“What new technology does is create new opportunities to do a job that customers want done.”
Tim O’Reilly (b. 1954) CEO O’Reilly Media & supporter of the free software and open source movements
Tech in real estate is an interesting mix of innovation and resistance to change. On one hand, a wide array of apps, SMS systems, and social platforms seem to be on the cutting edge of disruptive new models in real estate. On the other, some real estate pundits claim that new media and mobile technology can never adequately replace the “belly to belly” business of selling homes.
It’s true that rapidly changing technology can be a distraction. You can waste a lot of time chasing the newest real estate gadget or platform while neglecting the basics of sensible client service and traditional business acumen.
But adopting the opposite stance is perhaps more dangerous. Loudly and proudly announcing your resistance to tech and/or maintaining that you don’t need to update your methods and systems can no longer pass. The only agents with the luxury of decrying changes in real estate tech are those who will be retiring in the next few years.
As for the rest of us? There’s no hiding behind “I’m not that tech savvy.” Here’s the thing: Your client base is going to be increasingly fluent in tech. New platforms for communication aren’t going to be supplemental for them– they’ll be the norm. It won’t be long until a greater percentage of your tech-fluent prospects will quickly be able to whiff out that you’re a tech dinosaur. When they do? They’ll move on.
It’s not that they think Facebook or a new Android app will be the key to selling their home. It’s that they’ll see your mindset as inflexible and unaware of what’s current. It nothing else, from a marketing and professional image perspective, you cannot afford to fly your anti-tech banner.
This doesn’t mean you have to adopt every new flashing light that comes along. In face, there’s real wisdom in honing your focus to a small, flexible suite of new tools that work and regularly evaluating your choices. But if you think “I’m not that tech-focused!” is an acceptable excuse, your future in real estate is going to be increasingly difficult.
Ask yourself: What are you really resisting? Is it fear of making mistakes? Do you think the world will one day abandon these devices that are revolutionizing every aspect of our lives? Do you have the sense you’ll just “never catch up”? Does your ego prevent you from learning from your competitors? Just pick one area and begin learning. Experiment. You don’t have to adopt it all at once.
Remember: When the trusty ship you’ve sailed on for years sinks, “I’m not that great with water!” won’t save you. Start swimming.
Photo credit: EmreAyar
