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Training is Futile!

By
Home Inspector with Advantage Inspection Raleigh

I signed up for a computer lab last month with a number of other professionals.  As we began to move into the class, as is usual in these situations, I could tell people would soon be lost.

The professional in the class were wonderful at sales, but they have not trained in the computer arena other than "word" or "excel".  When they turn on the computer, they panic if the computer won't boot.  They have not kept up with technology and the loss of time in dealing with each and every problem has forced them into training.

But where do they start?  They believe because they use e-mail and can open a PDF that they are ready to move right into advanced classes.  Maybe they are embarrassed to even consider the beginner's class. 

These classmates tried to keep up, but the need to repeatedly sneak peeks at a neighbor's screen is humiliating.  Then when a day elapses between classes, someone must have hit the delete button as these brilliant minds were erased clean. 

When training was over, these new trainee's returned to their office with no clue as to how to launch a program let alone perform basic functions.  They feel unworthy of the crown "new trainee" and become frustrated over the new responsibilities they know will become expected of them. 

They become anxious and unproductive.  A slough of the process.

And with these visions of   "Sugar Plums" dancing in their heads, I want to propose a solution or alternative to fruitless classroom training (toil).  Create a position in your team or company that can be taught and teach.  A Class Guru that can master the nuances of all electronic matters and processes.  This Guru can and will teach these critical and in-depth bytes of information that make the world now go round. 

You team may never master the processes, but they will have an answer man or woman that can help deliver punch in performance.

Alternative #2 would be not to hire un-trainable qualified people.  Good Luck with that! 

Just remember that there is no place like home.  Say it three times, click you heals together three times, and hit control+alt+delete.  Maybe, just maybe your training will keep you in the zone while waiting to re-boot!

Maverick Rules!

Vickie Nagy
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

I recently attended a class at an MLS center. It was an advanced class on MLS use, but in the very beginning it was evident some trainees hadn't attended the beginner or intermediate class. It was a drag on those of us who were prepared to receive the advanced training.

Dec 21, 2008 08:09 AM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

I'm admittedly a geek. And I served on the Technology Committee at our Realtor Association. I've taken a few of these classes. Umm, I could usually teach them! And you're right. Most of the people in the class don't have a cluse. So many people don't realize that if you don't constantly keep up with technology, you'll get left behind, fast!

Dec 21, 2008 08:20 AM
Chuck Mixon
The Keyes Company - Cutler Bay, FL
Cutler Bay Specialist, GRI, CDPE, BPOR

I think you are missing a very important point. Those that have spent the time and effort to become Hi-Tech have paid their dues and now seeing the rewards. Why should they take time from the busy schedule they have to trian someone that has the same oppertunity to go to class and learn for a trained professional instructor.  If they can not learn it in the classroom I feel that they will never learn as long as some one in the office is will to share there time everytime they need help. Look at it as an oppertunity to see where you excel and relize that the future will be fruitful for those who accept Technoligy.

Dec 21, 2008 08:22 AM
Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh - Raleigh, NC
"The Maverick Builder"

Chuck,

One of the keys to success is surrounding ourselves with others who perform tasks better than we are able to.  When a team is put together, they should cover each others weakness to become a strong unit.  By having a Tech Master work with People that are Sale Masters and Marketing Masters the team can move in a direction that most cannot move by themselves.

Some of our peers are being left behind with technology.  They laid the ground for the e-growth of this industry and to ignore the fact that they cannot fully comprehend IT concepts is not a place were I want to be.  Most who learn the profession have been guided, mentored, or coached by a senior professional who took the time to teach.

People that have paid their dues cannot believe that these others who struggle will ever be competition to them.  The natural Law of Abundance taugh by Dr. Hill equates levels of work and competence to be not in conflict with each other but in fact lead by each other.

Most of us want to swim, but we can be afraid to go into the water.  By having a instructor availabe to us we can overcome the fear of the water and prosper.

Thanks for reading and your comments!

Maverick Rules.

Dec 21, 2008 02:09 PM
Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh - Raleigh, NC
"The Maverick Builder"

Lisa,

The adaption of e-commerce in the Real Estate business have been slow.  Out client is usually quite a bit more computer savvy than the average agent.  Playing catch-up in today's economic environment is difficult but not impossible.  Comment to continual education is a must.  You hit it right on the head.  Maybe we need to hit others on the head!

Enjoy your day!

Maverick Rules!

Dec 21, 2008 02:13 PM
Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh - Raleigh, NC
"The Maverick Builder"

Sam,

I know right were you are comming from as I just completed CE for my license.  So much more should be taught, but the pre-qual for the classes should be set and check before the classes are implemented into a schedule. 

Here's to screening before teaching!

Maverick Rules!

Dec 21, 2008 02:15 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Great advice, one that I have already put into motion as should many others!

Dec 21, 2008 02:52 PM
Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh - Raleigh, NC
"The Maverick Builder"

William,

Thanks for reading.  Cheers to you and your implementation of a Success Practice.  The time savings alone is worthy of the investment.  Training is such a key and having a master on board fills gaps that many firms and groups do not fill.

Enjoy the Holidays!

Maverick Rules!

Dec 21, 2008 10:44 PM
Eleanor Thorne
Equity Resources - Cary, NC
Advantage Lending 919-649-5058

Dave!  THis is VERY cool!  "Good luck iwth that!"  WOW!

Dec 22, 2008 07:36 AM
Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh - Raleigh, NC
"The Maverick Builder"

Eleanor,

I hope you are staying warm today!  Thanks for the read.  The Real Estate team in the area are starting to specialize in niches and the IT Guru is one right up there with a closing manager and a listing coordinator. 

Success follows success!

Enjoy your day!

Maverick Rules!

Dec 22, 2008 07:47 AM