOOO Cool to watch, I'm a newbie to AR and I have a Flip. Cant wait to learn more. I'll subscribe to this blog.. THANKS BRAD
Brad,
That was good. As most of the members said on the tape it's the community feel we have here and the education you get by being active and sharing information. GO AR.
Antoinette - thanks for subscribing, you sure you want to do that? lol!~
You're A newbie with a flip??? ...uh oh! :-) Have fun and enjoy!!
Esko - thanks. Don't forget the ones who mentioned that they get business from their efforts and relationships here, we wouldn't want to miss that one!! :-))
I enjoy the spirit of the community of Realtors nationwide, the educational value, and search engine placement.
Michael - wish I could have added you to the video, that's a great testimony of the power of the "rain" Thanks