It seems like only yesterday that I found Active Rain online (back in March 2007) and although it seemed like a great resource for real estate professionals (including home stagers) I had no idea then how being part of this community would impact my business in such a positive way. Now, 189 blog posts later ....
It's true that Active Rain is a community ~ in the best sense of the word.
I've found friends all over the country here, received referrals to my business, found other great professionals to refer clients to, and learned more about many subjects than I probably did during years of school.
On top of all that, the Active Rain staff is amazingly helpful, friendly, and responsive. You just couldn't find a nicer group of people who are willing to answer questions and who regularly go above and beyond our expectations.
The thing is, I'm still a newbie in many respects .. we all are ... because this community is constantly evolving and growing just as the real estate industry is. Being a member of A/R means you're going to be exposed to the "best of the best" info on a daily basis.
How has Active Rain helped me? Here are just a few of the ways A/R has impacted my business:
- My A/R Blog reaches consumers in my local market of Portland OR looking for a professional home stager; my A/R Outside Blog is on page 1 of Google, so the exposure is excellent
- My A/R Profile also ranks high on Google and contributes to my overall internet presence
- A local Portland television station and Oregon's largest newspaper have interviewed me and asked for my opinions on home staging and decorating ~ on camera and in print
- HGTV contacted me through my A/R Profile and another A/R stager's recommendation ~ and offered me a contract to do the design work for 5 episodes of their popular show "My First Place" (to be aired in 2010)
- Portland Monthly Magazine and Personal Real Estate Investor magazine interviewed me for articles on how home staging can help sellers in any real estate market
- Savvy Realtors in the Portland OR area have referred homeowners to me, after reading my blog posts on A/R showing interiors of staged properties, often with "Before & After" photos that showcase my work
- My A/R peers nominated me for Professional Stager of the Year for 2010 ~ through the Real Estate Staging Assoc (RESA) ~ which is truly an honor I'm grateful for
So, grab your mouse ...
& tell everyone you know ... 
ACTIVE RAIN ROCKS! All you have to do is Write posts with good, relevant content, Comment on others' posts, and Watch your business grow!
Reaching any milestone takes a team effort, and I'd like to thank the great team of professionals (many who are here on A/R) who have helped my business grow for the past three years.
*** *** ***
Room Solutions Staging in Portland, Oregon offers homeowners, banks, builders, investors & real estate agents a menu of home staging services to prepare properties for the market. For a free home staging proposal for your property, give us a call @ 503-246-1800. Our clients have confidence in knowing that our staged homes sell faster in today's challenging market! View our updated Portland OR home staging photo gallery to see Before & After photos of both our vacant and occupied properties.
Licensed • Insured • Accredited • Certified
2012 Professional Home Stager of the Year - Western U.S.
(Real Estate Staging Association)
Copyright © Room Solutions Staging LLC 2006-2012
"Staging That Sells Portland Homes"
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Maureen,
Congratulations on reaching such a big AR milestone. You have worked hard to gain all those points and I for one have benefitted greatly from reading many of your blogs this year.
It was great to read of all the exciting things that have happened to you as a result of Active Rain.
May your next year be equally as profitable and I look forward to reading your blogs in 2010.
Mel
THanks for the post. One of my first posts (just last week being the newbie that I am to activerain) I was wondering how active rain has helped their business in the past and what they have found to be effective. Your post is a great testimonial to the success of this professional portal. Your success is inspiring and I hope to see you one day in the 200K club!
Maureen, I am thrilled to hear about the show! That's absolutely AWESOME....please let us know how it's going during filming and when it will air. I've been found as well from my blogs and agree with you about Activerain.
Maureen, Congratulations. I am an excited newbie at 20 posts, but I already love AR! All the best, Michelle
Maureen--- Glad to hear about your success with AR.... I love being part of the community-- and if I get business from it-- that is a bonus! Kathy
Maureen Congratulations on your milestone. But, more importantly the business you are generating.
Yep AR Rocks, I tell everyone I know.
WOW! Congratulations on your milestone. I am a newbie and the more I am on this site the more excited I am about being a member.
No-one deserves the nomination nor the success that comes from over 200,000 points more than you, Maureen. You have served this community tirelessly, encouraging us all when we felt challenged, praising our work when there's something nice to be said about it and generally keeping us all focussed on the important matters at hand - elevating the profession of staging to something as vital in the real estate transaction as an home inspection!
I too have learned a ton from AR, it totally changed my business when I first joined in 2007, and I'm looking to it again, as I migrate into another area. Plus, now that I have some time, I can hang out with much missed friends once more! We're lucky to have this forum, really, aren't we?
Mel ~ Thanks for your good wishes ... may your business thrive in the New Year too!
Jason ~ You'll be there before you know it -- thanks for commenting.
Carole ~ Will do. Your success with A/R is legendary and we love your posts!
Michelle ~ Congrats on making the decision to jump into the Rain ... and good luck on your future posts.
Kathy ~ You're so right. The knowledge and friends you gain here are a huge benefit, but business you gain is the icing on the cake.
Missy ~ Thanks very much. I think you have a bullhorn for A/R don't you??
Diane ~ You'll love it more and more, that's guaranteed. Best of luck to you!
Juliet ~ Yes we're very lucky to have A/R ~ and many thanks for your kind remarks. I'm sure that you'll find a whole new batch of A/R friends when you make the move to Myrtle Beach soon! (but keep the old ones too) :-)
it sounds like Active rain is working well for you. It has for me too congratulations
Thanks Russ! Since you're way ahead of most of us with 440,478 points you must be doing all the right things!
Maureen...Congratulations! From one Oregon girl to another, I am happy to celebrate this milestone with you. And, of course, I wish you much continued success! :-)
Sarah ~ Thanks for sharing this milestone with me! A/R is such a great resource for us and I wish you all the best in your business as well. :-)
Maureen, I have not been with Active Rain long but I know your face and your business because you always commented on my blogs. ot just "great blog" but commented. That was very encouraging. It is clear to see wh you have done so well. I hope to follow inyour footsteps. Can't tell you how excited (and a little green with envy) I am about your HGTV spot. My daughter and I have always said we want our own show! Quite the goal, eh? Thank you for your comments and I will be watching for your designs on My First Place!
Maureen,
How exciting to reach the 200k mark! Thank you for telling us all what we can do to grow our business through Active Rain's network! I hope your business continues to thrive!
Sincerely,
Wendy
Way to go Maureen! I didn't blog for about a year and you blew right on by me. Now I'm only half as good as you!
Carol ~ You and your daughter will do well in your staging business -- and clearly it's helpful that you're also a Realtor. Thanks for your nice feedback, and best of luck as you pursue your dreams!
Wendy ~ I'm wishing much success for your business too. Being on A/R shows how smart you are!
Hi Wayne ~ I've been plugging away but before you know it, those points add up. Nice to have you stop by!
Maureen Congratulations on the milestone. It is really great news to hear how being a member of AR has benefited your business.
congrads.....much more to follow..points and biz
Maureen- Wanted to add my Congratulations to you not only for your milestone in points but also for your success in our profession. I consider you one of our Ambassadors! I always appreciate your comments not only on my blog but on others as well. What you have to say is always backed with wisdom and experience. Keep up the great work!
Jennifer ~ Many thanks for your comment here. A/R has helped so many of us reach for the sky. At 459,000 points you're up in the stratosphere -- congrats to you!
Gary ~ We'll certainly be happy to take on more biz, any day of the year!
Kathy ~ Our emails must have just crossed in cyberspace .... thank you for your very kind words, they're much appreciated. I hope your business continues to grow and prosper!
Congratulations Maureen, you are an inspiration to all of us who are working our way up and making friends and finding business along the way!
Wow! What a list of connections and successes. Thanks for the encouragement to keep on blogging.
So true! AR rocks! AR has helped to set me apart in my market and online. I will always come back to AR!!!
Congrats on the feature and the milestone - I'm right on your tail ;)
Maureen, congrats on the Feature, your milestone, and your increased business - especially the HGTV Feature! AR is simply the best, isn't it?
Susan ~ Making friends here continues to be an unexpected and most wonderful side effect of A/R!
Guy ~ Keep blogging, and commenting on others' posts too -- the networking possibilities here are priceless!
Emily ~ I'm glad to hear that A/R is working for you -- there are other platforms out there, but to me, A/R will always be #1!
Steve ~ You'll be at 200K in a few days, I'd bet -- congrats to you and continued success!
Sharon ~ Simply the best is right! I'd have serious withdrawal if I was out of touch for more than a couple of days.... thanks for stopping by with your good wishes.
Maureen - Congratulations on all the success you have achieved in your business from Active Rain and hitting the 200k milestone. Please keep us posted on HGTV series next year. I would love to watch it when it airs.
Hi Maureen -- Congrats on everything, wow, wow, wow. I hope I get to see you on HGTV! :)
Clearly, you were ready for the big stage, and Active Rain helped you get there. It's showtime! And you have performed admirably.
Congrats I am enjoying getting more involved in the AR community!
Congratulation Maureen! I am certain that you are deserving of it. I try to be consistent with my blogging. I hope to reach that level someday. You provide the assurance for those of us who are new to this game.
Congratulation
Maureen...Congratulations! Will be waiting to see you in HGTV. I took a look on a few of your older posts and pictures showing your work. I think you are really good and I'm going to use some of your idea in my house.
Donna ~ Thank you -- I'll post an update about the scheduling of my 5 episodes on HGTV -- they were filmed this summer and will likely air in the Spring.
Chris ~ If you watch, you'll see my work (with credits). This show is behind-the-scenes design work and lots of fun!
Aaron ~ A/R definitely provided the boost I needed. Thanks for your feedback!
Dan ~ Good to hear ... you can't go wrong by getting more involved with A/R!
Lloyd ~ I've heard others say that being consistent is key and I agree it's important. I'm not a very prolific blogger but try to do at least one/wk -- more is probably better.
Megan & Hanna ~ How nice of you to say, I really appreciate it. Let me know if I can be of help!
Congratulations Maureen, on the RESA nomination and achieving 200,000 points. You may have learned a lot from being an active AR member, but you have also shared a wealth of information from which we all benefit. Thank you and continued success!
Congratulations on the milestone and on your achievements.
Maureen - Congrats! That's incredible news on the HGTV show. I can hardly wait to see it.
Kathy
Hey there! Congrats to my best bud across the land! AR Rocks; but so do YOU!
Maureen,
How wonderful! Now I'll keep blogging so I can become a TV star too...
Maureen, Very motivating post! I am getting more involved and reading this just gives me the drive to keep going. I guess now it's time to make the blogs I write look better, have a great holiday season.
Maureen!
This made my day! I love reading this. I have been so busy from business generated from the internet that I haven't been on the site as much. You just reminded me to get back at it!
Congratulations!!! I agree with you that AR rocks and is more than worth the time we spend here.
HGTV- That is a big deal! Congratulations and do let us know what episodes. I love that show.
Congrats on reaching your milestone! You are absolutely right, this is a great community.
maureen: Congratulations! I too have found Active Rain to be a great forum full of kind-hearted individuals. Keep at it. You're doing a great job!
Congratulations Maureen! What an accomplishment. Keep up the great posts and all the great work you are doing for the AR community and your clients.
wow i am only at 35,000 and cant wait to hit 100,000......I hear all these stories about all the businessvthat AR people get from AR...I have not gotten anything yet.....but you all say just keep keeping on...so i am keeping on....congrats danadevine
Professional Stager of the Year for 2010 - that is wonderful! Congratulations on your success!
Michele ~ Thanks, the shared information here on A/R has been an amazing side benefit that continues to amaze me.
Gita ~ Thanks for commenting.
Kathy ~ I'm looking forward to viewing those episodes too. (I'm sure I forgot half of what I did, and it was just a few months ago!)
Karen ~ Many thanks -- that is very kind of you to say! :-)
Irene ~ LOL that will be the day! But it was a fun project for sure.
Bob ~ You're well on your way to 50K points so keep up the momentum!
Terri ~ That's nice to hear -- but it sounds like whatever you're doing is really working well! Just remember to keep coming back to A/R :-)
Deanne ~ It's more like an education, but way more fun than most of my classes ever were!
Kristi ~ Thanks, I'll do an update once we know the show's schedule. It will be fun for me to watch too!
Darrell ~ Time spent here is very worthwhile -- but as you probably know it can also be addictive!
Paul ~ As an A/R Ambassador you're doing a great job too!
Joyce ~ Helping our clients is what it's all about, isn't it? Without them we'd have nothing to do. Thanks for stopping by.
Sally ~ That's great to hear you've decided to become a Rainmaker -- you won't regret it for a minute! Good luck and keep at it.
Dana ~ Just hang in there and write good content for your local consumer market. It works!
Ann ~ Thanks for your kind remarks -- I wish you much success in your business as well.
Congrats on the huge milestone. I'm a long way behind you, but I plan on keeping at it. So I will get there.
Nicholas ~ Thanks for commenting, and remember that every long journey starts with a single step ... you will get there!
Hi Maureen. Congratulations on the exposure. I like Active Rain too and have met some really cool people here. ~ Lana
Maureen, Congratulations on your success with Activerain. Also congratulations with your design work with HGTV, keep us informed as to when it will air.
Hi Maureen, congratulations on your milestone. AR Rocks and is definitely the place to be. I have had many successes I can attribute to AR by just participating in the system. And today, December 01, 2009 I will also break 200,000.
Lana ~You're right, there are some great people in this A/R community! It would never be the same without the ability to make such good connections.
Eva ~ Thanks for your good wishes. And, I'll post an update next Spring.
Bill ~ Congrats to you on reaching the 200K milestone! Hard work but it's all worthwhile!
Maureen,
Thank you for sharing your AR experience with the world. It serves as a kick in the butt for those of us who aren't (were not) contributing fully to the AR community. In my case at least that is changing!
Marcus ~ you can do it! Start by filling out your profile a bit more so that other A/R members and the public can learn more about you and your services ... just a thought. :-)
Maureen; I just wanted to say thank you for all your wisdom that you have shared with me! There is no doubt in my mind as to why HGTV has selected you for their show, One day I will be were you are now, and I will continue to seek your blogs on advise and wisdom. Thanks again!!!
P.S. Don't forget to send all your A/R friends a signed photograph after the show! :-)
Randy
Maureen,
Congratulations. You are proof it works.
Maureen, you really have gotten some wonderful results, especially being featured in the other media. Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing your work on HGTV next year.
Maureen, that's great reaching 200,000 points and staging for HGTV. I am looking forward to seeing those shows.
Congrats Maureen on ALL of the above; your points, the show, the nomination, etc.
You have been a great mentor for those of us starting out with your wise advice and comments. It's nice to have a real pro as part of this wonderful network of friends.
Maureen, thank you for sharing your success, it is very insightful and it made me realize I need to keep on working on my blog and connections here at AR!
OMG Maureen, I'm off-line for one day traveling and look at what happens. I knew that you were very close to the 200K milestone but now a feature to BOOT.. awesome and so well deserved in EVERY respect!
YOU are a big part of why AR is important to me and I'm so happy to call you my gaucho friend. Way to go girlfriend!
Randy ~ Remember that by setting up a Rainmaker account that your local consumer market will be able to read your blog posts ... good luck and let me know if you need any help.
Ted ~ A/R offers wonderful opportunities for success and I'm so glad I found this community.
Bob ~ Thanks very much for commenting. Best of luck in your career as well.
Bev ~ Thanks, I'm actually looking forward to seeing them too!
Debra ~ I'm honored that you include me in that category -- thank you!
Charlote ~ Keep working on your blog posts -- but it looks like your hands are already full with your little angel!!
Ginger ~ My Gaucho friend ... who'd have guessed we'd meet up on A/R after all these years? Hope you're enjoying a Mai Tai or something exotic at your heavenly Hawaiian place. Thanks so much for the nice sentiments!
Maureen congrats on such huge and great accomplishments!! You have been a great source of help to all of us here with your insightful blog posts and I really enjoyed your friendship thus far! I look forward to seeing all the wonderful staging on HGTV episodes! Best of luck in 2010!
Lina ~ When I discovered A/R back in 2007, there were many stagers here who helped me. If I can pay that forward in some small way that makes me happy. No one gets where they are without a great team and I'm lucky to have had wonderful people to work with as well. Thanks for your support!
wow is all i can say. I'm so happy for you
This post counldn't have come at a better time for me. I've been wondering is this is all worth it.
I joined AR shortly after you and am struggling to make th 100K mark.
I must work harder
Congradulations
Thanks Virginia ~ Hang in there, we enjoy reading your posts and know that all of your hard work for your clients is appreciated by them too. Meanwhile, enjoy the holiday season!
Maureen - I always love reading your posts and whenever I write something I can always count on your to comment. AR would not be the same without you :).
Yahoo!! WOW!! You ROCK!! Congratulations!! Love your posts and your comments.
Wanda ~ I have many more points from commenting on others' posts, than I do from posting on A/R. I love to read posts with good content and photos. Thanks for your very kind words!
Cathy ~ A/R rocks! We're lucky to have such an amazing resource to help us.
Wow, what a great set of accomplishments to tie to your AR Blogging.
Very encouraging post to a baby blogger (that I am!) - thank you Maureen :)
Cheryl ~ A/R is a wonderful resource for all of us ... and a great learning tool as well.
Peggy ~ You're doing fine! Just keep at it and don't get discouraged. If you have time dig into the archives and read older posts ... there are so many excellent ones available.
Thought I should hop in and say congrats. Great talking with you yesterday. Good luck with all that is on your plate! See you soon. ROAR!
Hi David -- thanks for the congratulations .... I've had lots of help along the way. See you soon!
It's great to hear specific success's like yours. Rock on & may your roll continue.
Valesca ~ Thanks -- here's to a great 2010 for your business as well!