Jason Elrod - Real Estate Broker

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Technology: Tool & Trusted Compantion or Terrible Troll?

I get asked technology questions quite a bit.  I guess I can understand why as I am fluent in English, Realtor, AND Geek Speak.  If it is not a specific question about a problem or something obviously not working, then the question is 99% aimed at what the one perfect program or technological toy that someone could purchase or use to make their real estate business run on auto-pilot.  Delivering deal after deal after deal, 24/7, after only installing it and hitting the big green 'go' button.  The equivalent of a money-machine-silver-bullet of technological wonder.

I am sorry to say it, but no such tool exists.  People will run around spending countless hours (and cash) trying to find the next best thing that will make it all happen.  Technology just happen to be the latest poster boy.  Many times a person will see a successful business person and assume that it must be the tools they use and then they rush out and buy all the same systems.  Then they find out that all they have bought themselves is a new headache and an expensive time suck. 

Just like in anything, it is the craftsman who uses the tool and not the tool itself that creates the magic.

That being said here is my advice to the 'tech hungry' silver bullet crowd (in 3 easy steps):

1.  Buy only the basics and learn how to use those well. (email client, contact & calendering software, and an office suite)

2.  Figure out how you do business and only buy those things that support it.  NEVER, purchase a piece of software and force your business model into it.  It is always better to have your business model supported by the tools, not the other way around.

3.  Stick to the above rules. 

Anyone can learn to use technology.  It is a tool like anything else out there.  Become a master craftsman who knows how to create abundance and knows what the right tool for the job is.  Your sanity, your wallet and your business will all thank you.

So my question to you is this:

Is your technology a trusted companion or a terrible troll? 

 

Oh, and one more thing....  the little 'slidey-thing' for the CD's can NOT be used as a cup holder.  I don't care what the sales guy said.

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Jason Elrod

Realtor / Ex-Tech Guru

www.ElrodRealEstate.com 

 
2 commentsJason Elrod - Broker / Realtor • December 04 2007 11:57PM

WoW! I'm a Realtor. So back off my herb or I'll Frost Nova your a....

So there I was, looking for some rare herb in the frozen north of Azeroth.  Just hanging out waiting for things to re-spawn.  I'm a Blood Elf Mage and I need to get this certain weed that only grows in this particular region.  I had just finished laying down some frosty smack on the locals in order to have a little alone time with myself when BAM!!! In jumps this lvl 50 Tauren Shaman tossing totems everywhere and making a general ruckus.  He yells to me 'Whats up!!!!' then breaks into what I can best describe as a horrible tragedy of a dance routine.  I return the favor with a wave and my own rendition of the Napoleon Dyanmite dance revolution.

Then a funny thing happens.... he whispers me about a loan transaction I have going for some clients of mine and says that if we get into contract this week he can get them a great rate.  I make note of it and whisper back asking about an out of town investor that may be interested in a small commercial lot and ask him if he knows anyone who may have one they need to sell.  He says he will check and get back to me by end of business tomorrow.  Then my dang herb re-spawns and he grabs it before I have a chance to see what is happening.  Before I know it he is off and running over the next hill (with MY herb I must say) yelling that he will give me a call at my office in the morning to setup lunch.

See, I play World of Warcraft.  So does my family and some of my good friends.  Every Friday evening we get together online and hack and slash our way around the virtual worlds.  Neat thing is, several of my clients and some of my business associates also play.  A conversation starter for sure, but weird enough, also a business tool.  I have talked with people both near and far about everything from purchasing property to funding commercial developments.  When I say 'people', I should really be saying things like 'a little gnome warlock' or the 'Fabio looking night elf druid' or the 'crazy cow-headed shaman who stole my herb' (Grrr).

Point is, there are chances to network just about anywhere you look.  By taking a step out of the box you would normally prospect in, you can open up a whole new 'World' of opportunity. :)

Now if I could only convince the IRS that my Warcraft account is a business expense....

Have fun and maybe I will see you online.

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Jason Elrod

Realtor / Blood Elf Mage

3 commentsJason Elrod - Broker / Realtor • December 02 2007 12:22AM