Women's Council of Realtors Technology Expo in Toms River, NJ

This morning, I had the privilege of speaking in front of the WCR Chapter of the Ocean County Board of Realtors on the subject of technology.  As I am a proponent of always being prepared and knowing your target audience, I started off my presentation with a quick technology assessment.  I am proud to report that this particular audience was, in my humble opinion, above average in the technology tools department.  Here was my checklist:

• Laptop/Tablet PC (with wireless card BONUS)
• Contact Management System
• Digital Camera
• Professional e-mail address(es)
• Website/Page/Blog
• PDA/Smart Phone
• Video Camera
• e-PRO Designation

With the exception of the last item, e-PRO, at least half if not more, of the audience raised their hands.  As an e-PRO myself, since 2003, it befuddles me as to why, when all of the NAR statistics clearly indicate today's consumers' preferences, that so few real estate agents are aware of the designation let alone bearers.  One would think, in today's real estate reality, that the e-PRO designation would be pervasive let alone prevalent. 

Allow me to take it one step further; "Advanced e-PRO" or "e-PRO 2.0"?  It's been nearly 5 years since I passed the course, and as we all know, a few things have changed since then.  Will we ever, as an industry, respond to change instead of react to it? 

The impressive audience I had this morning was hungry for knowledge, information and tools.  They are "above average" in their market.  They deserve more!  I, for one, resolve to petition our local and state boards for "e-PRO Awareness" and Internet Crusade, if you read this, I'm all for "e-PRO 2.0 Beta"...even if it's already out and I'm not aware of it!

Jim Flanagan, GRI, e-PRO