How do we reinvent the wheel of fortune?

Just today, my good friend Ed Rybczynski of Title-opoly posted an interesting article about the essential place that technology takes in today's market place. He writes that we must be 'wired' in order to take advantage of the many opportunities offered in the high tech world of 2008, particularly in the real estate industry, and more specifically in the title industry!

What got me thinking after reading and digesting Ed's post, was how in our little title company, 'old fashioned title service' is what seems to win the day...well over 90% of our business still comes from referrals from former customers!

This seems to set up a dichotomy...a tension between staying at the 'cutting edge' of the latest technologies so as to provide our network of customers the best services that our industry and technology have to offer, while at the same time making sure we haven't sacrificed that 'hands on service' for the sake of monetary reward or economic expediency.

Is this a 'caveman' vs 'gecko' dilemma???

Certainly not...even Geico appreciates the need for diversification in advertising...and like them or not, they have been very successful at creating a presence on TV...and not merely a presence, but an entertaining one, to say the least!

So the question is not Treo vs Blackberry...or Mac vs PC...or even Yahoo vs Google!

And the answer is still the same that it has been since the 'stone age'...don't reinvent the wheel...but don't neglect to use the wheel!

And so in summary...it may be easier to 'lure' customers in using the latest sophisticated technologies...but in order to 'keep' those customers, you need good ideas and good services! Some may be satisfied with once and done, quick and easy, instant gratification type transaction philosophies, but as for me and my company, we will continue to apply the more 'long term' human and humane approach...good old fashioned hands on service!!!