1. Remember that writing plenty of blog posts that interest your clients is where the money is at.
2. Interaction with fellow rainers can be beneficial, be generous with your knowledge and support.
3. Have fun, but dont spend so much time that it takes away from your business.

Participate by reading and commenting on blogs and questions.  Interact with members and write blogs yourself.  For me personally I have gotten more business from referrals of AR members than I have from people that just found my AR blog and called me, so for me the networking is more important, but for some the blogging is key.  

 Jump right in... the water is fine.  This is a very caring and sharing community, where we learn from each other.   

As Gabe Sanders recommended, set up your profile.  A robust profile tells people who you are and why they should want to work with you.   

Start blogging about what you know... your local real estate market.  

Welcome Aboard - !!!  I've been on this site since June and I just took the dive without really over-thinking it - I have 'met' some fantastic people and have learned so much.  We are glad you're here ...

You are already doing what I would recommend...Keep up the good start

Write blogs that define you as the expert in your area. Do it over and over and for interaction, comment on other member's blogs and questions in Q&A. Be a good citizen.

Start by reading and commenting on other posts. When a particular member entices you often, follow them. Answer Q&A's. Then begin posting yourself. AR is a great place!

You are off to a good start.  Stay engaged with the community.  Participate. Ask questions. Write good quality content. Read Posts. Leave meaningful comments.  Welcome to ActiveRain.

Start with a picture! :D
Then, follow all the advice given . . .

Welcome to AR!  Engaging with others, read their blogs, write your own blogs, visit the Q&A section and contriute your knowledge and expertise in a meaningful way when commenting, follow others on their blog... Networking is a great tool for new business..

 Try some of the tutorials in AR University.

 Hi, Karen.

     Post a photo or logo instead of the blue silhouette, ASAP.

      Welcome to ActiveRain!

Practice.

Welcome, Karen Ulrich!!!

The rest of the ActiveRain members have provided some great advice!

I thing I will suggest is to add a profile picture and get your profile completed.  :)

Okay, Karen you asked for it!  Share ideas with others and get your photo uploaded.  Going over to your blog now.  Welcome to Active Rain.  We are really glad you are here.

I mentor a course in Divorce and Real Estate...happy to send you information if you wish Karen Ulrich . Thank you Barbara Todaro .

Karen,

Welcome to Active Rain.

Rule number 1 (according to Annette) is have some fun. Maintain a spirit of expectation, keep the curiosity of the active main alive, find gold where ever you may be.

For you, engagement is the ONLY rule. Ask and answer questions.

Because you and I share the same status, RAINER, there is little benefit, besides practice, in writing a blog. NO ONE SEES IT except fellow AR members.

So, give yourself permission to play in the rain.

There are many great tutorials and videos.  Use the search field with the key words you want to search.

Karen,

Welcome to Active Rain.  You have great advice from the group already.  All I can add is , we look forward to reading your posts.  A

Basically Blog every day and comment as much as possible.

I'd start by letting us see you.  Adding a picture adds character to your presence here.

As for interacting here, it's the Golden Rule, treat others the way you want to be treated.  If you want comments on your posts, make comments.  And I do my best to acknowledge the comments I get on my posts.

That said, drill down and blog about what it is you do.  We'll stop by and comment.  That's what we do here.  You'll find this site is very useful in more ways than just SEO.  The relationships you build here are fantastic.

Always remember AR is a Lead Generating TOOL not only a mere website !

You are off to a good start, and that is by introducing yourself and asking. Post a picture of yourself, start writing a blog, read others blogs, leave comments and comment on anyone who comments on your blog. and... Welcome

Follow agents that write great blogs and reach out to agents.

You've gotten some great advice here, Karen Ulrich and I would add to that to be sure you complete your profile - we all like to know who we're conversing with!  WELCOME to ActiveRain!!

 See Bob Crane list & repeat each day.

Karen Ulrich I agree with Bob Crane suggestions.

Bob Crane said it very well!  Follow the 1-2-3's 

follow Sally K. & David L. Hanson they are experts at divorce real estate transactions.... 

to become known, comment on posts.... blog as frequently as possible

Karen Ulrich Here's a link I found at the bottom of the page to get you started.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1135403/how-to-get-started-on-activerain

Welcome to ActiveRain!

1. Setup your profile and include a picture.
2. Blog about your area, market, listings, etc.
3. Party in the Q&A section
4. And like Bob Crane said, don't loose sight of your business.  The point system can become addicting.  :)

Carol Williams nailed this one!

You are doing great. Participate in the life of this community and blog regularly. Good luck! 

Welcome to our ActiveRain Community. Please take time to explore the whole site, it's worth it!

I'd follow Carol Williams advice! Spot on!!

Karen - join the Bananatude Group! 

Welcome!! First of all I would get yourself a photo for your profile, and be sure to add more information so we get to know who you are. Make sure you participate actively - read and comment on posts, write plenty of your own posts about your business and your communities, and be sure to respond to comments others make on your posts. And follow others that you like and feel you can learn from. Consider becoming a Rainmaker so your posts can be seen by non-members of AR (i.e., consumers)

Suggest to complete your profile. Your phone number, website. There is a AR University on site. Blog blog blog....

Good luck,

Sam Shueh

Start with a professional photo of yourself in your bio. The rest will follow and many hear will pitch in with lots of suggestions. It will not take long for you to figure out who the 'Movers and Shakers' are here to 'Follow'.

I not one of them, but there are plenty of members that really want to see a picture. Upload a picture. Then start reading, learning, commenting and writing. Have fun and welcome to AR. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

I think you've gotten some good answers. There are also resources in Active Rain about how to write your blogs.

Welcome - it looks like you're doing fine for a start

start blogging about your services and start calling other AR members

Blog and follow follow Rainers.

Complete your profile with a photo. Comment on other posts and write posts.

Reciprocate all comments if you have time. 

Karen Ulrich - I am sure you'll enjoy your stay here!

PArticipate, Participate and Participate. In the community, participate in contest, leave comment - and comments on comments.

By the way, Welcome to ActiveRain.

I agree with Kasey & John Boles and the team at Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC .