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Active Brad Active Brad The Stuff You Won't Find On Any Other Website or Blog! Your resource for Real Estate Technology, Marketing, Video, Blogging tips, Computer tricks and Social Media and Networking.. Articles
ActiveRain Voices - The New Q&A
2008-06-06 17:34:00 I recently did a post regarding the Q&A link (read the comments) that's at the top of every ActiveRain page. I was pointing out that consumers are coming here to ask questions from our Real Estate Industry Experts and Professionals. I spent this week researching many pages of questions from consumers, spammers, and other ActiveRain members. Today alone, I spent 10 hours cleaning up the entire Q&A section on ActiveRain. That's just from May 1st, 2008 forward. I removed hundreds of questions.ActiveRain Members: PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR QUESTIONS HERE. In the future, use the "CONTACT ACTIVERAIN" link at the bottom of every ActiveRain page. This will help us and you immensely. In an effort to keep this link for consumers ONLY, we'll need your help. Your questions WILL BE answered quicker if you use the methods that have been setup for you here. These are just some of the questions I spent literally hours deleting today:Q. How do I add a red arrow to a post? Q. How do I post my ...
Ask A Real Estate Professional - Who Will Answer?
2008-06-04 18:02:00 Here's an area of ActiveRain I haven't written about. Can you imagine that? lol~ I have been watching the Q&A board on the Network for the past few days now. I know for a fact that many or most members aren't using this much, or may not even know it's there. The Q&A link is for consumers to ask questions from "US" (the community), about areas of the Country and other specific interests. Have you seen some of these questions? Are you checking if any of them are from your area? It only takes a minute to do. I see this as a potential "Goldmine" in that you can connect with consumers here. There's a variety of questions and potential opportunities you might want to check out. Here's what the Q&A link reads: Below is a list of questions from the "Ask a real estate professional" form. Real estate professionals on ActiveRain may provide answers to these questions. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page. SOME QUESTIO... More About: A Real Estate , Estate , Real Estate , Answer
Mr. Scribble on VIDEO - It's Not For Everyone
2008-05-30 08:25:00 Something happens to every human being when that red light goes on, and they "KNOW" they are being recorded on video. It's like a trigger goes off inside us, and for some of us, an alien thought process takes over while for others, they become borderline vain. Listen to what Mr. RE Scribble from the ScribblerBlog, and his friends have to say about Video . What happens to you when that RED light goes on? Do you get the incredible urge to cover that camera with your hand? R.E. Scribbler taught me that no one will ever love you less because you're on video!! Video IS for everyone!! :-)
Mobile Real Estate Technology - Is It Necessary?
2008-05-28 01:58:00 AccessU2 claims to have the easiest 24/7 mobile real estate information access for buyers.... Is this really the way buyers will be shopping for homes now and in the future? That's what they're saying. I like that they have incorporated text and photos for cell phone users, (which pretty much includes the entire planet) but how much impact does this type of technology really have when considering buying or selling your greatest investment? What Exactly is Global Property Information? So is this more a tool for the seller or the buyer? Is it possible this is the next "Mobile Shopping Network" via the cell phone? Or, is this just another fancy service for the consumer at your expense? I have seen many of these types of services come and go, like the 800 Number Sign Riders, and the Talking House. Remember iBeam? In a world of SMS, IM, and Twitter text messaging, maybe this one will be different. Maybe it's just too soon to tell? The iPhone in this video tells me this... More About: Technology , Estate , Real Estate , Real
Real Estate Video Hosting - Dare To Compare
2008-05-23 22:52:00 Here are (6) six common Real Estate Video Hosting Sites that I wanted to test and compare. This is to demonstrate the quality of each host. I used the same exact video for each site. It's a 2 minute video tutorial that I uploaded to the following locations. Play them, compare, and then you decide. These are all great video hosting services, each with their own unique tools and benefits, but for this post, I just want to compare the quality. Look what happens when you upload your original videos to these servers. #1 - Youtube Video #2 - Google Video #3 - Viddler Video #4 - Vimeo Video #5 - WellcomeMat Video #6 - ActiveRain Video More About: Real Estate , Compare
How To Join ActiveRain - A Video Tutorial
2008-05-22 20:28:00 This is a 2 minute video for Real Estate Industry Professionals who would like to know how to sign up on the ActiveRain Network. Be a part of this powerful On-line Community at NO COST. If you're looking for a place to promote and grow your business while connecting with others in the Industry, this is a great place to START! Welcome to ActiveRain, one of the Largest On-Line Real Estate Networks in the World. Join , it takes less than two minutes to do, it's FREE, and just like with the other 89,000 plus members here, the information, resources, experiences and relationships are priceless, and will last you a lifetime! More About: Video , Tutorial
FLIP Video "On the FLOP Side"
2008-05-22 17:30:00 I was asked to do an interview with a Magazine out of Sacramento called Comstock's. Nick Parish is a Tech Journalist, and writes a column called the EDGE. The article will be out sometime this September. So if you want the inside scoop about the FLIP Video Camera, here's what I had to say... ----- Original Message ----To: Brad Andersohn Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:23:45 AM Subject: Re: tech journalist looking to speak with you (Sent via Activerain) Hey Brad-- I write a column called Edge for a Sacramento-based business magazine Comstock's and an upcoming story is a review of the Flip video camera. They love to have a local angle, so I was wondering if you'd like to talk for 10 or 15 minutes about your experience with the device. Let me know. It would be pretty painless, and we could do it over email if that's what you'd prefer. Thanks! Nick THE INTERVIEW:Q - Starting with the easy stuff, where are you from and what do you do? A - I'm a Community... More About: Side
Email Signatures - How Good/Bad Are They?
2008-05-20 08:54:00 There are so many technology tools in Real Estate today, I think half the battle is determining which one's work and which one's don't. No matter what you use in your business to promote and make yourself available to consumers, family, friends and clients, I think an up-to-date signature on your email messages should be a top priority. I receive hundreds of emails on my ActiveRain and Yahoo accounts. So yes, I have seen many of YOUR signatures. :-)) (Brad Grins...) Do you have your number or contact info there? Is your signature branded with your company logo and current photo? Are there links to information about you or your business others might find useful? Do the links work, or do they need updating? Or is your signature just blank? I read some Blogs recently that say why a signature is not necessary. IMO, since email is the most commonly used form of communication along with text messaging, how important is all this anyway? I guess this is a choice every individual... More About: Email , Good
ActiveRain Navigation - For New Members
2008-05-17 05:16:00 If you are new to ActiveRain, first of all, we'd like to welcome you. ActiveRain is one of the best places to Network with other Real Estate Industry Professionals online, and it's a great place to start your Blog. If you have recently joined the community, but have not yet had the chance to setup your profile, create your first Blog post, or have not learned how to get around and navigate the neighborhood, this post IS for you. This is a short 8 minute video tutorial that will take you on a journey through three main areas of the ActiveRain Online Network. These areas include: the tabs and links on the main home page, the links and navigational tools on your "My Home" page, and lastly, the hidden tools and links on AR that can get you extra points and more information about your Blog. This is a large video file, please be patient, it may take 15-20 seconds to load. Here are some links to other pages we recommend if you're a new member here: Our Principles and Philosophy ... More About: Navigation , Members
7 Unique Mixpo Video Tools
2008-05-12 18:39:00 There are many valuable and powerful tools using Mixpo, these are just some of my favorite that I wanted to share and let you know are available. Comparing these Video Hosting Sites these past few months has been challenging, only because there are so many. Each unique in it's own way. I totally support ANY video platform that can help your business marketing and advertising. Here's a recent post Video in Real Estate Is Viral! be sure to check that one out. 7 unique things about Mixpo for existing users and others who might be interested. Mixpo is ALL online. This allows you access to your library of videos anytime and from any computer with internet access. No software is needed to upload, edit, produce and publish your video media. Adding Links in the body of a Video is so new and unique, most viewers don't even know it's there. We're finding that many of us Mixpo users are having to add words like "CLICK HERE" or "MORE DETAILS" so p... More About: Tools , Unique
7 Unique ActiveRain Video Tools
2008-05-12 18:39:00 There are many valuable and powerful tools using ActiveRain Video , these are just some of my favorite that I wanted to share and let you know are available. Comparing these Video Hosting Sites these past few months has been challenging, only because there are so many. Each unique in it's own way. I totally support ANY video platform that can help your business marketing and advertising. Here's a recent post Video in Real Estate Is Viral! be sure to check that one out. 7 unique things about ActiveRain Video for existing users and others who might be interested. Everything is ALL online. This allows you access to your library of videos anytime and from any computer with internet access. No software is needed to upload, edit, produce and publish your video media. Adding Links in the body of a Video is so new and unique, most viewers don't even know it's there. We're finding that many of us video users are having to add words like "CLICK H... More About: Tools , Unique
ActiveRain Drops in Tennessee
2008-05-10 18:46:00 I've just returned home from an ActiveRain field training in Dyersburg, Tennessee . Mike Frazier from Carousel Realty coordinated the entire event. This was the first official "ActiveRain Field Training" for myself, AR, and for Tennessee. It was an incredible journey and I was honored to be the "Chosen One" to scatter some "Rain Drops" across the Country. I spent many hours in travel for this 4 hour class,it was worth every minute, and I would do it all over again. I was very fortunate to see and experience so much in just 48 hours. Nothing short of awesome! The ActiveRain members in Tennessee are some of the kindest, most generous and hospitable people I have ever met. There are so many things that I could post about this trip. I know other members are Blogging about it too, so this is what I have chosen to share... My Video Journal of the Adventure. It was more fun than one person should be allowed to have! These are just a few of the places I was able to explore an...
ActiveRain at Real Estate Connect 2008
2008-05-03 00:14:00 There's a buzz in the Blogosphere about the Inman Real Estate Connect in San Francisco this year. Have you heard? It's Coming pretty quick. Last year, it was a total blast, and this year promises to be even better. It's going to be at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco again, on July 23-25th, 2008 . I just wanted to remind everyone how cool it was last year, and how much bigger and better it will be this year. It's one thing to meet people from all over the Country online, but then meeting them in person is the REAL DEAL! It was so cool getting to learn about Blogging, Industry tools and technologies, Real Estate challenges and solutions, but the best part for me was meeting and getting to know ALL the people. Too Much Fun!! This year, ActiveRain staff and many of our members will be there once again. Hundreds of Industry professionals will travel from all over the Country to take part in "The Connect" this year. The "Bloggers Connect" is one of my ...
The Blog and The Spouse - In Our House!
2008-04-29 09:07:00 This past weekend, I did a post and found out that there may be some REAL issues with Blog ging and Spouse s! Not mine of course, well... there have been days....LOL! In light of a somewhat humorous post I put up on Saturday, I wanted to follow-up with what really happened this past weekend. When I wrote the post "Mama Says NO BLOGGING," it was somewhat of a joke, but the reality was, my wife wanted me off the work computer, and in the recording studio to finish one of her songs. It's been an ongoing project for the past couple weeks. Music, it's our other "shared" passion! In the past, I have always written the music, and she does a great job writing the lyrics and performing the songs. This time, she has written the entire song herself. She finally got me away from the computer long enough this weekend to produce this Video. (Amateur of Course) I know you are probably all sick of hearing me talk about video, and Real Estate interviews, virtual tours, mixpo, youtube, etc. e... More About: House
How To Use Mixpo Video Online Tools
2008-04-25 02:54:00 Many ActiveRain members have signed up for the Mixpo Video , so I wanted to share a tutorial on using Mixpo for your ActiveRain Blogs. There will be a series of tutorials to follow, and some by other members I'm sure, but this will be a great start to get you up and running with Mixpo Video. If you have never created, edited, or uploaded video onto the internet or into your Blog posts, this will be a great place for you to start. If you haven't signed up, or just want to know more about Mixpo - CLICK HERE! So You Just Shot Your Video - Now What Do You Do With It?Once you have recorded some RAW video either with a Flip Video Camera, a digital camera, a movie camera or just with your cell phone, all you need to do is get it transferred to your computer desktop, or into a folder somewhere on your computer. Usually it's just drag and drop, or copy from an SD card, or hook up a cable and transfer. Mixpo works with most video formats. .A... More About: Tools , Online
Viddler Video Commenting - Is This Vlogging?
2008-04-22 17:34:00 Today I was reviewing one of the Video 's I put together for my kids called "The Magic Floating Dollar!" I was explaining to them some ways that a REALTORŪ could use this as a demonstration when at a Listing Appointment. Instead of a dollar, the agent could use their business card to perform a memorable and fun presentation. I have been spending lot's of time reviewing many different Video hosting platforms: YouTube Yahoo Video MySpace DivX Stage6 CrushedPlanet.com OurStage.com Google Video VeOH Grouper iFilm Caught On Video TinyPic Multiply YouAreTV OverairTV Yourfilehost MetaCafe DiDGU WellcomeMat and I am sure there are many others I may have missed, but Viddler is one that had a feature that really kind of impressed me. Viddler is a Video hosting website with some limitations, but what I thought was cool is the ability to add comments at certain points during the video. You can even add video to the video. I started thinking how this would appl... More About: Vlogging , Commenting
Once Brothers, Now Friends!
2008-04-21 18:29:00 About two months ago, my bother Rick Andersohn found me here on ActiveRain. He used Google to do a name search and the rest became history today! When I was 5 years old, my brother and I were separated from each other due to one of those unfortunate events in life we all hate called divorce. I had looked for my brother Rick for so many years, and at this point in my life, I was ready to give up, throw in the towel, and come to terms with knowing that I'd never see him again! Today, after more than 40 years, two brothers were reunited in one of those special moments that stopped time!! OMG!! Finally, I'd be coming face to face with a complete stranger yet knowing he is my brother. I don't even know who he is, or what he looks like. I wouldn't know where to begin if I had to explain some of the thoughts and emotions that I have experienced these past few days. It all led up to just one moment in time, 11:00am Today! This photo was captured by my 11 year old son who had ne... More About: Friends , Brothers
How To Get Started with Mixpo
2008-04-19 08:50:00 It's one for the money, and two for the show three to get ready, it's a go Mixpo! ActiveRain and Mixpo have officially partnered to bring you a powerful new tool and platform for your video editing and video productions. A simple way to create, edit, and produce Video that can be used on your AR Blogs, Profiles, and Websites. Mixpo is now available for ActiveRain Members! SEE HOW MIXPO WORKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS! While we are in the introductory stage of incorporating Mixpo Video, you can still sign up for a monthly subscription at a very low price, or you can save a few bucks by subscribing annually. "You mean there's a fee?" Yes there is, but it's a minimal fee for what you'll get, and it is only to help defray the cost of implementing and supporting the application for all the ActiveRain members here. If you would like to get a jump on the competition and give Mixpo a run, you can set it up today. For $29/month, or $290/year (two months free) we will get ...
How To Customize and Personalize Your ActiveRain Blog
2008-04-15 16:51:00 You may have noticed all the personalized Blog s lately here on ActiveRain. I hope this post will help you join the crowd. If you need assistance with customizing or personalizing your ActiveRain Blog, feel free to contact me anytime. :-)
The Real Estate Market - Is Now The Best Time To Buy?
2008-04-12 21:01:00 This post is a Video interview with Jeff Dennis from Coldwell Banker, a 30 year veteran in the Real Estate Industry, giving his opinion of whether we have hit the bottom of the Real Estate market or not, and if now is the best time to buy or invest in Real Estate. Jeff is the past President of the Solano Association of Realtors, and is also the Author of the book, "To The Letter." Should I Buy or Invest in Real Estate Now? This video was recorded on 4/7/2008 using Flip Video and the ActiveRain Mixpo editor More About: Real Estate Market , Market , Time
A Night Out With My Dad
2008-04-11 10:39:00 Hi my name is Brandon Andersohn, and I am 11 years old. I want to tell you about a night out with my dad. It was one of the best nights of my life. I went to go see the living legend JOE SATRIANI, he is my idol. Last night, Joe Satriani had a guitar clinic in San Francisco. Now many of you might not know who he is but he is one of the best guitar players in the world!! The drive to San Francisco was about two hours but it was worth it because two reasons, one, I love spending time with my dad, and I got to in the car. Second, it was the best clinic/concert I?ve ever been to in my life. When we got to San Francisco it took so long to find parking. After the relief that we found parking just guess how long the line was. Yeah try more than 400 people and it took forever for the line to move. It took so long for the line to move that I thought I wasn?t even going to get in or get to see Joe. When we were about five yards away from getting in the door, my dad said to me, if the ... More About: Night
ActiveRain "LIVE" on Late Night with TBWS - Are You In?
2008-04-11 02:53:00 TBWS Late Night will be hosting a "LIVE" video and "Air" broadcast with the ActiveRain TEAM today, Thursday April 11, 2008 at 6:30pm PST, 8:30pm CST, and 9:30pm EST. We will have Bob Stewart, Rich Jacobson and myself "LIVE" and available to take your calls, comments, and questions etc. We may even get Jonathan Washburn to pipe in for a few if enough members respond to this "First Ever" live broadcast with the AR staff. Frank Garay will be the host for the evening. Let's crash the Party!! :-) With your help, I'd like to light up the TBWS switchboard and phone lines like a Christmas Tree. Let's flood the show with calls from members, and show listeners and viewers what the AR spirit is all about. I'll be there live in the studio with Frank, and we'll have Bob, Rich and Jon on the phone lines. Come share some love, show some support, call in and have some fun with us. It's go... More About: Live , Late Night
10 Tips For Creating Better Quality Videos
2008-04-10 00:02:00 I am in no way the Video expert, but there are some things that I have learned these past few weeks that may be helpful to you when creating Video for your Blogs or Websites. Many of us have to just learn by doing. Shooting a quality Video is the same as writing a quality post for your Blog. Content is king, but there are a few other factors that come into play. Just like a well written Blog, there are some techniques, styles, tricks, and tools that should probably be considered and implemented when creating Video to share with the world. Using A Tripod when recording, is one of the most crucial elements of a "Quality " video. There is nothing worse than watching a video when the camera is moving and shaking all over the place. Sure, it's OK if you're shooting the Blair Witch Project, but unless you want your viewers to get queasy, I highly suggest a portable tripod when filming. Here's a video of how you can make your o... More About: Videos , Tips , Creating
How to Use The Flip Video Camera with Your Computer
2008-04-08 16:32:00 I have received many calls and emails with questions and comments regarding the "Flip Video " camera. I decided to create some "How To" posts for both the Video Camera and the Mixpo.com Editing and Production Console. This post will cover all you need to know about the Flip Video, and how to make it work with your computer. The Mixpo Tutorial will follow shortly. The first thing you need to know is that there is a process you need to complete before you can drag and drop your videos onto your desktop, laptop, or Apple computer. I will cover these steps and try to simplify the process to make it as easy as possible for you to begin using your camera. This only takes about 5-8 minutes, but will save you hours of making phone calls and shedding tears of frustration. :-))The First Steps:Assuming you have already purchased one of the Flip Video cameras, you will need to shoot a sample video so that you can begin with this tutorial post. I suggest taking a 20 - 30 second video just ... More About: Computer , Video Camera
ActiveRain & Mixpo - Oh What Fun It Is!!!
2008-04-03 07:54:00 Here's a "Flip Video" interview with Nate Ellis, A California Lender, using "Mixpo" as the on-line editing and Production platform. I will be out of town for the next couple days, and wanted to leave you with a sample of some of the new tools being offered here at ActiveRain. Enjoy!! :-) A Couple Quick Tips: Mixpo editing software is the only one I have ever seen that allows you to embed links within your video. You can Create custom links to any Website, Blog, Email or Page on the Internet. Now this is truly cutting edge technology that "ANYONE" can understand and use. You can click on the little green HD (High Def) on the lower right corner of the video for Higher resolution. Once the video starts, you can click on the green buttons at the top to: 1. **INQUIRE: Send Email to the Video Creator 2. **MORE INFO: To see Video Full Screen, get links, read description, and more... 3. **SHARE: Send email to others, get embed code for video, or get t...
Flip Video - Taking It To The Streets
2008-03-30 22:58:00 For those of you from my musical era, do I hear you thinking "Doobie Brothers" right now? LOL!~ I recently received my Flip Video Camera from Bob at ActiveRain. I was asked to demo the camera along with an on-line Video editing and production platform called Mixpo, Video Advertising for small and medium sized businesses. This past week, I had the chance to "Take It To The Streets " and use them both in the field.I was given an opportunity to meet up with a few of the other ActiveRain members, so I wanted to put the camera and Mixpo to the test. This is just one way to use the Flip Video and on-line editing applications to produce many types of Marketing, Advertising, and Educational campaigns. The following is an interview from my new "Flip Video Series" with fellow ActiveRain member and Author, Steve Snyder. Co-Author of "Secrets to Buying a Home with Little of No Money Down". This is my first attempt at using both the Flip Video Camera and Mixpo as new tools for Blogging. ... More About: Taking , The Streets
Real Estate Technology - The RE.Net Update
2008-03-28 15:17:00 This week in the Real Estate Technology arena, the Gigabytes have been over-run by the Tera-bytes, and the CPU's and PC's are fighting the good fight with the MacBook Pros. The PC vs MAC commercials just keep getting better and better. But in the Real Estate Technology side of the "techKnowBabble" world, there are some cool things going on around this place.iHOUSE Web Solutions, one of the leaders in real estate technology, has finally announced the launch of their popular Realius game, “Price Me Now®.” iHOUSE will be hosting their totally free Web-based game at http://ihousegames.com. A Real Estate Game? Are you kidding me? More Details All this talk and BUZZ about Video really needs to be put into perspective. Video has moved online in a huge way. Some estimates have indicated that in 2007, over half of all the world's Internet users watched video online. We all know that number is increasing every day. So w... More About: Update
An ActiveRain Video Invitation
2008-03-27 09:59:00 As you may have heard, there's a big "Video Contest" being put on by your TEAM here at ActiveRain. This is a contest that EVERY SINGLE MEMBER should enter. You know that video is coming, and that it will be the next level of technology we MUST incorporate to stay or be competitive. You do know that right? :-) So get your video camera, and have some FUN!! You can't miss an opportunity like this one for sure! Just look at these prizes: 1st Prize 1 ticket to the Day with Seth Godin event in New York City Hotel accommodations for two nights (the proceeds from our ticket purchase have already been donated to The Acumen Fund) Round trip airfare to NYC. For one person, $500 maximum 2nd Prize ... More About: Invitation
How to Add a Power Point Presentation to Your Blog
2008-03-22 05:29:00 Do you use Microsoft Power Point for any presentations at all? Here's the instructions for adding a Power Point Presentation to your Blog . We are going to incorporate it into this post and show you how it's done: Today I will use Scribd.com. There are others like http://www.slideshare.net, but I have not tested them thoroughly yet.A couple things you'll want to know first: The two most common Internet Browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Depending on the readers/viewers browser will determine how your presentation will appear. I would suggest always having a quick disclaimer or instructional comment for both platforms. I like to use the following:DISCLAIMER: "Best Viewed with the Mozilla Firefox Browser. Internet Explorer Users, Click on the Magnifying Glass and use the "slide tool" to resize this presentation in the Blog Post Window."STEP 1:Create your Power Point Presentation and save it as a Microsoft Office 97 format or earlier. This form...
Passion, It's More Than Just A Word
More articles from this author:2008-03-20 17:22:00 When I first joined Active Rain last year, the first thing I read here was the "Mission" Statement: "A FREE Online Network and Community for helping to Promote and Grow Your Business!" Helping promote and grow business is exactly what I had been doing for the clients in my area for many years. This made it a seamless and easy transition to "join" Active Rain as a new member. (then, only 28,000 members) That's when I discovered the power of Blogging. For those of you who have been following my Blog, (and life in general) know what an incredible journey it has been for me and my family this year! It has been absolutely, one of the most challenging and "Life Changing" years we have ever endured. The most recent experience was that my Brother, who I hadn't seen in over 41 years (we were separated as children), found me on Active Rain. I still can't believe it!! There are c... More About: Word , Passion 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
