Just one short year ago, THE LANDING was first launched as a Beta test to our MAR leaders (Board of Directors, Officers and Committee Members). We then went live to our general membership less than six months ago in October of 2012. We feel really good about the adoption and use of THE LANDING in these first few months.
To date, there are over 700 profiles where members have uploaded their personal picture, more than 11,500 connections (or in the Facebook vernacular; Friending) and there has been nearly 6000 content contributions. When building any community, including a new virtual community like THE LANDING, it is critical that the community engages its members to spend time there. Just like in real estate where its all about location, location, location, online communities thrive with content, content, content.
To date, member engagement on THE LANDING has been primarily for MAR business. While that is an important function of THE LANDING, we understand that to reach more of our membership, THE LANDING needs more. To this end, we are excited to announce the launch of VA Loan Central, an online community within THE LANDING that is focused on delivering to members tons of great information and education about the "ins and outs" of VA loans. We are partnering with Veterans United, one of the largest VA lenders in the country and which is conveniently headquartered in Columbia. The goal of VA Loan Central is to be that "go to" resource for members who have questions or need help with VA loans. In other words, content!
We believe that VA Loan Central will be a hit with members. If we are right, we will replicate this same concept with a host of other content partners so that THE LANDING becomes the most comprehensive business information source available to Missouri REALTORS.
Check it out for yourself here. It is new and still growing but we hope you can see the vision. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Till next time...
Russ