Jump Back in Time just a couple of years with us;
I had made the executive decision to throw my Palm Pre Smart Phone out the window (okay, not literally, but I was tempted) and go back to having two devices - a simple LG flip phone (that WORKS) and a Blackberry Curve (that WORKS)!
Yes, I had two mobile phone bills every month (although it turns out it was only about $10 more) and had to tote around two different devices everywhere I go, but OMG! I was seriously deliriously happy that I have a phone that WORKED (I could actually HEAR people talking and they could hear me - what a concept!) AND a mobile data device that did exactly what I wanted it to do, perfectly!
The Palm Pre, while a fancy-looking little piece of machinery, did neither. As a telephone, it was barely functional and the email/data functions didn't always work right. Not to mention the fact that I was already on my 5th replacement device in 7 months, which has been enormously time-consuming and frustrating. I can't help but wonder what will happen to all these Palm Pre's out there on the market when their one-year warranties run out and their owners are stuck in a two-year contract...
Anyway, the lesson I learned was that was sometimes One Size Doesn't Fit All. That it might be much more efficient to simply find the BEST tool or system or program for the job, that does the job excellently instead of trying to find one tool or system or program that does it all, but does it all mediocre-ly.
For example - Contact Management. Most contact management systems claim to do everything a busy real estate agent could possibly need them to do. Manage contacts, monitor dates & deadlines, send out cards and letters, send out email and eNewsletters, create drip campaigns, provide a website, set showings, request feedback, do the dishes...
But I'm guessing that many of these additional features (beyond simple contact management) function marginally well at best. Or not even. Which is going to create enormous frustration for the agent who just wants to get the jobs done... and done well.
Not to mention the frustration the poor agent has just trying to figure out which system: 1) fits into his budget; 2) syncs with his particular smart phone, email program and/or operating system; 3) is relatively easy to learn; 4) allows hassle-free import or export of data; 5) offers good customer service; 6) is robust enough to grow with his business, while 6) being relatively easy to learn (yep, that's an intentional repeat) and 7) fits into his budget (ditto).
I wish I could close out this article with firm recommendations on the Best Product for Each of Your Needs, but I'm still on the hunt myself. So, I'll just leave you with this... don't try to be so efficient with your tools and systems that you end up with tools and systems that don't do anything you need them to do!
Yes, I had two mobile phone bills every month (although it turns out it was only about $10 more) and had to tote around two different devices everywhere I go, but OMG! I was seriously deliriously happy that I have a phone that WORKED (I could actually HEAR people talking and they could hear me - what a concept!) AND a mobile data device that did exactly what I wanted it to do, perfectly!
The Palm Pre, while a fancy-looking little piece of machinery, did neither. As a telephone, it was barely functional and the email/data functions didn't always work right. Not to mention the fact that I was already on my 5th replacement device in 7 months, which has been enormously time-consuming and frustrating. I can't help but wonder what will happen to all these Palm Pre's out there on the market when their one-year warranties run out and their owners are stuck in a two-year contract...
Anyway, the lesson I learned was that was sometimes One Size Doesn't Fit All. That it might be much more efficient to simply find the BEST tool or system or program for the job, that does the job excellently instead of trying to find one tool or system or program that does it all, but does it all mediocre-ly.
For example - Contact Management. Most contact management systems claim to do everything a busy real estate agent could possibly need them to do. Manage contacts, monitor dates & deadlines, send out cards and letters, send out email and eNewsletters, create drip campaigns, provide a website, set showings, request feedback, do the dishes...
But I'm guessing that many of these additional features (beyond simple contact management) function marginally well at best. Or not even. Which is going to create enormous frustration for the agent who just wants to get the jobs done... and done well.
Not to mention the frustration the poor agent has just trying to figure out which system: 1) fits into his budget; 2) syncs with his particular smart phone, email program and/or operating system; 3) is relatively easy to learn; 4) allows hassle-free import or export of data; 5) offers good customer service; 6) is robust enough to grow with his business, while 6) being relatively easy to learn (yep, that's an intentional repeat) and 7) fits into his budget (ditto).
I wish I could close out this article with firm recommendations on the Best Product for Each of Your Needs, but I'm still on the hunt myself. So, I'll just leave you with this... don't try to be so efficient with your tools and systems that you end up with tools and systems that don't do anything you need them to do!
Guest Author Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn has authored five books and multiple courses designed to teach agents her Sell with Soul philosophy that centers on four interrelated principles: Respect, Competence, Confidence and Enthusiasm. The latest release of her book is available in the VanEd bookstore. You can also visit her online at www.sellwithsoul.com or attend one of her free teleseminars on a variety of topics of interest to the real estate community.
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