Blogger Spotlight; April Groves
“When are you going to interview April Groves for the fiesta? She’s the most positive blogger in the RE.net and has become a friend of mine- she has a lot to offer bloggers! 
Lemme know!”
That’s the email I received from Lani Anglin a few days ago that gave me an idea for a new exercise. Just as I have never been one to claim to be the last word in blogging, I don’t see why I should be the only one asking all the questions either. So I suggested to Lani that she should interview April, and here we are. April Groves interviewed by Lani Anglin.
Since it’s an unusual path, tell me about the process of determining the parameters for your two separate blogs.
At first I thought that keeping the two separate was going to be a necessary challenge. In fact, I have found it quite easy. When I first started MLWFY, it was slated to be a real estate blog. However, I found in my market, I would do better to invite people to get to know me rather than the market. So, My Beautiful Chaos became that introduction into April the person - my life, my family, holding the balance. But MLWFY still called to me. While I didn’t feel my market was in need of a hyper local real estate blog, one or two posts about business and development showed me that bent would be a successful avenue. I ran with that and have never looked back.
What is the most difficult part of blogging for you?
Keeping my voice down. I am a very passionate person. I have strong opinions and am heavily committed to those things I believe in. However, I am not stubborn or close minded so am open to new ideas. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I already understand the obstacles that these types of discussions face in a blogging platform. I understand that who I am may not be correctly understood with keyboards, monitors, and time delays standing in the way. So, I have segregated these topics into what I call my “over coffee” discussions. I avoid them online. But it is hard as I really appreciate these exchanges of ideas and would love to get involved. However, the risk of being misunderstood outweighs the chance of making a positive change, so I leave that to others and attempt to find my own way.
What advice do you have for new bloggers?
Plan, Plan, Do. I ended up doing a lot of rework because I jumped right in. I have also found that I am lucky that I enjoy it. The time involved is incredible. If I didn’t love it, I don’t know that I could keep it up. Blogs are a great way to get interactive with folks. Abandoned blogs are a great way to convince folks that you are no longer in the game – any game, not just blogging. But, I also wouldn’t suggest planning yourself to death either. Blogging takes fingers to keyboard in order to be effective.
Also, recognize your motive – and this is just my experience. If you are blogging because you are convinced the world just can’t live without what you have to say – write a book instead. If you are blogging because you have a voice and a desire to develop that voice within the context of wonderful relationships, start typing – blogging just might be for you.
How has blogging changed you personally and professionally?
Clarity of Opportunity. Some one once said, “I write so that I’ll know what I think.” This is true for me. I have learned so much about myself and my potential since I have begun writing. I see clearly through my own eyes and have the invaluable gift of seeing it through others as well. Through the relationships that have been fostered over the blogosphere, I have learned how to hedge my real estate business for the long term benefits and become more marketable to better assist my clients.
What are your Top 10 Favorite Real Estate Blogs
Lani Anglin - RErevealed
Jay Thompson – The Phoenix Real Estate Guy
Shailesh Ghimire – The Arizona Mortgage Guru
Sellsius – Real Estate Blog
Larry Cragun – Real Estate Undressed
Athol K – REAgent in CT
Stacey Macioszek – Bluffton SC RE Blog
The Bergs – San Diego Home
Pat Kitano – Transparent Real Estate
Various - Bloodhound
What was the first blog you remember reading?
Sellsius. I had just finished reading Realty Blogging by Paul Chaney and Richard Nacht. Sellsius’ place was my first stop on the “places to check out” list I had created. The space was fun, fresh, and informative. I thought, “I can do that…I think.” So, it was the first, and the beginning.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Thank you, April, for including Sellsius on your top 10 favorites list– with such great company.
Kudos again, Todd. You will soon be the premier resource for blogger interviews.
September 18th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Thank you April for including me on your list of favorite bloggers. I know you’re on my list. I agree with Lani, you are one of the most positive bloggers out there. I especially enjoy your “Turn Around Tuesday” series. Keep them coming!
September 18th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Thanks April! It’s an honor to be on your list, with all that great company.
If anyone reading this doesn’t have April in their feed reader, you’re making a huge mistake. HUGE I tell you!
September 21st, 2007 at 2:44 am
[...] Recent Comments: Jay Thompson: Thanks April! It’s an honor to be on your list, with all that… Shailesh Ghimire: Thank you April for including me on your list of favorite bloggers…. Joe Ferrara.sellsius: Thank you, April, for including Sellsius on your top 10… Jay Thompson: Woo hoo! Sometimes it pays to be up late, with feed reader… Todd Carpenter: Jay Thompson is the winner. I believe he will be using his points to… Ginger Wilcox: Great title. Darn, thought I was the first, but AR says you are already… Todd Carpenter: This interview has stirred up some debate over on Active Rain. Pat Kitano: It was really great to meet you at Inman Phil! Maureen M.: Hey Joe.. I was ready to take Sellsius off my feed reader!! It’s… loftninja: the ninj loves Frances….she is a blogging inspiration to us… [...]
September 21st, 2007 at 12:20 pm
[...] April’s interview was great and I have to say the questions asked are spectacular! Even more spectacular is April’s ability to engage readers- I’m like totally jealous ‘n’ stuff. [...]
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:41 am
[...] My interview turns to a crazy type at the end. So you can’t see that my favorite RE blogs are [...]