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Wayne Zuhl, The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate (Remax First Realty II)

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Staff
1,685,353
Bob Stewart
ActiveRain - Mesa, AZ
ActiveRain

Today, we are not currently adding more Ambassadors.

I believe that before we do that, it would make sense to clean up the current roster of Ambassadors, and then put some more meaningful guidelines around what it takes to become one and also to maintain being an Ambassador.

The original idea basically had a few elements. You knew how to use the site, you agreed to be willing to help new folks who were joining the rain, and you loved ActiveRain (I don't know how we defined that exactly, but the idea was that someone was willing to be a proponent of the site).

In the many years since this was introduced, many of our Ambassadors have moved on and are no longer active. 

I really hope that between a pretty massive redesign we are working on, a bunch of work we are doing on SEO, and just the day to day of supporting thousands of Rainmakers and tens of thousands of free members, we can find some serious time to spend making this concept more crystal in the near future and bring some more signifcant meaning back to the Ambassador badge.

That being said, many of our current Ambassadors are still committed to helping new people and trying to set a positive example in the rain and we appreciate every ounce of effort they put into making ActiveRain a vibrant community inclusive of many different view points and personalities.

Jun 09, 2016 02:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I became an Ambassador by volunteering to help new Active Rain members learn the ropes, encourage them, and teach them how to navigate the site.  I also held a meet-up or two in my area.  

We aren't as active here as we once were, but we're still here to help if and when we have time to.  

I'm not sure of the secret sauce to be honest.  

Jun 08, 2016 10:11 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

You basically just write Bob a huge check and agree to support anything and everything ActiveRain leadership does.  

 

Actually - Jared & Alan's answers are far more accurate.   

Jun 08, 2016 11:13 AM
Ambassador
3,164,269
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

In the begining of the banner coming to the site there were requirements to apply including having posts ranked at # 1 and making a committment to write a "how to" post monthly to help out other members.  I also promised to reach out to new members.  In fact that one time they asked for volunteers and we were sent lists and reached out to who Kerrie asked us to reach out too.  Not sure they still do that, but I stopped getting the list.  I also look for blogs that are questions about how to and what not.  We get no special treatment, no special powers, no paycheck, it's strictly a volunteer thing. And not everyone takes the things that I know they originally promised to do seriously as some just left and some are still here and don't post often.  But I take commitment very seriously.  If you are interested in the program I'd suggest reaching out to bob@activerain.com 

Jun 08, 2016 12:35 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Kerrie called me one afternoon; she said that she and Bob had discussed my being an Ambassador; would I accept?    

    I told Kerrie that I was honored; I accepted the invitation.

 

 

Jun 08, 2016 11:28 AM
Ambassador
2,061,744
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

It's by invitation, and recognition of service to the community-at-large.

If you're interested in volunteering your time as an Ambassador, let Bob Stewart know.

Jun 08, 2016 10:26 AM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I just got a call from Kerrie and said yes.

 

Jun 08, 2016 05:36 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl - we are just like you! I think now-a-days,  they induct the Ambassadors - and there was a blog post on what is really required for that. It has nothing to do with seniority or number of points.

Jun 08, 2016 04:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Kerrie was the vehicle I became an Ambassador.

Jun 08, 2016 12:24 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,153
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If we are voting anyone in, I nominate the Zuhls for Mr. & Mrs Ambassador

Jun 08, 2016 11:29 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Particiapate a lot and the Ambassador Finder will find you!  

Jun 08, 2016 01:22 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

it looks like Bob Stewart clearly answered your question....

Jun 09, 2016 05:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

You submit your name to Bob Stewart and jump in with both feet

Jun 09, 2016 02:45 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I believe Ambassadors volunteer to be one.

Jun 09, 2016 01:58 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Volunteer to help and you can get a shiny badge :)

Jun 08, 2016 09:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Many ambassadors offered a response.  I'm sure others have wondered about this question.   

Jun 08, 2016 09:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

The question is: why do you want to become one? 

:) 

But I do think, Wayne, you'd be a great one! Go for it! 

Jun 08, 2016 05:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Wayne and Jean,

I have hear various version of this title, and it looks like Tammy Lankford, has the answer. A

Jun 08, 2016 02:08 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl Amanda and Jared Christiansen  have a great response for you.

Jun 08, 2016 01:26 PM
Rainer
212,500
Kristen Correa, Broker
Kristen Correa Real Estate & Reedy Creek Realty Services - Keller, TX
I love coffee & real estate. I am out of coffee!

THANK YOU AMBASSADORS! Couple of times I "got stuck" they bailed me. Or drove the getaway car. 

Jun 08, 2016 11:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,751,029
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

It's a voluntary position. From my limited understanding, you volunteer, and if approved by the powers that be, you become an ambassador. Buzz Bob Stewart. 

Jun 08, 2016 11:00 AM
Rainer
374,987
Libby Cousins
Extraordinary Processing - Spokane, WA
Contract Mortgage Processor, licensed in WA

I'm glad you asked because I was curious about the differentiation as well. Thank you to all of the ambassadors that do help AND to those members that are not ambassadors but help as well!

Jun 09, 2016 02:46 AM
Rainmaker
382,160
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

Obviously, there are several ways through the years that people have become Ambassadors, but from what I have seen it is usually someone who is helpful to others in some way. When I first started at Active Rain, I started the Newbie Group and Real Estate Rookie. At the time there was a need for them. I made it a point to comment on new bloggers and try to point them in the correct direction.   One could spend all day here in the Rain helping others, hence the need for many Ambassadors. It has nothing to do with points, imo, but attitude. 

Jun 09, 2016 02:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,923,130
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

It has been told to me that the Ambassador program is now under review...I think it needs revamping.

Jun 09, 2016 01:01 AM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

Thank you to all the Ambassadors who volunteer their time, energy, experience and expertise for the benefit of all of us!

Jun 09, 2016 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Kudos to all who have served as Ambassadors.  See Tammy Lankford, comment.

Jun 08, 2016 01:04 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,701
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

being a contributing member willing to answer questions and participate and be helpful to others - Many are called but few are chosen! 

Jun 08, 2016 12:59 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Bob Stewart is the person to consult about this and offer your services.

Jun 08, 2016 12:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Good question!  I have no idea.

Jun 08, 2016 12:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

You have to be voted in by the existing ones and AR leadership, I think I heard an ambassador tell me that on the phone once when I asked her.

Jun 08, 2016 10:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

 Yes, I like to know also....

Jun 08, 2016 09:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,623
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Looking forward to the continued improvements. I'd like to see Ambassadors offered again and more formalized.

Jan 29, 2017 09:41 AM
Ambassador
734,952
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Certainly not in my case Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl  as you can see by my point score. LOL!  I recently asked a quesiton about the Ambassadorship that seems to have a little life left in it.

For myself I think it might have had something to do with my experience in the Manufactured Housing industry. I'm not sure how many other AR members have our particular backgound  or niche. But that's my guess.

Aug 14, 2016 12:30 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I was an Ambassador before I joined AR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZji_wvssQI

Jun 28, 2016 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
682,505
CA COASTAL ESTATES Lauren Selinsky Perez CRS
California Coastal Estates - Aliso Viejo, CA
"Your Real Estate Broker" #oclauren

When I add more value. I hope I get selected.

Jun 12, 2016 05:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

The concept was simple when I started. It took less than 4 months for me to become an Ambassador. I have been helping other bloggers ever since. I have now returned to make a difference.

Jun 11, 2016 11:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,890,372
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

I was glad to see Bob Stewart answer this question. I was wondering about it myself!

Jun 11, 2016 01:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Back in the day, I remember you had to have a certain amount of featured posts, and a few other criteria.  Again, if memory serves.  Apparently, they're revamping the program.

Jun 09, 2016 10:48 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

It's a "value added"-type person, either by request of AR or by volunteering.

Jun 09, 2016 06:30 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,033
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Call and talk to Bob

Jun 09, 2016 05:14 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

You have to be selected by the powers that be.

Jun 09, 2016 04:45 AM
Rainer
427,257
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

Very good and insightful answers from many Ambassadors here. Thank you Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl for your question, and all the Ambassadors to respond.

Jun 09, 2016 01:29 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Presidential appointment.

Hmm, holds true for Active Rain also.

Jun 08, 2016 11:43 PM
Rainmaker
643,995
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

Ambassadors have responded that it is by invitation from AR Staff, but be careful what you ask for, you might just get it ;:-)

Jun 08, 2016 11:16 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

parked and reading

Jun 08, 2016 10:56 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I volunteered but never heard back. I am not ambassador material I guess.  

Jun 08, 2016 10:53 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not know. I am not an Ambassador.

Jun 08, 2016 10:45 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,407
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Ask an Ambassador.

Jun 08, 2016 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Looks like you got your answers Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl

Jun 08, 2016 06:07 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I also thought the status could be from points and time spent on Active Rain.  Good question!

Jun 08, 2016 03:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

You need to get invited by ActiveRain management.

Jun 08, 2016 02:23 PM