I am Going Back to a Rotary Phone

I was thinking the other day. With all this technology coming at us at 100mph, could a business survive or even thrive without technology.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign

I see that Activerain is having a sign contest, do we really need signs these days? That is a pretty old fashioned concept, we are pretty much putting a picture of a sign on an Internet site, that is kinda dumb. Yes but what about all those that pass by and call you from the number on the sign, I don't think so. I will admit that I have had clients call me and want to get them info on a home they saw with a sign out front. However, more often than not, usually it goes down something like this, "hey look theres a for sale sign on that house, we didn't see that one on the Internet". I would like to see some data that shows that yard signs contribute to the sale of a home. To me they are just an eye sore, shameless self promotion so that everyone can see that you got a listing. Of course if that listing is over priced and doesn't sell, then you have a great big advertisement that you can't get it sold. Sounds like a double edged sword...What say you.

One  Ringy Dingy

Okay honestly, what would be the difference if we still had rotary phones, you know before the days of answering machines and voice mail. You remember, when people actually answered the phone. How many posts have I read about Realtors needing to answer the phone, and not letting an unknown number go to voice mail. So really other than speed and portability, the concept is still the same. If we didn't spend so much time fooling around with that portable phone, we might actually spend some quality time with our clients....Answer the phone.

Frequent Flyers

This one is alot like the yard sign debate. We are still generating flyers at a brisk pace. I get tons of them, new listing, open house etc ...through email. So really the only difference here is that  instead of using snail mail, or good old fashioned foot power and dropping them off "manually" at different offices, we are still using flyers in much the same capacity. It is just the delivery method that has changed.

I'm not seeing much difference thus far.

Business Cards

Okay now this one I have tried and tried to get people to stop the love affair with the business card. I have used scan programs, and this app and that app and still, people ask...do you have a card. I am giving up on this concept of being able to get away from business cards. Remember Palm had an infrared thing that you could use instead of handing out business cards, yeah it went away with the Palm Pilot. Hey I am just trying to save a tree or two, thousand...

Conclusion

So pretty much we are using the same tools in pretty much the same way, just delivering them in an updated manner. Other than the idea that clients, or potential clients are using the Internet to look for homes, our tool kits are still full of the same tools. Think about it, once home buyers find that home they like on the Internet, what do they do? They look at the pics, and then they look on your listing flyer, for your company sign, and then for your phone number, and they call you for a showing. Take out the Internet part and you have pretty much the same scenario 25 years ago.

What does all this mean,

Here's the deal. I am looking for just two agents that want to make more money, that want to take on the challenge of working together to really think out of the box. I want to be a part of something totally different, I am looking for a couple of agents that want to approach the world of real estate, how it IS done, and how it COULD be done. How it IS  marketed, and how it COULD be marketed. I am looking for a couple of forward thinkers, any agents in Adams County game.......

 About the author:...

Gettysburg Gerry is a Social Media Astronaut in the Gettysburg Adams County Pa area, exploring the limitless expanse of the Social Media Universe. He is owner and Principal for the firm Studmuffin Media. Gettysburg Gerry promotes all things Gettysburg, just google Gettysburg Gerry for more info. 


 Gettysburg Gerry.com 

                                              Studmuffin Media

                              StudmuffinMedia.com

 

Gettysburg Information               Gettysburg College Information

Ghost Tour Reservations                 Gettysburg Restaurants

National Military Park Info          The Social Studmuffin Radio Show

        

 

    

<a href="http://twittercounter.com/GettysburgGerry">Gerry Michaels on Twitter Counter</a>
 
Star Posted by Gerry Michaels GettysburgGerry on 04/01/2011 08:21 AM   Comments (34)   Technology in the ActiveRain Channel  
Generate short URL
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Addicted to Active Rain
Post is included in group: Real Estate Technology
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain

34 Comments on I am Going Back to a Rotary Phone

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

APR
01
2011
105,466 Points Localism Sponsor

Great post. You could probably get away with a rotary phone if you had to, but forget trying to go back to the beeper.  Why?  Cause there are no phone booths around to amke that important call when someone beeps you.  LOL. 
5:17pm • #15
298,741 Points 2 Featured Posts

My cell phone died the other day, I was on foot, and it took me 20 minutes to find a payphone...in a downtown area. 

Technology is great as long as we don't forget the basics of this business...people!

 
5:27pm • #16
231,778 Points 8 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
If you look at the actual process, it involves communications between humans. Whatever tools we use, ultimately, the human have to response. Phone, fax, email, rotary phone doesn't matter. Boils down to the human process.
5:30pm • #17
473,577 Points 12 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gerry, this is a very clever post and I am betting you'll find two great agents that think outside the box!
5:33pm • #18

Very Interesting....  I think that we have to continue to blend generations.  I'm a boomer (although I try to act like a Millenial sometimes) but I work with mostly elderly folks (silent generation) that are prior to my generation.  For me it's frustrating to use a phone instead of email or texting, but I understand the generational differences and have adjust to my clients.

I think the capability of texting and email has improved communication tremendously.  Is that a bad thing?  Maybe, it depends on your personal point of view.
5:36pm • #19
460,608 Points 4 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gerry - I wish I was one of those agents you were looking for... I don't think I am though....lol... good luck in your quest... And have a great weekend
5:48pm • #20
387,262 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have a rotary pay phone on my desk, not hooked up. You would be surprised how many clients put a quarter or dime in it and play with it. Kinda like doodling. As far as flyers, they do make sales for me!
6:00pm • #21
107,689 Points Outside Blog

Gerry, this blog was quite interesting. I have to admit that the rotary dial in the title got my attention.
6:16pm • #22

Well... if I was in your area, I think I'd take you up on your offer!! I've been in the business since 1988 and I tell agents new to the business, its different but the same. The human element needs to be there. In fact, it is more important than ever to have that contact. 

BTW, I like your Gettsyburg historic homes web site. Really beautiful homes. 

 
8:25pm • #23
1,154,395 Points 86 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gerry, it reads as though thehidden agenda, here is the quest for additional help, with the negatives of progress hiding the message. Good luck with the recruiting
9:01pm • #24
1,125,696 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gerry read your post but I must be missing something. What are you looking for? 2 more agents in your county?>
9:36pm • #25
122,393 Points

The technology can and probably will get even crazier but at the end of the day it's about relationships and credibility.
10:08pm • #26
APR
02
2011
761,437 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cory is right on.  Gerry, those good agents will find their way to you.  I am anxious to speak with you about doing your own thing.  Good for you.
12:29am • #27
142,363 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You hit the proverbial nail on the head Gerry. Interesting blog!
12:58am • #28
975,239 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Technology takes way more time than no technology. I will agree with that!
1:55am • #29
1,929,086 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, great post and I agree way too many agents don't get what this business is about. It is about people, talking to them. You can't talk to them if you don't answer the phone. I can't count they times I've gotten a buyer or a listing just because I was the first one to answer the phone.
2:03am • #30
1,421,591 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Trying a different angle in recruiting. . very creative
7:04am • #31
311,248 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Okay, Gerry. I'm moving to Adams County to be among the numbered few. When we first had the opportunity to have a picture show up one the computer print outs we used to get I pushed for agents to demand that we stop using a mls listing book printed every week or two. Mostly I got "Huh?" looks. So I wrtoe a letter and made copies. Handed it out at brokers opens and finally it snow-balled. When die hards called the multiple because they didn't have their book anymore, the multiple gave them my number. Pretty funny.

Now, I'm all for the one waterproof flyer in plastic container on a post. Almost everyone has a phone that will pull up the info 6 ways from Sunday.

If signs went we would be more professional in our marketing and perceived of as more so since many clients would have to contact us to find out what is for sale. Signs are just a way of advertising our stream of success, and there must be a better venue than in someone's front yard.

Can my logo be the cannon too?
12:01pm • #32
532,055 Points 45 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks everyone for stopping by, I did not expect such diverse comments, love a good debate...
3:31pm • #33
133,339 Points 7 Featured Posts

However you communicate in the end it comes down to the fact that if they don't feel a rapport with you they won't work with you.

 
7:57pm • #34

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
100_0527 Ambassador_large

Gerry Michaels GettysburgGerry

Social Meida

Gettysburg, PA

More about me…

Studmuffin Media

Address: PO Box 127, Cashtown, Pa, 17310

Cell Phone: (717) 752-6886

Email Me

Blog site for Studmuffin Media in Gettysburg Pa. Services include Social media managment, community building, content management, SEO, blogging, video, photography, graphic design, website evaluation and builds. We cover any and all aspects of the Social media, marketing world..


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog