We all know one. The Realtor that has been around forever (or at least since the Jurassic era) that insists on doing everything the "old school way". You know. . . . the person that once told you that computers were a plot by the Nazis to infiltrate American homes and brain wash the unsuspecting public? Ya, that one! Lets talk about them.
Being a member of the "younger generation" I grew up around computers. In fact, my dad likes to joke that my first toy was DOS. If you don't know what that is A) I pity you, and B) wikipedia.org . I love computers of all kinds and I think that operating systems are a thing of beauty (except windows vista, which really is a plot by the Nazi's) which should be understood and appreciated by all. I also get the fact that there are those of you out there snickering into your ties and saying "She's such a geek!" Well this geek has some advice, Modernize! . . . Or join your Jurassic roots and become extinct! So let's clarify a bit before we start. . . .
NO, computers are not a Nazi scheme! (Or a portal for Alien mind control, Or a Russian Spy device, Or from the Devil, Or eventually going to take over the world. . . etc)
NO, Al Gore did NOT invent the Internet!
NO, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are NOT in cahoots to take over the world. (I kinda like this one though!) And neither is Mark Zuckerberg! (Facebook)
YES, computers are essential tools for Realtors.
And last but not least. . .
YES! You must learn to use one! (And by that I mean MUCH more than finding the ON button!)
Dealing with anything new is often frightening; and to a lot of people, computers are terrifying. There is so much to learn and so many new things to keep up with that newbies often feel completely overwhelmed, so instead of trying to keep up they decide not to deal with the problem at all. Well, let's get started on the road to modernization, shall we?
Here are a few ideas to make the process a little less painful, and maybe even lessen that learning curve a little.
1. Read The Manuals! Yep, that's right, you really do need to read the manuals your first time out. Then don't toss them away once you finish! It is great to have something to refer to if you get really stuck. BTW, AR does in fact have a manual. . . it's here.
2. Shanghai A Younger Person. Everyone knows someone that it at least a little bit tech savvy. So beg, borrow, bribe or lie, cheat, steal (though I don't recommend these ones!) and even fix the government if you have to, but find a "study buddy". Someone who knows what they are doing makes a HUGE difference.
3.Take Classes. Most colleges offer classes on a wide variety of computer subjects, everything from Computer 101 ("Here is the ON button") to Social Media Management classes. (How to use Facebook, Twitter, Hoot-suite, etc.) If you don't want to actually attend a class you can take them online or there are even whole CD/DVD series devoted to helping people learn to use their computers and the Internet.
4. Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help. I have literally been around computers my whole life, but I still get stuck once in a while. A new piece of technology will come along or there will be a term that I am not familiar with that pops up and . . . Thump! I hit a proverbial wall. I have to then swallow my pride, and ask someone for help. Honestly, just ask someone! People here on AR are really great about answering your questions, no matter how silly they seem to you! (Thanks again, Jenna!) There are tons of super nice people out there who are more than willing to lend you a helping hand . . . Why? Because most of them have been there themselves.
There are many, many, MANY more things I could add here, but to what point? These are the important just-getting-started basics, and throwing too much at anyone at one time does nothing more than make a mess. So, good luck and happy modernization!
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