Palos Verdes Lifestyle - Norma Toering's Palos Verdes Homes Blog

This is not my first million.  I've sold millions of dollars worth of real estate.  I earned my first million in real estates commissions years ago, but today marks the first time in my life I've earned 1,000,000 points.  These points cannot be traded for air travel, nor will Macy's or Nordstrom's accept them in trade for a new wardrobe.  So what is their value? 

These points helped me develop a strong blogging habit.  From my very first post I totally bought into the "write and reward" system.  There were times when I was discouraged and questioned whether this blogging thing was worth the time spent, but the growing body of work and the climbing point total offered instant gratification even if the phone was not ringing off the hook.  I learned to appreciate a slow trickle is worth more than an avalanche as it is easier to manage and convert those calls to clients in the fold. 

These points helped me receive and give referrals.  Last week I vetted an agent online for one of my top clients.  How did I find this out-of-state agent?  Through Active Rain of course.  By reading the agent's profile and blog posts I was able to determine his style, experience and expertise were a good match for my client's real estate goals. 

These points helped me develop recognition as a local real estate resource.  There was a defining moment when I realized the return on my blogging investment could not be measured in time or money.  It was at an open house and as I was about to introduce myself, the prospective buyer said,  "I know who you are.  Everything I know about Palos Verdes I learned by reading your blog.  Thank you, Norma."  That was my tipping point and I went from a doubting blogger to a devoted blogger.

These points helped me gain recognition by being recognized as a top Los Angeles real estate blogger by several different sources over the years.  Validation of my efforts certainly encouraged me to continue forward.

These points helped me receive second generation referrals.  It is very satisfying to receive referral from my Active Rain clients.  It's good when a buyer or seller finds my blog; it great when they refer their friends and family, and that is happening more and more.  Blogging can grow your business exponentially.  It's wonderful when you move from chasing leads to receiving leads.

These points helped me become a better agent, and yes, even a more complete agent.  I learn from other agents and share my knowledge with my clients.  I share neighborhood market reports with my clients and anyone else searching for information about local neighborhoods.  I do this consistently and a growing number of followers appreciate the 24/7 availability of valuable information.  It's there when they need it.  My blog has become a valuable resource for the community and that was always my goal--service now, sell later. 

 It is no small feat to reach the million point marker.  You must commit time and immense efforts, but the rewards are far greater and more numerous than I can delve into on a single blog post.  A big thank you to Active Rain for providing the platform. Thanks to all my fellow bloggers for the never-ending supply of educational and inspirational posts.  Thank you to my subscribers, readers and an especially big thank you to my clients for sharing my blog with your friends and family.

Here's to our second million!