Technology. We love it at times and we hate it other times. It works for us and against us. The pro technology people, of which I consider myself, try to convey to others how it saves time, money and eases the way in which we do business. The "Old School" people will tell you that we are moving too quickly and that "back in the day", things were easier, less hectic. We had more time with our families.

Let's talk about cell phones. As Realtors, we really can't live without them. I called an agent this morning and she answered her phone. I told her what I was calling about and she asked if she could call me back as she was at a doctor's appointment. Granted, she may have been in the waiting room but I did think, why are you answering your phone if you can't speak? The ideal situation would be to have 2 voicemail messages. Switch to number 2 which says I am on an appointment and will call you back once I am done.

The flip side of this issue are those who are not available at all by phone. They are either too busy or too unwilling to answer your phone. "I return calls from 2:10-2:20pm daily." I know, many time management seminars have said that this is the way for you to best manage your time but in the real world, it makes you seem uninterested and too busy to speak with anyone!

It would be nice to find a happy medium. Personally, I never shut off my phone. There are those rare cases when the phone rings at 1:30am or 7:00 am but as a whole, my customers and agents know that they will get me or a return call shortly after calling.