Technology is definately changing the way we work, socialize, shop and even date. And for those of us that don't catch on to all the new technology we can get left behind. No other industry in the world is more impacted by all this new technology than real estate. It impacts the way we enter and market our listings in the MLS to the way we receive potential leads. Agents in their 20 somethings have no problem catching on to all the new websites, MLS changes, supra keys or cell phones. But for those of us that are part of Generation X (like me) or the Baby Boomers (think your grandparents), some of the new technology can be somewhat frustrating. But many agents are still struggling to maintain a successful real estate career in today's market.
The reality is, in order to keep up with todays' generation of buyers and sellers, Generation X & Y, you definitely need to keep up with technology in order to effectively do business with them. Afterall, Gen Y numbers nearly over 70 million and they are completely tech savvy. They're all armed with Blackberrys, laptops, iPhones, among many other gadgets. And trust me, they're plugged in 24/7.
Yet early in my real estate career, I had taken a course from a very successful real estate mentor that said, "Text messaging and email are for losers. Rain makers use the telephone." So that message stuck and I vowed never to use those two mediums to communicate with clients, after all I wanted to be a rain maker.
Now, I myself am from Gen X but didn't initially utilize technology in my initial contact management system. As my database grew, I started helping a lot of young families or singles in their mid twenties and thirties and came into a rude awakening. Although my initial contact with them was always either face to face (from an open house) or on the phone, I eventually started receiving emails and text messages by them from the handful. And when dealing with Gen Y, believe me they expect instant communication. They all have Blackberry's and iPhones and expect their Realtors and lenders to have the same. If I didn't respond to them within 10-15 minutes they started calling. So I did what my clients did. If they text, I text...if they email I email...if they IM, I IM....if they add me as a Friend on Facebook..I accept. OH and on occassion I Tweet. And you know what? That type of communiaction is not for losers...it's for those of us that want to keep up with todays generation of consumers. Think about it. Look at the facts:
- 97% own a computer
- 69% have a Facebook account and typically logon twice a day
- 76% use instant messaging
- 92% of those reported multitasking while IMing.
- 94% own a cell phone
- 56% own an MP3 player
So trust me, baby boomers, jump on the band wagon, talk to your grandkids, take classes or do whatever it takes to learn today's technology. If you don't, you leave, you'll be left in the dust.
Great blog Zulma! A lot of great information here!
My sincerest apologies to anyone who I may have offended or hurt in my original blog. This was merely meant for educational purposes or to kind of 'turn the light bulb' on each of us that is struggling or resitting changes in how we perform our job on a daily basis. I love each and every agent in my office and recognize the uniqueness each one of them offers.