I hit two interesting milestones this week, eclipsing the 600,000-point mark and writing my 900th post on AR. When I started on ActiveRain 25+ months ago, I remember being excited about the first 10,000 points, then the first 25,000, and so on. Over time, this journey has taken me places that I never would have imagined. I can confidently state that I am not the same person who started here in August 2007. Well, technically, I am the same, but I have discovered a lot of new stuff about myself.
I don't intend to rehash every bit of media exposure, or every sale, referral, or success story that I have had during my time here, although they are plentiful.
Instead, I will make a few brief observations and tips, some of which may be helpful for AR newbies:
- ActiveRain has taught me to be a better writer, communicator, teacher, and student.
- ActiveRain actually helped to restore my faith in humanity last year, when I was still a relative newbie, and my friends here sent $5,000 to help my good friend who was dying of cancer to keep his home (still amazed by this)
- This place can still get you a LOT of Google juice, if you do things correctly
- The connections made here are invaluable. For me, they have led to an online radio show hosting gig, potential book deal, and numerous coaching/consulting jobs.
- The staff of ActiveRain cares about their members. I haven't found any other online communities that have public faces that are also readily accessible by cell phone.
- I have watched a lot of people come and go over the past two years - I miss some of my "old" friends sometimes.
- It's important and exciting to turn your "virtual" friends into "real life" friends. Social networking is not meant to replace phone calls or face-to-face meetings. Instead, it enhances them.
- Blogging is not that difficult - write from your heart or about things that interest you, and it will start to come more easily over time. My first posts didn't get any comments, either, and now I have over 36,000 of them!
- I never thought that so many people would actually pay attention to the things I say and write. I have an online "audience" of over 17,000 now, spread across various networks. This was inconceivable a few short years ago.
- The points come easier the longer you are here - also, you realize how unimportant they really are. It's the people and information that really matter.
- ActiveRain is filled with helpful people. If you have a question, just ask. You can feel free to call me anytime at 512-796-7653 (cell).
Here's my current "box score", if you will:
As always, thanks very much for reading!