The goal is simple: We will be selecting 10-15 blogging coaches to each train a real estate blogging apprentice of their choice. Over the course of about 4 months, the blogging coaches will aim to develop the most successful real estate blogger they can.
The coaches and apprentices will be chronicling their Project Blogger experiences on their own blogs and the Project Blogger group on ActiveRain.
Here are the details:
Pre-Season: March 12th - April 8th
Getting the 'kinks' worked out.
Developing the blogsite
Hand calisthenics
Competition Begins: April 9th
No more excuses, the race is on.
Competition Ends: July 15th (14 weeks later) - winners will be announced at Inman's Blogger's Connect
Judging:
Guest judge evaluation weighs 85% of weekly point scores
ActiveRain community weighs 15% of weekly point scores
Examples of confirmed guest judges we plan to invite:
Scoring:
The team with the most points at the end of the competition will win the competition.
Each judges will allocate:
100 points for 1st place
80 points for 2nd place
65 points for 3rd place
50 points for 4th place
35 points for 5th place.
ActiveRain members will also be able to vote for their favorite team of the week.
ActiveRain member point allocation will conform with the above distribution.
Judging Criteria:
Judges and ActiveRain members will be instructed to judge the Project Blogger groups using the following criteria:
b. Consistency
c. Quality of postings
d. The Apprentice's community involvement
e. Traffic or reach of apprentice's blog(s)
f. Documentation of experience and participation in ActiveRain's Project Blogger's group
g. Cost effectiveness of campaign
h. Improvement/progress of the apprentice
h. Business viability of approach
Prizes:
The blogging coach and apprentice will each be allowed to direct $2,500 of the $5,000.
Superstardom.
Selecting An Apprentice:
The only criteria regarding experience of apprentice is that they have not generated any business or leads from blogging before the start of the competition.
Budget:
No budget restrictions
Budgets must be published in the Project Blogger blog on ActiveRain.
The Competitors:
This is not the final list of coaches. Some may not be able to formally commit to the competition and we may add a few more.
1. Dustin Luther, RainCityGuide
2. Jeff Turner, RealEstateShows
3. Greg Swan, BloodhoundBlog
4. Jim Cronin, RealEstateTomato
5. Teresa Boardman, StPaulRealEstateBlog
6. Joe Ferrara & Rudy Bachraty, SellsiusBlog
7. Ardell DellaLoggia, SearchingSeattleBlog
8. Pat Kitano, TransparentRealEstate
9. Joel Burslem, FutureOfRealEstateMarketing
10. Jonathan Washburn, ActiveRain
11. Frances Flynn Thorsen, theRealtyGram
12. Drew Meyers, Zillow
P.S. THANK YOU Jim Cronin for designing the Project Blogger logo and helping to draft this post!!
This sounds GREAT!!
I would love to see the improvement! Plus I am sure it will help those of us who are looking to turn this into a referral generation tool to vastly increase our scope of influence online
Kelly,
Later today I will be uploading a post that briefly profiles each coach. Then I will follow that post with another post that profiles each apprentice and lists who their coach is.
Each coach can choose their own apprentice; only 2-3 apprentices have been picked so far. What I would do if I wanted to be an apprentice is write a blog post about why I would make a good one, and then link to that post from a comment in this post. That probably is the easiest way to get the coaches attention.
The only criteria regarding experience of apprentice is that they have not generated any business or leads from blogging before the start of the competition.
Oh my....guess that leaves me out. I nominate Rich Pieropan as an apprentice!
Pick Me Pick Me... Please Ignore that I was away for the past week and certainly lacking in my blogging. But rest assured while i was lying on the top deck of the Royal Caribbean sippin' pretty cocktails my every waking thoughts were about "how could i be a better blogger".
PICK ME!!!!!!
Desiree http://www.tricountyhomes4sale.com/
Initially I just picked 10 coaches from a variety of backgrounds. All I believe are pretty universally recognized as real estate blogging experts. At least as much as there is such a thing.
If anyone would like to be considered for a coaching position please email me. We are still open to accepting a couple more coaches.
Jonathan, sounds like an intriguing idea. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out!
Oh boy. Is this exciting. I created my post in a hurry on my way out the door, but would love to be part of this project. Here is my post. Pick Fran Gatti
Thanks,
Fran
Cool idea, Jonathan. It will be interesting to watch these coaches adn their apprentices.
Jeff
I would like to nominate ME as an apprentice. I will beg if I have to!
Well, I'm gonna write in (post) to nominate me! So any coaches out there in blogland (OK the Blogosphere)....I'm on fire (get it Burns?) to do this! Be on the lookout for my post....it's coming!
Doing the "hand calisthenics" ...now!
WHAT a great idea! I am still new to Active Rain, have many ideas, could use a couch! I will work my *** off, I promise! :) PICK ME!
What a great way to raise awareness and promote EXCELLENCE in Blogging! Can't wait to follow the action!
Hugs & Smiles,
"Life is too short to perfect your weaknesses" Joeann Fossland
Joeann Fossland e-PRO,GRI, PMN MRE Society, Certified e-PRO Trainer, Master Certified Coach Founder http://www.webwomengivingcircle.com/ RELAXED Real Estate for MAGNIFICENT Agents! Visit my blog: http://blog.joeann.com/
************************************************
Advantage Solutions Group
(520)744-8731 744-8732 Fax
PO Box 133, Cortaro, AZ 85652
http://www.joeann.com/ mailto:joeann@joeann.com Supercharge Your Business:www.joeann.com/realestategame.htm or The FSBO Game http://www.fsboqueens.com/
Well.. i dont have an apprentice, or a trainer. but i'm throwing down the challenge to go up against the best. let the games begin!! bring it baby... let's rumble!!
hey, is anyone reading this under all that spam!! haha! :^O
:(
I want to play - I'm a horrible blogger. I even said so as much on my real estate blog. But, I don't qualify per your only criteria.
Jonathan.... I read this about 4 hours ago and then got side tracked... lol This is extremely interesting. I love the idea. Kind of like one of those reality tv shows. Could we get ABC to do a show on this? The daily lives of a blogger within Active Rain.... A blogging & Real Estate Community.
As Rich said, if you need any help, don't hesitate....
Hi Jonathan,
I would love to take advantage of this!! After implementing a very cool website 3 weeks ago I am researching ways to make it happen,optimize site, attract more consumers. I am very interested in learning how to blog. Someone reccomended trying the google blog space.?..hmm what do you think?
I believe I meet the criteria 100%
www.tinaabraham.com
Well...
it's done...
I think it sums up some of the reasons I want to be an apprentice...
The thing I know is that as well as it is going in my world these days - a 14 month old so
n, a great wife who is a chef, a crazy but sweet Lhasa Apso, a hilarious Bulldog... and a rapidly growing mortgage practice... I know that my missing link is THIS... passing my words onto the world and answering my muse.
sounds corny... but I try not to take myself too seriously - I have more fun rolling around on the floor with my bulldog and my son when I'm more lighthearted. ---------------> best friends from the beginning
WOW, it should be really hard to pick, in only one month I have had 3 e-mails and 1 Referral...
Jonathan,
Thanks for the post. Yet another great challenge. A learning tool for all Rainers!
Jonathan,
This will be an exciting way for everyone to learn about blogging and how to compose great posts. I would love to be an apprentice. I have put a post in my blog asking to be selected as an apprentice. Please pick ME seems to be the only thing left to say. My post is I WILL MAKE A GREAT APPRENTICE
I hope I do get PICKED!!!
Lisa Wopschall
I received a phone call during my Open House last week from a fellow in FLorida who asked for help with starting a blog and picked him since he had no experience at all at blogging. I guess those of us who have apprentices need to start announcing that. I'll try to get a post up.
My first task for him was to set up an AR blog and post his profile. The profile needs some work, but the photo looks great
Everyone say Hi! to Kevin Tomlinson of Miami Beach, Florida.
What a wonderful opportunity for the lucky group chosen to be mentored. I wish you all the very best of luck and cannot wait to see the work produced.
Are you going to make the coaches put the apprentice through any initiation?
Like cleaning the floors with a toothbrush! Or paddle them or make them dress up funny? LoL!
Sounds like a good way to promote A/R.
Even though I have been blogging since December, I am still so new, and need help finding my voice.
I am willing to learn and commit to the time and Jonathan, what a awesome idea.
This is a great idea. I can't wait to see the posts and who wins.....
Really though, everyone involved will come out WINNERS....so CONGRATS to all those involved.
My hat's in the ring!
http://activerain.com/blogsview/56979/Project-Blogger-Shameless-Self
Thanks Rich! I just fixed it--not the way I wanted (sniff!) but it does go to the blog page.
Very interesting idea. I know I'll be watching this as it develops.
OH MY GOODNESS, i have just recently become active as a "blogger" (actually i'm not even sure i am qualified to use that word in the same sentence as my name!) As you can plainly see, i do not even know how to put any fancy pictures or my signature on a blog.
I WOULD BE A GREAT CANDIDATE! I am not computer illiterate, but i could use some direction on blogging (making it visually interesting AND informative). I am a first year Realtor in the Northern Colorado area, if a blogging coach PICKED ME, i WOULD DEFINITELY INVITE THEM OUT TO COLORADO to celebrate our victory! (hee hee) I am competitive (just a tad) and know of lots of hiking trails and fun stuff to do in Colorado.
Thanks for your consideration! Kelly Malama
www.simplysold.com/kellymalama
I'll bet I'm the oldest member here. Anyone want to take on a "Seasoned Citizen" to coach?
Ozarks Joan
Jonathan - what a wonderful idea you've implemented. I hope we can all learn from the coaching.
If you decide to do a followup contest that apprentices Good Bloggers to become Great Bloggers, I want to be the first to apply (as an apprentice, not a coach). I'm good, but want to be great, and there are some really GREAT bloggers here that I'd love to be mentored by.
I've just started my outside blog but won't let that detract from my blogging here.
Jon-
You are welcome on the logo and post. My pleasure.
Hi Jonathan
All the coaches appear to be very qualified and experienced, which is brilliant! But for the team to succeed they also need to have an apprentice with a mind that is ready, cutting edge and open to all measures (hmm... become a sponge and soak up everything the coach offers)
Here is a candidate who will put in 200%,...please give me a thought I have marketing experience... but no blogging experience and need it to "survive".
Where is my team captain!
You know...
I think I want to add on to/update my apprentice nomination comment etc...
I want to make a shout out for a particular coach...
JEFF TURNER click here... this is what I want to continue with...
oh yeah... and I'm a HOOSIER ALUM... IU BA '95
Okay, I have been a member less than a week and NEVER blogged before! I jumped in and started posting beacuse I hated seeing Athens, GA empty on Localism (wheee - I just learned how to do that today!) and now I have to re-edit my blog everytime I read the great information located here on Active Rain! I am in desparate need of a great coach and would would love the opportunity!
I have a WordPress blog already set up but am having difficulty generating leads from it - or f even finding regular readers!
Here's why I need help!
Marcus.
Here is my pitch to any coach who still has an opening.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/57600/I-Will-Win-Project
I would love a shot at this! If it's not too late, selecting me would be a good choice...why? Simply stated, "Because I want to learn, and because I can!
A - Available
P - Personable
P - Professional
R - Ready
E - Eager
N - Never Negative
T - Totally Committed
I - Idealist
C - Creative
E - Efficient
I was just about to log on to my database - Top Producer, and I noticed, headlined on Top Producer's Home Page ...
'Project Blogger' kicks off in April
Competition connects newbie bloggers with polished veterans
This contest will rock. Congrats on a great idea!
Good lord, I'm only scared to death! Here's my application...http://blog.carimcgee.com/project-blogger-vs-project-runway/
So many ways I could have gone with this...Project Blogger vs. American Idol or Project Blogger vs. The Apprentice...but there is only so much time in a day.
Wow! Should be a fantatsic competition to see play out.
Thanks, Rich! I'm not really a moron, I just play one in this community!
Let's try this!
Cari - What a great blog. The link worked wonderfully.
Lisa Wopschall
Brookings Oregon
I may be too new to participate this time, but I definately wanted to put my name out.
I am a "green pea" in all aspects. This is my first time to the site and I have never blogged (not counting My Space) I do know that if done correctly could be a great marketing tool. If someone wants an apprentice who will follow all the directions and soak up information like a sponge I am that person. I am a full time professional agent who only commits at 110%. (I am a fast learner).
I would be honored to be selected. Think of it as a blank canvas...
I want to be the next APPRENTICE!!! No, not for the Donald....but for PROJECT BLOGGER!
Check out my San Francisco Real Estate BLOG and the SFHOTLIST!
Jonathan and Jim,
Way to go and let me know if there is any other way I can help.
Best Wishes,
Steve
www.StevenGroves.com
WOW! My first day surfing for help on how to build a blog and I landed here on active rain!
HI! I'm Matt Fetick a real estate agent with Keller Williams Real Estate in West Chester PA. I'm just starting my 3rd year in real estate sales.
In 2 short years I've risen to Top Agent in my office in sales volume and have created a team with a full-time Admin Assistant and 2 Buyers Agents.
How did I get there, I USED A COACH. I followed proven systems and models and hired a coach to take me through the process. I absolutely see the value in having a coach and believe it is very important. Currently I am coaching 3 new agents on how to jump start their careers as a way to give back what I have learned.
My 2007 Business Plan called for the start up of a Real Estate blog. I do not currently have one, so I'm the PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR A COACH, you can help me get started right from the beginning. No breaking bad habits, no resistance, just good old coaching and helping me to become a great blogger.
So, I'm looking for a coach so I can enter this competition and more importantly learn how blogs work and how I can better serve the real estate community and my clients by using a blog.
MY PROMISE TO MY COACH:
I will work hard and follow your direction. After I have learned the art of blogging from you I promise to PASS IT ON and to teach other how to get started. So, your investment in me will in turn have a great trickle down affect and others will be impacted too!
I hope to hear from someone soon. Let's get started AND let's learn AND LET'S WIN!
THANKS!
Matt
Jonathan, I humbly suggest you add another judging category: How much $$$ your apprentice bloggers make during the course of the contest as a result of their blogs. After all, a good blog should result in new contacts that translate into closed transactions, don't you think?
Diane Cohn, Realtor
www.renorealtyblog.com
Jonathan,
That "money thing" is a topic on RCG as Dustin thinks it has to be an agent who can have closed transactions and some do not. Can you clarify?
Hey Everyone,
Sorry I have been out of the loop for the past few week. Been on a pretty heavy travel schedule. Got back this morning and will hopefully get things rolling again.
Ardell, The apprentice cannot have a history of generating business from their real estate blog before the start of preseason of this competition. No leads, phone calls, or contacts originating from their blog.
Diane, Eventhough I agree that probably the overall definer of success of a real estate blog would be how much money an agent makes from it, I don't think adding money earned as a category is a good idea for this competition because the competition is so short. I believe that the ramp time for a successful blog could be the length of this competition.
Darn, that rules me out...I have gotten calls from my blogs...mostly people wanting to sell me on their webservice this or their lead tracking software that...blah blah blah...buy a house from me, then I can afford to consider your widgets, whistles and what-have-yous.
I look forward to reading the quality blogs that will surely follow from the apprentices and coaches alike. I even set up an associates category so I can keep track of them.
Jonathan,
Seems you've created quite a buzz. Good luck in your endeavor.
It has gone a little quiet around here…..are the wheels turning yet? Helloooooo Coaches if you have not chosen an apprentice yet I am still available. I guess I should reiterate how eager, willing, creative, focused, competitive and most importantly….dying to do this.
www.tinaabraham.com
I have no idea how I missed this, but here is my entry, if its not to late .
Throwing My Hat In
Looks like we are only a week away and I'm not sure what to do next. I've posted here looking for a coach and emailed several of the coaches listed at the top of the blog and no response.
Any suggestions? I'd really like to participate.
Ready, Willing, Able.
Matt
Ok, so I am very, very excited to be an apprentice. ARDELL and I met by chance. I had NO idea about the blog competition.
I got my actual blog set up today. It is very nice to look at, if I must say so myself.
Refocusing. I am soooooooo looking forward to this competition. I will do whatever (and I mean WHATEVER) it takes to win!
Additionally, I would love to give Miami real estate a voice of reason and clarity.
Are there any Puget Sound, WA agents on the "I want a mentor list?"
My brain works best with coffee and deep conversation. ;)
Hi Barry!
I'm in Seattle and have been "burning" to be a part of Project Blogger...would you like to talk (whoops converse)...over coffee?
Jonathan -- I see we have a complete list of all the coaches -- but not a complete list of all the apprentices ... or did I simply miss it?
Some have already been well publicized such as Greg Swann - Teri Lussier, Drew Meyers - Tiza Major-Posner and of course, Dustin Luther - Kendra Todd :-)
Are some of the match-ups top-secret or not-yet-revealed?
Gulp.
I'm one of the apprentices, working with the very fabulous Frances Flynn Thorsen.
Will we get a list of contestants and their blog URLs tomorrow, I hope?
Best of luck to all!
With good wishes from Silicon Valley,
Mary
Could this be any less organized? The contest supposedly started today but no hard list of coaches and apprentices were published. Not a good omen.
Hey Brian (and all who have asked recently)
I absolutely agree! The apprentices list will be published in 15 minutes or so and going forward I will do a better job at bringing better organization to this competition.
Later today you should expect a round up of preseason Project Blogger activity.
~Jon
Meet the teams! Post is now live
This project seems like it was a great success! Will you be launching at Project Blogger 2?
Thanks,
Daniel Del Real
DelRealProperty.com
WOW! Jonathan, you've created quite the BUZZ with this one! I think this is a great idea and would love to participate.
I would simply love another competition like this one to emerge. Or, is there something similar in progress? I'll stay subscribed to this thread. :)