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Would your office be more productive if the computers are off all day twice a week?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Dynasty

  The last few weeks I have been more productive getting more leads and listings than the past few months. It is true that I worked harder. The fact that I am more focus because there are lesser distractions.

  •        Don't need to check my emails. The jokes and spams are not going to get me more leads and sales.

  •        The news at Yahoo and MSN would not affect my local prospecting.

  •        The computer monitor would be turned off so nothing to stare at.

  •        The computer would be powered off so no buzzing noise.

  
  If leads and contact information for Expires, FSBOs, NODs, SOI, etc are gathered and printed out early in the morning and if the computers are turned off, there would be very little stopping us from calling everyone from the list.

  There are one or two offices that I heard that does this and they are very productive. My office wouldn't do it because everybody are addicted to their computers and smartphones.

  If I have my office, I might implement a similar policy. Sas wondering if there would be any backlash from doing this.

Comments (8)

Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA

It's an interesting concept, but there is a reason it is called "social networking".  I wonder if it would work, and be a good compromise, to turn the computers off for an hour or two each morning?

Jul 26, 2010 09:32 PM
Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty LLC - Big Rapids, MI
Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

It would probably have health benefits like helping with eye strain. Good idea Song. You go first though. lol

Jul 26, 2010 10:10 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Song....much of what we do online is social networking rather than hard core blogging......good point....

Jul 26, 2010 10:23 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Yesterday, I actually wrote a few personal notes to clients BEFORE I powered up the computer--it felt good.  However, I think I would have to start small--maybe an hour or two at the most.  I'm pretty addicted to checking email way too often.

Jul 26, 2010 10:57 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

My computer is an extension of my business. . .since I get all my leads directly and rapid response is critical . .no way!

Too much emphasis in something that comes from your core. . like dieting. . cut sweets one day per week to lose 10 pounds. .it doesn't work! 

You will eat again. . 

You need to focus on the core and your discipline. .if you want to be successful and change that! 

Jul 26, 2010 11:21 PM
Bryan Watkins
LRA Real Estate Group - Mesa, AZ

Song, you are very correct. The information that is all around us is and can be interesting, but is often not important. Seems like the same with sitcoms- are we better off not turning on the tv? good points to get things done by turning off or getting out of the office.

Jul 26, 2010 11:48 PM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Song, I frankly couldn't do it.  Short sales demand an enormous amount of time not only on the phone but faxing and emailing numerous documents a day.  If you don't have short sales or foreclosures to work on, and you are in charge of your own office, I guess you could do whatever you want to.  But, just turning your spam filters up a notch and not reading personal email during business hour should help, too. 

Jul 27, 2010 02:13 PM
Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker
Aloha Kai Real Estate - Clearwater, FL
Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i

Hi Song. I do it a few times a week but I use my Blackberry to check emails. I would not want to miss an email from a client for more than a day.

Jul 28, 2010 03:06 PM