It is hard to imagine that just 50 years ago computers were things that only the government and big business used for very simple tasks. Now just a few decades later it is uncommon to find people without a computer in their household. Although 50 years can be a lifetime for some of us, it is a drop in the bucket when you look at how advanced our technology has become in the past century alone.

From a young boy I was taught the value of honor and respect. I was taught that the "old way" was a handshake and a smile followed by excellence in service. Those truths will never be broken from my core convictions and I believe they are what makes successful people stand out. But in spite of how important it is to remember your roots, I have found that you must adapt with change or be left behind.

In some way shape or form we all use the Internet to communicate. But the real question remains, how well do we use this platform to market to new and even existing clients? Unfortunately for many the Internet is more of a playground where we engage others without any real purpose. Far too many people are missing out on the opportunity to use the Internet and new forms of communication as tools to increase their business, and many are leaving the industry because of it.

Now Activerain seems to prove this theory wrong in some respects, but then again does it? With almost 40,000 people registered with ActiveRain how many people are really active and productive within that number? Even if the number was half (and we know it is not) that would still account for a small fraction of the total number of real estate professionals in North America. That's not to say they aren't elsewhere blogging and developing web presence, but as you'll see many people who are web savvy naturally find their way to sites like this and other big names on the Internet.

Recently I met a loan officer who has been in the business over 30 years. After a short conversation she began to explain to me how her business has slowed down dramatically in recent months and she can't seem to figure out why. During our conversation I received a few calls which I let to go to voice mail and shot out a quick text to those people that I was in a brief meeting and would call them back shortly.

The loan officer noticed I sent a few texts and asked me why I had done so. She then explained to me that she refused to text or email her clients. She said it took away from her "personal touch" and made it a point to tell me how much she disliked the Internet and texting. Needless to say I also found out through her own admission that her only complaint from clients was that she was sometimes hard to reach and did not respond to messages quickly.

I am passionate about serving my clients and I try to communicate with them as often and by any means as possible. Of course not all people want to be emailed or texted so you have to get to know your client and how they like to be kept up to date. The bottom line remains that consumers and our future clients are on the Internet more than ever and by opening a new line of communication you may be solidifying a relationship even more.

Brian Brady is a great example of this kind of innovative marketing. I recently heard he has received over 1000 inquiries as a result of his web presence. Not only is that impressive, but that is something each and every one of us should strive to mirror.

Yesterday I was sitting down with family preparing for my week and going over emails when I received my 72^ndinquiry (in 4 months) from Activerain. The deal was submitted, appraisal was ordered, and underwriting approved before noon today. I sent the client an email and gave a quick call to recap everything to date. She told me she has never had a loan officer give her better and quicker service in the 6 mortgage loans she has done.

Wow, now that is a testimony!

We often times do what is easiest and forget to work on our weaknesses because it is hard. In a time where things are slower than normal and business is trickling in, you simply must reinvent yourself and make your weaknesses your strengths. Sometimes change is hard, but if we want to remain successful we must constantly grow ourselves beyond what we thought we could do.

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