I wanted to start my Saturday morning off on a positive note, with a positive post, by sharing my "latest" Active-Rain success story. I don't usually write about them, but I thought I would today, if for no other reason except, to encourage Rainers who may not have had one (success story). YET.
Back in March (2008), our own MELISSA GRANT who was then heading up the BLAST FROM THE PAST Group, challenged us to a contest about history. We were to write a post about something historic in our area. Since I love exploring the past of a town, any town, and I know loads about my area, I decided 
I'd give the contest a shot. Though Lake Arrowhead is oozing with history, I decided I didn't my entry to be just fluff-stuff. I chose an interesting piece of our past which evolved an early 1900's bad boy. My contest post was titled LAKE ARROWHEAD'S BRACKEN FERN MANOR & Connection to Mobster, Bugsy Siegal.
There were MANY well-written, interesting contest entries, so I wasn't expecting to win. And then, surprisingly, I did.... Well, I came in third, I think (can't recall). That alone was super exciting to me, as I am one of those folks who NEVER wins anything!
...BUT my big success story regarding this contest entry came a month ago when I received a call from a soon-to-be client asking to see property. Great! I set up an appointment that met her schedule. On our first meeting, as we were driving around the lake, I asked (FINALLY), "How did you find me?"
"From your article on the Bugsy Siegal place," she said. "I really enjoyed it!"
WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF NEGOTIATING AN OFFER FOR A CABIN SHE FEEL IN LOVE WITH.
The moral of this story is two-fold: 1. You never know when you'll meet your next client, or how. 2. Keep posting (writing) "good content" here on Active Rain. IT WORKS!
For your Lake Arrowhead Real Estate needs, CALL: KAT DELONG, REALTOR.
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That's really cool Kathy - congrats! Love the concept, sounds like something to try.
Kat, great story! I've had several transactions and contacts from people who've found me because of Activerain. And, a business owner I profiled has a new client -who found her because of my blog. Great things do happen here!
Suzanne: Thanks so much. TRY IT. And thanks for stopping by.
Debbie: That is wonderful! Great things really do/can happen to us here. Just for sharing words and stories.
Congratulations Kat! That's wonderful news for both you and your client.....
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Jo
This is a wonderful way to start the day. I like to start each day with something positive and this was just perfect. Congratulations and a good post on the rewards for writing good content!
Jo: GOOD MORNING! Thanks for stopping by.
Joan: I like the way you think! Thanks for sharing!
That is great to hear! I love positive stories to keep me energized.
Carol: I hope you're energized and have a prosperous weekend! Thanks for commenting.
I love the Active Rain possibilities, the contacts the friends the self promotion.What else could we ask for from a network.
Marie: Not a darn thing! We have it all. Thanks for stopping by!
That is an awesome success story and congratulations! I love hearing the success achieved here on the Rain!
Great story of success Kat! WooHoo!
Sharon: Thanks!!!
Woo-Hoo: Thanks!!!
What a great story Kat! You never know when you're connecting..........actually we don't know unless they comment or call/e-mail....but I'm sure its safe to assum that someone out there is reading and doing just that...:-)
Kat,
Wow! What can I say! Congratulations GIRL! You deserve to win more often because you are always writing great posts. I am going to have to go to Blast From The Past and read this award winning post. I'll comment on it there, of course. A client out of the post, way to go KAT! Now for sure we need to go to Pasta Mia and celebrate!
Liz: I'm with you.... I think they're out there reading, and lots of them! Thanks so much for comment.
Michelle: I'd bow if I were standing. LOL. Thank you...thank you..thank you. I've never had an award like this. P.S. Just go up top and click on the link to the story.
Congrats! That's awesome. You just never know who's going to read what and you never know what blogs will come up when people use certain keyword searches. Way to go!
I love reading success stories. It sure beats all of that negativity out there. You always write good posts; its nice to see you get rewarded.
As you can tell people connect to people they like and can relate to - real people that have a voice on the internet. It's quite amazing to me - people feel like they know me when they meet me and vice versa. It's pretty amazing.
We find clients in so many places and so many ways. Never burn a bridge. It may be a bridge to a client!
Donna: Thanks... It really is a great feeling.
Pam: Me too! And it goes to show, it can happen to any one of us who work hard here in AR/life! Thanks much!
Tracy: I agree! People are wise, they know if we're "acting" or being ourselves. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon: Right--NEVER burn bridge, a saying I tell myself ALL the time.
Kat,
Congratulations all the way around. You won, or at least got third in the contest, and picked up a new client.
I love your story. It's like planting seeds...keep tending the garden and you'll be surprised at how it can grow in unexpected ways. Thank you and WELL DONE!
Hey Kat! Congratulations on connecting to clients through Active Rain. I'm SURE it will one day happen for me!! :) What an adorable baby in your picture posted. My "baby" celebrated her 10th birthday today with friends, so I miss that little one stage. :) Have a great rest of the weekend!
Sonja
Christine: Thank you so much. I feel really blessed, I can honestly say!
Mara; Thank you.... I love that idea, tending the garden!
Sonja: It WILL happen to you, you'll see.. just keep working at it. The baby is my first, and only, grandson, 3 month old, Kaden. My baby is 31, his siblings are 38 and 41. Oh how time flies, huh?
Girl, I typed the BEST why I love Tampa Blog post (it was going to be Localism featured write up for TAMPA) it also included LOTS Of Tampa History and don't you know it... went to hit the submit new post button and BAM whole freakin thing WIPED OUT!!! Man am I glad the kids were sleeping... I didn't know I had those words in me... LOL
The best part about Active Rain is hearing good news like this. Congratulations and much success to you.
Katrina: THAT STINKS! Stinkin' Murphy's Law is always sticking his head up wrecking things... I'm glad the kids were sleeping, too. LOL
Diane: Thank you, and I agree, it's great to hear good news. I think it helps motivate us--does me, anyway.
Terrific! Congratulations...I love that blogging can be so much fun...I majored in languages in college and love to write. I've recently started blogging & am rusty at writing, but it's so great to combine something I enjoy doing with my real estate business.
Jennifer: Writing is my PASSION, I love it! I've had dozens of pieces published (mostly in the 90's) and I am making an earnest attempt to get back in the saddle. You should, also. Thanks so much for dropping by.
What a great positive story and a very good outcome. I appreciate the encouragement and you have inspired me to keep at it. Thanks Kat.
Shannon: You're so welcome! Thank you for your kind words!
Congratulations . Thanks for sharing. This is a motivating post.
Gita: THANKS!!! It can happen, and does, is my message.