Congratulations on deciding to join the Point2 Nework.  As an added bonus, you now have automatic access to a wealth of knowledge from other Point2 real estate professionals via the REliberation community blog. 

So where to start?  How to post? What to post? Don't worry, we've all been there.

 

The following are a few Tips to get you up and participating as part of the REliberation Community.
( Keep in mind that this is NOT an officially authorized guide )

1)  HELP! - Like most new online platform endeavours, the first suggestion would be to read through the HELP guide (a link is located at the top right of this page).  It is a step-by-step guide to all there is to know about the technical aspects of setting up your your own personal blog which captures all your blog post contributions.  Please read it before starting.  It's Mandatory!

2)  A Few Rules -  Once you start each new post you will come across the following disclaimer:

"DO NOT use REliberation to post: support or  Point2 software related issues; or to discuss subject matter not related to the business of real estate.  All Point2 NLS membership and software discussions should be posted on the Point2 Customer Service Message Board, and all other discussion not pertaining to the business of Real Estate should be posted at the Message Board"Coffee Shop".

 

Commercial solicitation of any form is also prohibited, and abusers will be prohibited from further participation on REliberation.  The purpose of REliberation is clearly outlined in the Posting Guidelines. Read it.  It's also Mandatory!

 

3)  NEW-B is not a four-letter word - So you may be new to the Blogging world or the REliberation community. Fear not.  We all must start somewhere and this is as good a Community to start with as any.  There are many very knowledgeable staff and professionals here who will be very helpful with any questions you may have.  Don't be shy about letting them know you're just getting started.  You can be sure to receive a warm welcome.  It won't be long before you're recognized as a familiar face. 

 

4)  The only Bad post is No post  - As someone just starting out, you may be a little intimidated and reluctant to post a blog for fear of criticism.  Don't let the fear take hold of your creative instincts.  Criticism can often be the sign of an engaging post.  Try not to take things too seriously.  This is not your full-time job...yet.

 

4)  WYCIWYG - What You Contribute Is What You Get from your experience here at REliberation.  The more you can participate by reading, commenting, or posting, the more you will reap personally.  Remember that REliberation is a community and a successful community requires co-operation.  Your voice matters.  Participate.  Just don't blame us if you develop an addiction.

 

5)  2 parts Humility, 1 part Respect - That's one of the best recipes for earning yourself a good reputation and rapport with your fellow bloggers.  Nobody's perfect, but I have yet to meet him/her.

 

6)  Try not to read between the Lines - The written word is a very powerful tool.  It can often move people in very emotional and impactful ways.  When it comes to the opinionated world of blogging, messages can often be interpreted in very different ways.  Anything from cultural differences to the lack of intonation can be contributing factors to this.  Before you read between the lines and act too hastily, seek first to clarify and understand your fellow Blogger. 

 

7)  Dear Reader, will you Marry Me - Engaging the blog reader is one of the fundamental keys to successful blog writing.

 

8)  Pay attention to the Pros - Once you begin participating you will soon start to become familiar with some of the more regular contributors to REliberation.  Furthermore, you will note how several of those regular contributors are able to maintain a consistent following and interest level with their posts.  Don't re-invent the wheel.  Analyze their posts and you will be sure to pick up some valuable pointers and strategies.

 

9)  Keeping the Blog Topic Pipeline Primed - One of the more common problems Bloggers face is trying to develop and maintain a fresh and original list of blog topics.  Add to that the time committment involved in completing a single original post and it can become a daunting task.  A good tip to follow is to utilize your RElib interface to start and note new topics.  By simply including such topics in new post titles, you will have saved the ideas for a rainy day.  You can make the post topics a work-in-progress by completing each post whenever you find some down time in your day. Finally, you can "publish" each one whenever you prefer which allows you to maintain a consistent and regular contribution to the blog.

 

10) Having Blogging fun is Serious Business - Part of the REliberation motto is "..to promote the exchange of ideas and information..".  There is no reason why you can't do this while having some fun and enjoying the experience.  In fact, it's Mandatory!

 

These Tips are not meant to form an exhaustive list.  Certainly, you will likely find many more along the way from your new found REliberation colleagues and friends...and that really underscores the true benefit and spirit of being part of this great Community.

 

Welcome to REliberation. Hope to see you on the other side.