The Official ActiveRain Guide

ActiveRain University Wants You!!

Now that the ActiveRain University is underway providing training and support sessions for our members, we want to send out this invitation to ALL members inviting them to come present at our new on-line campus.  We are looking for volunteer members who wish to share their knowledge, successes, and "how-to's" with the rest of the community.  We already have a few interested members who are willing and want to come share their secrets and tips on what has made them successful using their Blogs, Internet Marketing, and Social Media skills.

In the weeks ahead, we are inviting Special Guest Speakers, Presenters, and Trainers that are very influential in the Industry.  Folks who are in the trenches using their knowledge and experience to benefit in today's economy and Real Estate Market, and who are excited about coming to join us and share.  At some point soon, we will also open up sessions and classes for some of our AR Business Builders and Vendors to come in and share how to use their products and services more effectively and efficiently.

We already have our first ActiveRain member, Jennifer Martin who has agreed to come share with you, her insights and experience which stemmed from a comment she left on Kerrie Greenhalgh's "Success in the RAIN" Blog post.  The date and time for her class will be announced shortly...

Here is a link to our Speaker/Trainer Registration form.  Just a couple things we need to know so that we can schedule you into a classroom on the dates and times you request.  We'll also need your presentation topic that you'd like to share so we can setup the appropriate environment and tools you may need.  It's a very easy going and relaxed campus, each presenter or trainer has up to an hour.  We suggest 45 minute classes allowing 15 minutes at the end for Q&A.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Our Calendar and all class details are located at the ActiveRain University.

This invitation is open to ALL members regardless of which segment of the Industry you represent.  Title Companies, Stagers, Home Warranty, Inspectors etc., you're all welcome to come "profess" and share.

So if this "calling" has your ears burning, or the excitement and thought of teaching, presenting, or sharing is keeping you up at night, then ActiveRain University Wants You. Come volunteer, and be a part of this exciting new addition to ActiveRain.  Thanks.  :-)

Guidelines and Information Regarding Use and Misuse of REALTOR®

How are you using the registered membership mark REALTOR®?  A few folks have contacted me recently asking how they can change their ActiveRain Profile user name, their Blog name, and their Outside Blog domain names?  The reason?  Because they had used the registered membership mark REALTOR® within their URL.  It is very important that you understand and know how, when, and where you can use REALTOR®.

Just yesterday, I was contact by an AR member who received the email warning below.  They are not a REALTOR® yet they were using the membership mark REALTOR® in the domain name (URL) of their AR Outside Blog.  (I changed the members names and domains below for obvious reasons.)  

ACTUAL EMAIL #1

Dear Jane Doe:

"The Internet domain name BestDealForREALTORS.com has been identified by the National Association of REALTORS as one in which the membership mark of the National Association of REALTORS (National Association) is used as a part of the domain name.  The domain name came to our attention as a result of our monitoring of the Internet for use of the REALTOR membership marks.  

The terms REALTOR, REALTORS, and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE, as well as the REALTOR block "R" logo, are all federally registered collective membership marks owned by the National Association.  Collective membership marks are a type of trademark which, rather than indicating the source of a product or service, identify the user of the membership mark as a member of a particular group, in this case the National Association.

According to our records you are currently not a member of the National Association and therefore, your use of the membership mark is incorrect.  Because the use has not been authorized by the National Association it may also be viewed as an infringement of the National Association's legal rights in its membership marks under the federal Lanham Act and other state and federal laws.  In addition, the National Association does not license third parties to use its marks in connection with the names of the products and services of those third parties. To eliminate this potential source of conflict, we would appreciate your cooperation in revising your site and domain name to eliminate the use of the membership marks.  Many times this is as simple as substituting an appropriate job title for the term being used; for example, real estate broker or agent can often be used without making any other changes to the text.

We are attempting to track our efforts in connection with the Internet and request that you acknowledge your understanding of this request for your cooperation by providing us with your assurance that you will not use the domain name BestDealforREALTORS.com or any other domains that incorrectly use the REALTOR marks.  Thank you for your help and we look forward to receiving your reply."

Trademark/Insurance Coordinator
National Association of REALTORS®
430 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4087

In another case, here's an email that a member received instructing them on "how" the Trademark REALTOR® can be used properly, and within the NAR suggested guidelines.  There were a couple things I didn't know which have helped me detect the accidental or unintentional misuse of REALTOR® out on the web.  Please review this email as well.

ACTUAL EMAIL #2

Dear John Doe:

"The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS has identified the Internet domain name, BayAreaREALTOR.com, as one in which the membership marks of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (National Association) are used as a part of the domain name.  We discovered the domain name in our routine monitoring of the Internet for use of the REALTOR membership marks.  The National Association requests that you comply with the rules developed by the National Association to preserve and protect the Membership marks and discontinue using the BayAreaREALTOR.com domain name.  You may review these rules at the National Association’s Trademark Manual found on REALTOR.org in the Law & Policy section.  I have also included a copy of the brochure “On Your Mark” in the pdf below.

Proper use of the Marks on the Internet
The terms REALTOR, REALTORS, REALTOR ASSOCIATE, as well as the REALTOR with Block "R" logo, are all federally registered collective membership marks owned exclusively by the National Association.  Collective membership marks are a type of trademark which, rather than indicating the source of a product or service, identify the user of the membership mark as a member of a particular group, in this case the National Association.  

The National Association has approximately 1,200,000 members each of whom is licensed to use one or more of the membership marks to identify themselves and as Members individually and through their real estate businesses.  Each member of the National Association agrees, as a part of their local Association's Bylaws, to abide by the rules governing the use of the REALTOR marks.  These rules apply to print and electronic media.  In a domain name Members can use the REALTOR marks with a member's name and, if the member is a broker, with the complete name of the broker's real estate firm.  Below are examples of proper ways in which a member can use the REALTOR marks in a domain name.

JohnDoeRealtor.com, JDoeRealtor.com, JohnRealtor.com, ABCRealtyRealtors.com

Incorrect use of the REALTOR Marks
Please review Article V, Section 7 of the Bylaws of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. This article expressly prohibits the use of any descriptive words or phrases from being used with the Membership marks.  Mr. Doe, this includes geographical descriptions such as BayArea, only the state and local associations and boards were granted the right to use a geographical description with the membership marks.  For one Member to claim the membership mark in any geographical area where other Members also operate would not be a fair or equal use of the Marks to other Members who do business in that area.

Action Requested:  Change Domain Name
The National Association requests that you stop using the BayAreaREALTOR.com domain name including, but not limited to, use of the domain name on the Internet or on promotional and advertising materials for your business; or to redirect traffic to another website.  You may of course, register and use a new domain name that uses the REALTOR mark in a manner which complies with the rules of the National Association or select one which does not use the REALTOR marks.  

Because you are a member of the National Association and understand the importance of protecting the valuable REALTOR marks we are confident you will make the right decision and end your use of the BayAreaREALTOR.com domain name.  We request that you promptly contact us and assure that you will comply with this request.  If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your cooperation."
 
Trademark Administrator
Legal Affairs Department
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
430 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611-4087

There's more information and details regarding the registered membership mark REALTOR® at REALTOR.org.  You can review their Trademark Manual.  These guidelines and this information is not just for ActiveRain members, this post is for anyone in the Real Estate Industry.  Especially those who are not NAR members or outside the Real Estate Industry.  We're asking that members, and NAR members take careful consideration when creating user-names, domain names, and URLs for your Blogs and websites.  Please follow the proper NAR guidelines and protocol if you're going to use REALTOR®.

If you are currently using REALTOR® improperly in your domain name, on your AR Blog, or your Outside Blog, (even your user name) please contact me right away so we can be proactive and get that taken care of for you.  Making the change or correction is an AR admin feature, and I'd be happy to help you.  Just contact me via email.  Lets prevent you from getting either of these above emails from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.  Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope the information is useful and helps clarify their guidelines.

How To Get Started on ActiveRain - A quick route to a successful Journey on ActiveRain.

The ActiveRain Staff,  along with our members and ambassadors, wish to welcome you to the community.  We know you have a choice, and we're glad you've chosen our network as a place to connect with others, support your local neighborhoods and communities, plus grow your business and relationships. 

Before you begin your journey here, there's a few areas we invite you to navigate first.  This will save you time and give you a better understanding of the Network.  We're confident that our site will bring value, benefits, and substantial rewards to you and your business.

    BEFORE YOU BEGIN
    These are REQUIRED and a MUST READ for ALL New Members - NO EXCEPTIONS!

•   What We Stand For - Weltenschauung
  Weltanschauung: The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization. A world view.

•   The ActiveRain Community Guidelines
  Please take these rules seriously.

•   Terms of Service
  Terms of Use are binding and we want you to feel comfortable with them.
  
  

    GETTING STARTED in 3 EASY STEPS
    Follow these next steps to get setup on ActiveRain.

•   How To Setup Your ActiveRain Profile - Completely Customizable
  Creating a personal profile is the very first step and the most important.  It's ALL about you.

•   How To Complete Your Profile - Part II
  Your profile has three areas that allow you maximize the page.  Learn How to use these sections.

•   How To Use Your "My Settings" Page
  Now you are ready to Customize your ActiveRain Settings.
  
  

    GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ACTIVERAIN
    Social Networking, Connecting and Blogging

• ActiveRain Member Success Stories
  Read what other industry professionals and members have to share.
  Here's A VIDEO version

• Understanding ActiveRain Points
  Learn about points and how they work on the network.

• The RainMaker Membership
  Becoming a RainMaker - The Value and The Benefit
  
  

    READY TO MAKE LIGHTNING, THUNDER AND RAIN
    Now that you're a member and RainMaker, put the power tools to work

• Top 10 Tools for New Members and RainMakers
  Take the time to review what this network has to offer.

• ActiveRain Custom Outside Blogs
  How To Create and Maximize Your Outside ActiveBlog.

• The ActiveRain Starter Kit
  Details about more ActiveRain Products, Tools, and Services.
  
  

    OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU
    Use these links to dive deeper in the "Rain" if you need more information

• The ActiveRainGuide
  A Tutorial Blog by Members for Members

• The ActiveRain Staff Blog
  The Official ActiveRain TEAM Blog

• Help/FAQ Group
  A network group created to help members

• An ActiveRain eBook Tutorial
  Find Almost Anything about ActiveRain here
  

• ActiveRain University
  Online Campus for Training and Support

• Real Estate RainCamp
  "Live" Local Conferences and Seminars
  

DID YOU KNOW?
ActiveRain is the TOP Real Estate Social Network in the World (source: Google)

The ActiveRain Network hosts over 170,000 RE Industry members averaging 200-300 new members daily.  There are more than 1.5 million articles posted, with an average of 700-1000 new posts daily.  Two million+ visitors traffic the ActiveRain network each month, over 80% are consumers.  Only Rainmaker upgraded accounts receive Google traffic to their blogs and posts.  ActiveRain Member's Blog posts receive more than 500 views on average.  Activerain is the ONLY on-line Network that offers this wide variety of tools, diverse services, and proven solutions to the Real Estate Industry Professional and for consumers on the WEB.

Best of Luck and Enjoy!

ActiveRain Training and Support - Your Virtual Classroom

We are now offering RainMaker members an opportunity to join us for some "informal" on-line training and support.  Our ActiveRain Training and Support Program is where you can phone in, join a classroom environment, ask your questions, see live examples and get detailed tutoring on "how it all works!"  The best part is that you can do it from the comfort of your home or office computer, and classes will be available three times a week for your convenience.  Time for the teacher to give YOU an apple.

There's no formal agenda, no formatted sessions, no rules, and no reason for you to not be getting the most out of your experience here on ActiveRain. We'll go over any requested details, and provide you information on how to use many of the AR tools and services.  We want to show you how to get the best results from areas of AR that you may not understand or just simply need some help and support with.

This is a great opportunity and chance to learn anything you want to know about ActiveRain, and do it in a non-threatening and fun environment.

Training and Support sessions will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for approximately one hour each day.  *Holidays, *RainCamps, and other *Real Estate Industry events that conflict with our ActiveRain training and support classes will take precedence, sessions will not be held on or during those dates and times.

Our dates and times selected for the first come first serve training and support this month are as follows: (ALL Times listed below are PST)

ActiveRain Training and Support Calendar for February 2010

Register in Advance Below

• Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am  
  
• Friday, February 5, 2010 - 8:00am - 9:00am             
  
• Monday, February 8, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am       
  
• Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm   
  
• Friday, February 12, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm           
  
• RainCampDallas - NO CLASSES THIS WEEK            
  
• Monday, February 22, 2010 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm         
  
• Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am
• Friday, February 26, 2010 - 8:00am - 9:00am           
  

For the Calendar of ALL Future Classes, Support, Guests Speakers/Trainers, and the Weekly Events:
Go To: ActiveRain University You'll also find a link on the Main AR Page under "More Information"

Enhance Your Business Listing - Rank Higher and More Often

Having your Local Business Listed on the web is important for its future survival.  Claiming your listing will help give you more control over how the search engines index you and will also help prevent spammers from hijacking it.  There's also a good chance it could improve your search engine rankings and deliver your Company increased traffic.

GetListed.org has some tools and information to help you get your Business noticed on the WEB and by the searching consumer.  GetListed checks the most popular and commonly used search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN Bing, and Best of the Web, to see how your Business rates and ranks in a variety of ways. 

Get a listing score or percentage based on your Business listing or Company name. Your "listing score" is a number that ranges from 0-100 that approximates how effectively your business is taking advantage of free listings at the major search engines.  Claim your Business Listing on the major search engines, it's the easiest and yet most over-looked detail by many Local Businesses today. 

DON'T JUST HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON ON THIS ALARM!

In the process of consulting a client on how to get more exposure for their Company and Local Business on the Web, this is what we discovered.  You can see below why I am sharing this with you today, and why it is so important.  No matter how large or small your Company, you need to be registered and "LISTED" with these search engines. 

It's FREE, and your efforts could make a huge difference for your Local Business.

DO YOU WORK HARD GROWING AND PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS?

GetListed.org has Local Marketing Advice, Advanced tips, and News for marketing your business.

• Why Local Search Is So Important
  Over 10 billion unique searches are performed each month, and that's just in the United States! See why listing your business online is so important.  Learn More »
  

• Why Citations Are Important to Your Local Business Listings
  Citations are defined as "mentions" of your business name and address on other webpages, even if there is no link to your website. Find out why they matter in Local Search.  Learn More »

• Managing & Improving Your Business's Reputation Online
  In this article, they recap the advice of a number of prominent Local Search Experts about the importance of paying attention to, and even encouraging, customer reviews of your business online.  Learn More »

NOTE: There are many other search engines on the web, not quite as popular, but here's a quick list if you're interested.

Understanding the importance of "why you are doing the things you're doing" in today's "Staying In Business" model, should help to motivate you in getting these certain tasks done.  I find it very beneficial when others that have learned by "Trial & Error" take the time to share their experiences.  We can all learn from each others mistakes, I trust that will be the case here today.

(Imagine the potential of sharing this info with other local businesses you wish to connect or build a relationship with)

Do your Local Business a favor, take the next 10 seconds to run your Company name and Zip Code.  Then take 10-15 minutes and List your Local Business in each of the Top Search engines, this will help to "Enhance Your Business Listing & Rank Higher and More Often."

Cityplace Conference and Event Center
2711 North Haskell Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75204
Phone: 214-515-5100 - Fax: 214-515-5199

"RAINCAMP™" Platinum Pass Includes:

• Reserved Platinum seating in the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
• Hosted VIP lunch at RainCamp™ with ActiveRain CEO Jonathan Washburn and RainCamp™ speakers,
  Ben Kinney, Brad Andersohn, and Bob Stewart.
• RainCamp™ T-shirt exclusive for Platinum supporters
• Premium RainCamp™ tote with surprise give-aways 
• Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge at RainCamp
• Invitation to VIP after party, including appetizers
• Latest cutting edge social media instruction e-book by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan
• Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge on ActiveRain Blog or Profile page
  
• Access to VIP registration line

"RAINCAMP™" Premium Seating Includes:

• Reserved Premium seating near the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power
• Access to VIP registration line

We also want to thank our Platinum Sponsor for their continued Support.

RainCamp™ - San Francisco

RainCamp™ -  New York

RainCamp™ -  Dallas Texas

(Your Photo and Face Belong Here)

Over the past few weeks, we've been sending out emails discussing what RainCamp™ is all about and why we think you should be there. With the tickets being donation based, meaning you can pay whatever you can afford, you'd be crazy for not joining us.

I'm serious, you would be crazy!  Just yesterday, Garrick Werdmuller, a loan officer in Alameda, CA who joined us last month in San Francisco, posted to his AR Blog and said "I would have to say it was the best event I have ever attended as a mortgage professional and I have attended most of the big mortgage and real estate marketing events. If you get a chance, GO!"

What had Garrick so excited?  I'm sure it was that he learned how to get his content on the first page of Google. Or maybe it was the techniques he learned to help him actually get business because of his interactions on Facebook and Twitter. Maybe it was some of the connections he made and relationships he built with the people that surrounded him.

I'm certain those all played a part in forming his opinion of RainCamp.  But for a Real Estate technology lover like myself, who just can't get enough of staying on the cutting edge of marketing, it was a chance to immerse himself with 450 other Industry professionals with the exact same mindset and goals.

Sites like Facebook, Twitter and ActiveRain give us an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas from the comfort of our living room. Still, there is no way to replace the real life networking opportunities afforded by being in one location with 450 of your peers, all with a common goal, maximizing their online effectiveness while still connecting in real life.

Next week, I will be in New York, along with four of the most influential people in real estate: Jonathan Washburn, our CEO and Founder, Bob Stewart, AR's Chief Evangelist, Spencer Rascoff, COO of Zillow and Ben Kinney, Mega Agent from Keller Williams in Seattle. We'll be talking about a variety of strategies to improve your online presence and help you get business using the web and Social Media.

Next week at RainCamp, we will:

• Show you how we have helped thousands of our members rank at the top of the search engines for searches in their market.
• Share how Donna Harris, a RE/MAX agent from Austin, Texas used her blog to make $122,000 in commissions over the last two years doing something you can do in your own market right now.
• Reveal how a plan and some guidance can help you use blogging to impact your business and get the same results as Donna.
• Provide you with a full day of great info to take home with you and implement immediately!

At the end of the day, Real Estate is a people business, and no amount of technology will replace old fashion networking and sharing, in person.

Come Join us on Tuesday, January 12th in New York City for RainCamp to learn and build cohesive, meaningful relationships with colleagues that will carry you into 2010 and beyond. Click here to register today, we are filling up fast and the last seats will be gone before you know it. I can guaranty that you don't want to be the one that didn't take the time to learn this stuff. 

I'm excited and looking forward to seeing you and connecting in NYC.

Resources for ActiveRain Training and Support

Are you a new member on ActiveRain?  Are you looking for the manual or guide?  Do you have questions, feel lost or overwhelmed by all the cool stuff ActiveRain has to offer?  Help is here, but do you know where to find it?  Many of the questions, calls, emails, and tickets I receive always start off with, "How do I.....?"

Here are some of the best resources for ActiveRain training, coaching, and support. 

• Getting Started on ActiveRain - A post to help you get started
  The "Getting Started" link located on the main ActiveRain Page
  

• ActiveRain Training Webinars - Webinars for new members
  Webinars held Tuesdays and Thursdays - Here's the Calendar
  

• ActiveRain University & On-line Campus - "Live" support webinars.
  Training, Q&A, Support, Presenters, Guest Speakers 3 X per week.

• Real Estate RainCamps - "Live" Conference for Members and Non-Members
  RainCamp.com teaches you more in a day than you could learn in a year

• The Help/FAQ Group - Multitude of member contributed tutorials
  Help/FAQ group provides members a place to share and learn

• ActiveRain Newbies - A Group every new member should join
  ActiveRain Newbies Group 9366 subscribers - 20,518 posts

• The ActiveRain Guide - Blog featuring multi-authored Instructions
  ActiveRainGuide.com culmination of members posts to support YOU

• The "Search" Tool - Keyword or Phrase Search Tool for members
  Searching ActiveRain couldn't be easier using the AR "Search"

• ActiveRain Ambassadors - Local Ambassadors Reaching Out
  Experienced members helping new and existing members

• Member Services - The ActiveRain Team and Support Staff
  These are the folks at ActiveRain keeping the heartbeat pumping
  

• ActiveBrad Tutorials - Blog posts written for members needing help
  This is an eBook I have been building since I joined ActiveRain back in 02/07

• Technical Support - support@activerain.com

Now that you've seen all the places to learn and get support, are you still unsure where to start?  Here's my suggestion.  If I were brand new to ActiveRain, or had signed up a while back and were just returning, I would make it a point to at least visit each of the above links to become familiar with what help, support, and training is available here, then I would go sign up for one or two of Steven Graham's Training webinars. 

For details on what's covered, here's a link.

We are constantly trying to improve and enhance the Network and Community.  We will continue trying to provide you with the support and necessary tools and training to help you make the most and best use of your time here.  If you are new to ActiveRain, we welcome you aboard. If you're a returning member and notice things look a bit different around here, then this post is for you too, and we welcome you back.  I'm excited and looking forward to witnessing your growth and successes in the "Rain!"

The ABC's of ActiveRain

ActiveRain Blogging Can Deliver Excellent Feeds Google Harnesses.  Individuals Journaling Knowledge, Literally Manifests Numerous Opportunities Producing Quality Results.  So Try Utilizing Various Wisdoms, X-ert Yourself Zestfully!  Wow, that was kinda fun! :-)

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

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

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!  :-)