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 and visit while in the great state of TN.
Tennessee Video Adventure - 4min.
(BTW - I 've been corrected, it's "YAWHOO.COM in Tennessee, and not YEAHWHO.COM") LOL~
WOW! What a day! We tried to go over 3 days worth of information and topics in just four hours. I'm talking TMI overload to the max, but the class was great and they withstood 4 hours with me. That's Incredible. I can hardly take 4 hours of myself.Here's what we attempted to cover.
Some members of the class Blog regularly on AR, and others, we are encouraging to just dive in and start. Everyone remembers trying to write that very first post and how it felt. The pressure, the fear, that voice in our head, and procrastination. Take a moment and encourage these folks if you get a chance. I know it helped me when I started Blogging. There are so many new members looking at ActiveRain from the outside in, and don't realize the power and benefit of being inside, and looking out. Take the opportunity to pay it forward every time you can.
I was sad to leave Tennessee so quickly. All the socially networking with other members on ActiveRain is so powerful and very important, but bonding with members in person is absolutely unparalleled. We simply just ran out of time. If you EVER get the chance to have or attend an ActiveRain Gathering, Training, or Workshop, take advantage of those opportunities, you won't ever regret it. You can mark my words.
I'm trying to put together some Webinars and Techinars that we can offer to members on-line who miss, or can't make it to these events. In the future, I'm hoping to feature some "special guest" speakers and "trainers" from different parts of the Country covering a variety of topics. It could be very cool and useful with this many members. More info coming soon...
Lastly, there's a RUMOR and it IS TRUE. I WAS escorted to Graceland, to Elvis Presley's Mansion by David Saks in a red convertible, however, the rumor that I got to try one of Elvis' favorite snacks, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich is not true. We are saving that for my next visit, and all of Tennessee will be invited to join us! Thank you to my fellow "Rainer's" and friends for your warm welcome, your participation in the class, and all your support in Dyersburg. I'm really looking forward to being there again next year...if not sooner!
Marzena - it was too short... :-( It was the first one, so naturally we learned from it. In the future, I'd like to add an extra day so I can just spend more time with AR members, they are the best part of the trip! :-))
Jimmy - you'll have to join us next time. I hear there might be a "BIG AR Gathering PARTY" in Graceland at Elvis's Mansion for the next visit. You're welcome to join us then!! Sorry we missed you this time around.
... So have you ever had a fried PB & Banana sandwich?? :-)
This was one of Elvis Presley's Favorite snacks...
This was soooo worth the wait! You really captured the essence of the event ... meeting the RAIN PEOPLE in Tennessee and all the technology that we covered... it was all so much fun.
I am updating my post with a couple of photos today. Not sure how to re-post it.... maybe it just does that automatically when I add the new stuff.......... hmmm?
Thanks again for making this "first ever" event happen ... lots of Rainers will be planning similar events... this is just fueling the fire in the Rain! Love it ... cannot wait for the webinars to begin!
Jan - Thanks, I am hoping you will be one of my guest speakers/trainers??? You could demonstrate and share the power of "Rain-Ferrals," and how they work for other AR members. I'm sure we can come up with 1001 more ideas for these webinars. See what comes out of these AR gatherings? Unbelievable stuff! It's just amazing!! :-)
Brad- Congrats on the successes you had in TN. My training coordinator and myself will be getting together in the next few days to discuss some upcoming classes for the company that she wants me to teach on blogging, the importance of it, and also AR. So, any ideas you have to share would be wonderful.
On another note...how much do you think the tamborine player in the band got paid? Whatever the amount, I think it was a little too much! He didnt even use his leg...he was using a railing to beat it on! LOL
Brad, this looks like so much fun! I will look forward to your coming to Texas! But four hours? We need more than that! Don't you just love what you're doing? Later in the rain~Deb
It sounded like a fun trip. I think I see an industry popping up soon for Active Rain mentors, who can train or help set up blog accounts will all of the bells and whistles.
You bet I'm excited about helping with training/facilitating webinars, live seminars, whatever events you can book me into ... I'm on "go." I will be glad to talk about RAIN-FERRALS anytime! My pleasure! Thanks!
Jeremy - "Active Jer" - sounds like a great opportunity for a webinar. Your topics are right on!! You can see what we attempted to cover in the class by going to Mike Frazier's post, or there is a link above in the post, or you can just click here :-) I'd be happy to share any information I can with you to help make your class or a webinar a success. Let me know what I can do to help. Call me anytime.
Deb - 4 hours is definitely not long enough. I spent 16 hours in airports, planes, and in a car. I managed to have a Blast the entire time though. I could tell you some really funny stories, and I probably will when I make it back to Texas. I was in Houston for 4 hours, but that was because of the lay-over to Memphis nad back home. I'll plan my time better next time I come for sure. :-)
Jeremy - BTW, you have great eyes. I watched that video 3 or 4 times before I even notived that guy on the side. I was too focused on the guitar player, and the other guy walking around selling CD's and asking everyone for money. Maybe he needed it to pay the tambourine player! haha!! :-)
Fran - I could never forget about you my friend! We should do something in your neck of the woods.
Do you really have an interest in putting something like this together for members in your area?
If you need help with it, let me know. Mike Frazier and his asst. Donna have all the details and breakdown of the costs involved, call or email me if you think there's enough folks in the area that would be interested. I know there are quite a few other areas who have requested to do this, just let me know. Thanks. :-)
Randy - I forgot to add Hawaii to the list. I'll actually be over there this summer, but that's because it will be a vacation with my NoKaOI Wahine. :-)) I'd love to hook up and have a hot malasada or manapua with ya and some of the other rainers...WooHoo Sally, David, Georgina and the rest of the Ohana over there. Aloha Nui Loa my friend, let's plan something for sure.
Kim - Memphis IS a great place. So is Nashville, and I really liked Dyersburg too. (especially the people) :-)) Here's the impression I have always had of Memphis and Tennessee since I was young. I shot this at the Mud Island River Park when I first got there.
It was so awesome to be in a place where music has so much American History and roots. My wife and I are hoping that David Saks might be able to help us get into a good recording studio there to cut one of our "Blues" or "Rock & Roll" songs soon. I Just loved it there, and it really did rain too! :-))
David - that's up to you and the other members in your area. I have you on the calendar already to call next week. We can brainstorm about it along with a few other things I wanted to chat with you about. Have a great rest of the weekend, enjoy Mother's Day too! :-)
Duane - I was telling Don, I didn't forget this time. I knew if I didn't put it in the group, I'd be getting an email from you. haha! Thanks for creating the Them Them group, it really is something we all need to support. People helping People is my moto, and your group is all about THAT!....I mean THEM! LOL!~
Jan - that's awesome, the list of trainers, speakers and mentors is growing. We'll probably be starting with some newbie stuff, then working up to intermediate and advanced stuff, followed by possible video conferences, special guest speakers, trainers, etc.
Maybe we could even an AR day where you can go online with some of the team and share thoughts, stories, challenges, etc. Even cooler would be the ability to do some webinar panels and focus groups.
I think the sky is the limit with all the great technology we have access to today. There's still nothing "Techy" that can replace that hand shake, a smile, and that hug when saying godbye in person! NOTHING!! :-)
Thanks Jan, let's keep in contact and do some more brainstorming later. Great stuff!
Gotta get ready for Mothers Day now, Hope yours is the best ever! I'm sure your son has BIG PLANS for you.
Terry - I can be there in the morning...oh wait, that's Mothers Day, we better make it next week! :-) Seriously though, let's touch base next week and see what the calendar looks like for the rest of this year and we'll schedule something. I'd love to come out and spend some time with our fellow rainers in MI.
Brad - Looks like that was a successful visit, albeit brief. Memphis is a fascinating place - full of so much history and so much local lore.
Thanks for sharing with us - as you always do. You're aces, my friend!
BTW - if you're going to plan on Michigan, how about a drop-down to NW Ohio for a day? We have lots of folks here that would love some "outside encouragement" to keep blogging, or just START blogging. And who better to prompt them to do so? YOU of course.
Gosh. I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Must be a Southern thing. Sorry we missed each other, I was in Nashville and it was 3 hours away. Love Memphis haven't been in years. I know everyone was thrilled to have you fly in and teach.
Carol - a week would have probably still been too short. :-) I love to explore, see the world, and meet people. It's one of the best gifts in the world. Getting to share blogging and AR was just the icing on the cake.
Terry says Michigan is ready for a time and date, I'll make sure to have the AR Travel Agency book me for NW Ohio on that tour. LOL~
Let me know if you're serious, and I'll be sure to include some time there. If you can help get me there and back home again, that's all we need to take care of. With a combined effort from members in different areas, we are able to reduce the cost and expenses dramatically.
If enough people in Michigan and Ohio are interested and can "pass the hat" to cover air fare, a sleeping bag and transportation, then all we need is a date. Let's see what we can do....I'll follow up with you later, or you can call me anytime. :-)
This is an awesome post. The training was awesome also. Thanks for the link in your post to mine. I think we really got something started. I don't think you will have any trouble finding something to do the rest of the year. I'm sure glad I was able to participate in the first class. Can't wait for next year when I know more about blogging. I am learning so much everyday. Thanks for the help. Joey
Brad- I really enjoyed meeting you and attending the first training class. We covered so much, I learned alot and have so much more to go. I'll be in a future class picking up new tips! Thanks for all your help!
Hope you and your family had a great Mothers Day!...gretchen
Brad: Sorry I missed the Dyersburg event, but I heard all about it from Jan E. I guess she told you I had a dentist appointment and a graduation to go to... I'll be at the next one! Looks like all of you had a lot of fun and I know Jan said she had a blast! Fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are also good!!
Brad - I'm just way jealous that you all had a party without me! LOL Looks like you all had a blast! I've been watching all the good things going on in your life and I'm so happy for you! Things are definitely looking up for you...and you deserve all the good things!
Brad - We are hoping to get you to middle Tennessee soon. Since you enjoy music so much, a trip to music city should be a lot of fun. Really, I would like to plan something late in the year if all the planets line up. Thanks for coming.
Instead of having next years training in Dyersburg, lets recruit some Jackson Realtors to Activerain and have next years event in Jackson. Less driving for everyone but Carousel Realtors but would be willing to sacrifice that for the common good. Brad has made a committment to me to come back next year. Lets have at least 100 people at next years event.
Brad, I like the video you created and as always just a great post! And, thanks for the Google juice!
Brad, Mike's thought's about Jackson resonate well. Jackson is close to Memphis and home to the late great Carl Perkins, 'Blue Suede Shoes'. Strategically, Jackson is also great for the Mid-South. And maybe a session at Sun Studios during the visit would work for you. I'll give Sun a call and see what they've got going. Elvis Week is August 8th through the 17th, 2008, in Memphis, give or take a day since the Candlelight Vigil at Graceland is the evening of the 16th of August. Thousands, from the world over, will be here. It's also a great time for us to learn together and catch up on many challenging issues confronting REALTORS®. Chat soon ! - DS
Hi Brad! That sure looked like fun! I love Memphis. I once spent 6 weeks there living in the Peabody hotel downtown. Beal Street is a blast! Vickie McCartney told me she was coming down there to see you. Wish I could have made it. I had 3 closings last week that pretty much kept me busy. Gotta make money when I can! Let me know when you are ready to head to Kentucky!
Hey Brad! Glad to hear you are home safe and sound AND that you had a great time in TN.
There is nothing like meeting people in person (putting a face to a name). The networking at these events, just like many others I have attended in the past, I'm sure, is great. I bet you and everyone else that was there are bouncing off the walls with all the new ideas you got!
I was a little disappointed to see Pennsylvania isn't on the list of upcoming events, but hope to see you sometime in the future! JENNIFER
Gosh. I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Must be a Southern thing. Sorry we missed each other, I was in Nashville and it was 3 hours away. Love Memphis haven't been in years. I know everyone was thrilled to have you fly in and teach.
Hi Missy - I know you were taking care of some business in Nashville, but I'll get to see you in San Francisco, it will be fun too. I am waiting for my return to Memphis to have one of those sandwiches, it's my motivation and inspiration to get back there as soon as I can! Can't wait to try one of those Happy belated Mothers Day :-))
Susan - Texas Is on the list, can you help us coordinate it? You're only a 4 hour flight away, let's put something on the calendar now, even if tentative, cause I am starting to get a pretty busy travel schedule. It's a good thing this post wasn't featured, I'd be in trouble and need a personal travel agent.. lol~ :-)
Brad, This is an awesome post. The training was awesome also. Thanks for the link in your post to mine. I think we really got something started. I don't think you will have any trouble finding something to do the rest of the year. I'm sure glad I was able to participate in the first class. Can't wait for next year when I know more about blogging. I am learning so much everyday. Thanks for the help. Joey
Joey - just keep reading and writing here and you will learn more in a few months than many here have learned in their entire career. Best part is everyone will share in moments what took them years to learn and master. People helping People, that's what it's all about. Paying it forward anytime and everytime we can.
Looking forward to witnessing your growth and success stories here, and your rewards within your outside community too. It really was great meeting you, I'm looking forward to next year and seeing you all again.
Brad- I really enjoyed meeting you and attending the first training class. We covered so much, I learned alot and have so much more to go. I'll be in a future class picking up new tips! Thanks for all your help! Hope you and your family had a great Mothers Day!...gretchen
Hi Gretchen - I enjoyed meeting you too. We covered too much if you ask me. lol~ I noticed you weren't logged into AR when you commented. You get points for leaving others comments, but you should always login first. Then your nae will have a link to it and others can come visit you and your Blog easier.
Rob - you're the first to comment on that video, I was wondering if anyone was even seeing it. Good eye. I had to bail that guy out but it was worth getting on film! lol~ just kidding, imagechef.com. haha! Thanks Rob
I'm glad you have happy memories of TN... I only have the unnerving memory of an early morning speeding (I wasn't really!) ticket as I continued through Memphis to Branson to visit my mom at her last days... so, I've had this chip on my shoulder for a couple years, as my first visit to that state was only to pass through & I experienced such unfriendliness. Maybe they didn't like my Alabama license plate or something. Oh well, I may give it another look one day, as Melissa survives it daily and now you have these happy stories. thanks for sharing.
Anon,next time your here I'd be delighted to treat you to a peanut butter and banana sandwich to make it up to you. By the way, I love Alabama. Several of my doctorate first cousins graduated from the Crimson and one was the drum major for the great Crimson marching band.
To my friend from Alabama, I am truly sorry for your experience in TN. I hope you'll revisit one day and take David up on that offer to have a (Elvis Favorite) peanut butter and banana sandwich. There are good people all over the Country and it's sad to see when the not so good can have such a powerful impression on us. Every rose has it's thorns, but the beauty of the good will often out weigh the negative of the bad if we can just find a way to see through those experiences and continue to seek ALL that is RIGHT with the world. I hope you'll give it a second chance. :-)
David - thanks for stepping in and offering to connect with our friend from Alabama. If only they would have had the chance to bump into someone like you, their impression of TN would have been so much different and so much more pleasurable. You're a good man! Thanks! :-)
Roland - next time for sure! It was a great trip, great people, and a great time without a doubt. We'll do it again soon and would love to have you there. :-) Thanks.
Thanks, Brad. Just spending the weekend working in the yard, doing a little blogging, listening to the oldies, enjoying strawberry shortcake with Renee', etc.. Pic's of my sweetheart by the pool. Hope this day finds you in great health.
Hello ActiveBrad~ Somehow I missed this video and post!! Thanks so much for coming and teaching us. There is still so much I don't know. It just wasn't enough time. I am sure we will meet up again. Vickie
Hey Active Vickie, and boy have you been active lately! (Big Smile) Looking forward to next time, we'll have more time and a more focused agenda based on the level of exerience of those who attend next time. It was really great finally meeting you and it's nice to see you fired up on AR. You're doing a great job, we're proud of you! :-)
Will - I should be coming there very soon. I am already making plans with some other members in your area to come out for a visit. We'll definitely have to hook up my friend. :-)
Brad - Just found your blog. What a great video. It really captures a lot, and the live music was a perfect accompanyment. Glad you had such a great trip.
Brad, What a great video you put together! I'm sure it was an wonderful experience for all that could attent. Great job and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip!
I love Tennesse,thanks for the pictures Brad. I lived there with my Grandmother for a few years when I was young. My Dad and the rest of his side of the family was all born there, and your picture remind me its time to return for a visit.
Hi Linda - thanks for watching the video, it was a blast there. By the way, I believe tomorrow is a special day according to my little computer robots, I wanted to be the first to wish you A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope your day is very special like you. :-)
Hi Elizabeth - thanks for watching my video, it was fun putting it together. I loved Memphis and ALL the folks who came to Dyersburg. Looking forward to making this an annual AR event. Gonna have to get Alabama on my tour schedule. :-)
BTW - Good luck to you and your team on the MakeOver 2 TakeOver contest, I know you'll do well and many will learn and grow from the experience.
Bill - sounds like you better book your trip to Tennessee for a long overdue visit. It will be nice to go back and revisit some of those childhood memories. It's always fun to see how things and places have changed over the years too. Thanks for stopping by to read, watch and comment here. :-)
I still can't wait to try that PB&Banana Fried sandwich. I'm tempted to try and make one, does someone, anyone have the right recipe and instructions? :-)
This was one of Elvis Presley's Favorite snacks...
One of the greatest places on the planet, especially if you're a musician or you just like music! :-)))))