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Somebody Has To Say It

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with 1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC 156842

Before you can learn how to use one new cell phone a newer model comes out. And that’s just not true of phones. It’s everywhere you look in the field of modern technology. Who among us can keep up with it? It would be nice if technology could take a breather, but competition dictates that someone must dominate the market and claim the largest share.

For sure technology has made life easier in many ways, but have we become too dependent on it? Another question is, has it caused some of us to become extremely lazy? For instance, do you have a backup plan for the “what if?” Is your presentation relying solely on the use of modern technology?  If you lose your internet connection, or a website crashes, do pack up and go home, or do you pull out a legal pad and pen and carry on?

Overall, the advances in modern technology is a good thing. Look at what it has done in the medical field alone. Today, doctors can access life saving data instantly because of technology. I know I’ve been all over the place with this post, but you get the picture. To further emphasis the point, I am reminded of my days in the military as it relates to security clearances. Just because you may have a top secret clearance does not mean you have the need to know. And, the parallel to that would be, every time something new comes out does not mean you have to go out and buy it. You can spend a lot of money on things you don’t really need, or need to know. Ask yourself, am I ready to invest the time to learn how to use this tool, or am I collecting gadgets?

In conclusion, I’d say just do your best to stay current, and only buy what you intend to use. One final thought, I recently posted an interesting article on my personal website blog that answers the question of “Why You Watch Reality TV”. If you liked this post you are sure to like it as well. Click over now and have a read.

Suzanne Otto
Six Twenty Designs - Lansdale, PA
Your Montgomery County PA home stager

I think a lot of us are somewhat dependent on our gadgets. Like Amanda and Jared #14 said, if I lost my contacts I'd be in some serious trouble.

But I will say it's nice to not have a phone for a little bit and not be constantly checking email as soon as it pops up.

Jun 09, 2013 10:49 PM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Wow! Thanks guys! I went to bed a little early last night, and what a surprise to wake up to! I have eleven comments to respond to and a featured post.

Debe: Thanks, and I get the same felling sometimes. For me it can be a little overwhelming, because I felt the need to stay on top. That has cause me to buy into a lot of toys I never learned how to use.

Scott: you are absolutely correct! I've got to learn how to join that crowd. Thanks for your comment.

John: glad to hear you are winning the game! Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate your comment.

Liz & Bill: Thank you for sharing! I have the Samsung S3 and a tablet as well. I'm still learning how to use the tablet efficiently for presentations. Good job with the hard copy listing presentation!

Brenda: waiting for the kinks to be worked out is a good strategy and money saver too! Thanks for your comment.

Nina: Trying to keep up with technology is time consuming and frustrating. I completely agree, if it ain't broke don't fix it! Thanks for commenting.

Richard: Thanks for the tip. It works great for picking stocks!

Lisa: good for you! I'm working on that. I appreciate your comment.

Charita: Thank you so much! My BB lives in my car, my wife got my iPhone, and I kept the S3. Have an iPad too that I seldom use. I really think if I ever learned to use what I have I would never have a need for anything else. I appreciate you, thanks again!

Cindy: Good point, I couldn't agree more! My problem is I'm drawn in by the latest and the greatest as if I have to have it. I'm working on that, because it make no sense to have things you don't need or know how to use, just so you can say you have the latest! Thanks for commenting.

Gay: Thanks for adding to the conversation. I appreciate and agree with your point if view.

Amanda & Jared: Good point not to put all our eggs in one basket. Very appropriate. Thanks for your comment!

Sara: when I began writing this post that's exactly what I thought... a lot of people are feeling the same thing. I appreciate your comment, thanks!

Carol: you are so right! Thanks for commenting.

Mona: my friend, Thank you! It's good to be back. As I stated,, I never intended to depart permanently. You are equally correct that technology can also be fun!

Mark: very perceptive and succinct! Thank you sir!

Suzanne: can't help but laugh at "checking email as soon as it pops up"! It reminds me of someone I know intimately! hint, hint. Thanks for commenting.

 

 

Jun 09, 2013 10:57 PM
Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Always seems when I purchase a new cell phone or computer, the new model comes out the next day.

Jun 09, 2013 11:03 PM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Edward & Ceila: it does seem that way! Thanks for commenting!

Jun 09, 2013 11:26 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Clark, new technology is obsolete when it hits the market. I believe this is done on purpose. We all want the latest and greatest and they know it.

Jun 09, 2013 11:27 PM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Dick and I just had this conversation yesterday while at brunch.  He's just ever so slightly technology challenged and I'm self taught and think I know more than I actually knmow.  We're taking a few hours a week to go over all new advances in real estate technology that the techies have published here on ActiveRain.  Learning together, oh how cute, lol.

Jun 09, 2013 11:36 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Clark, you have too much talent to deprive your customers and us here on the rain. we need more bloggers like you. .insightful, positive and helpful. .

I'm you newest subscriber!

Jun 09, 2013 11:50 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

We are trying to learn how to use our new phones. It can be a challenge.

Jun 10, 2013 12:17 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Whatever the technology is...it must remain user friendly or you will lose the millions of people who are not tech savvy...Its a tool...not a burden

Jun 10, 2013 12:27 AM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Michael: I think you have a point! I can see how that would benefit a company to always have an ace in the hole, and release one product at a time. Thanks for sharing!

Chris & Dick: it's good to be self taught. I think it aids in our retention. I appreciate your contribution!

Fernando: Thank you so much! I'm almost lost for words, but I want you to know I sincerely appreciate your kind words and will not take them lightly. Thanks again, my friend!

Roy: I know the feeling! Hang in there until you overcome the challenge.

Richie: interesting point... very well said, and I agree it should not be a burden. Thank you!

Jun 10, 2013 12:32 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It's really a good point as I have agents in my company that have bought everything & tried everything no matter if they need it or not.  Need = if if makes your job better, faster, more efficient.  Most of the time these gadgets take more of your time instead of the opposite.

Jun 10, 2013 02:10 AM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Lyn: I understand, and your definition is valid! Sometimes having more gadgets are to impress and entertain than to increase production. Thanks for commenting!

Jun 10, 2013 02:35 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

LOL, Clark. I was just thinking about this very issue with "Keeping up with Toys". Like some many out there, they are nice if they are user friendly. But, I do have a backup plan for my Listing Presentation. Plus, I started backing up all my contacts in more than one place. I am somewhat afraid to completely trust Technology.

Jun 10, 2013 02:51 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I finally purchased an iPad for real estate. It will take me several months to master this tool. One step of technology at a time.

Jun 10, 2013 02:52 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Clark-it can sometimes be daunting to keep up with all the new technology, though I love it, I think the most important tech tools are the ones I use the most and have mastered. 

 

Best

Jun 10, 2013 03:40 AM
Frank Harper
Idaho Family Real Estate - Boise, ID
Broker/Owner, Realtor, GRI, SFR.

Yes indeed what would we do without are smart phones! Just a few years ago we only had cell phones!

Jun 10, 2013 04:27 AM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Jerry: Hey, great minds think alike! Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your support!

Harry: That's the right approach, one step at a time. We all do well to remember that one.

Adrian: it's good to hear that you've taken time to master the most useful tools in your arsenal, I appreciate your comment, Thanks!

Frank: They are helpful to the point of being addictive. I always turn around when I realize I left home without mine!

Jun 10, 2013 04:46 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Clark, it is true, we probably do not need the "latest and greatest", but sure is fun to have the latest new gadget out.   I have the Galaxy 3, and the new 4 just came out, and I have to wait until January, it could kill me!!!

Jun 11, 2013 09:38 AM
Clark Cook
1st Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC - Fayetteville, NC
Marketing Homes For Sale In Fayetteville NC Area

Joan: you'll be fine! I know that feeling well. Thanks for dropping in and commenting!

Jun 11, 2013 10:52 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Clark - I'm totally dependent on the computer for building my business. NO ONE in my small home town would hire a writer, and real estate agents here don't prospect. If I had to place expensive ads in national real estate magazines I'd probably be in negative cash flow... 

But as for phones - I'm fortunate (depending upon whose view) to live where there is no cell service, and fortunate to be able to stay home to work, so don't even own one of those fancy gadgets. So - that's one thing I don't have to try to learn. 

Jan 28, 2015 06:35 AM