Please stop innovating!
Letters From the Home Front
By Kris Berg, Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
Now, where did I put my social network?
Yesterday I showed the state of California. In all fairness, it wasn't the entire state, but just several of the larger Assembly districts. The buyer, who contacted me because he found my blog online, narrowed down his area of interest to seven ZIP codes. "Why these areas?" I asked. "I researched the demographics on ZIPskinny," he replied.
What I said: "Oh, of course!" What I thought: "Huh?"
Once again, I blinked and missed the memo. It is exhausting trying to stay current on this stuff. In the time it takes me to refill my coffee cup, 47 new tools have been introduced to improve my productivity, connect me with friends, expose my listings to buyers, inform and educate my clients, and enhance my online presence. What these tools are really doing is chipping away, ever so slowly, at my sanity, threatening to cut that fine cord that is tenuously holding together the last remaining pieces of order in my world.
Would everybody please stop innovating? I know it is not reasonable to expect that we can cease forward progress altogether, but the rate at which technology is advancing today is logarithmic. I am overwhelmed, and my clients are right there with me. Instead of turning off the innovation deluge at the valve, I am just asking that we shut the faucet off temporarily, maybe for a week or so, to allow us to catch our breath. We could even make it an annual Hallmark moment -- just another way for someone to monetize my business. That should make everyone happy.
I now have an IDX solution I am quite pleased with. I like my PDA. Flickr holds my photos and WellcomeMat holds my videos just fine. My widgets are sufficient in number, and between instant chat, video blogging, PDF and spreadsheet embedding, and 8,435 social networks from which to choose, I have more than enough gadgets and curiosities to occupy my side bar and my time. I'm good.
Or maybe someone can just come up with a way to defrag my online world. I need an aggregator for my aggregators. I need an interactive table of contents to remind me on which path I have left all of my Webbed foot prints and on which sites I have dropped my breadcrumbs. I have accounts at several sites for photo hosting, several others for video posting, a couple for podcasting, one for radio, probably a dozen for connecting with "friends," two for document housing, and a countless number for listing promotion. And, each time I add a new toy to my cyber-arsenal, I broaden my reach but dilute my effectiveness. It's out of control.
I recently became aware of Brightkite, a location-based social networking site that allows you to show your friends where you are at any particular moment. Like all new offerings, I knew I had to get me one of those. So, I shamelessly lobbied (on Twitter) for the coveted invite and immediately posted my whereabouts for the world to see. Now, the entire country thinks I am an agoraphobic shut-in, one who hasn't left her home in a week. I have, of course (once), but like so many of my other networking tools, I sort of forgot about this one after the initial euphoria of enrollment.
My whole Web assault plan has never been much of a plan at all, but more of a magic show. Now you see me, now you don't. It's not that I have a problem finishing what I start, but rather that I am having serious problems remembering what it is I started in the first place. Just this morning, I was notified that someone new is connected to me on MyBlogLog. Now, that one brings back some memories! Unfortunately, those memories don't include my login password. I see a lot of agents talking about Docstoc as the great new depository for all of those critical documents screaming to be set free from my "C" drive. I recall signing up for that one too, but even if I could remember my username I am not sure the world is ready for my daughter's summer camp checklist or my recipe for gumbo -- these being among the more interesting files on my laptop at this moment.
Being a wannabe geek, I have posted many -- although bad -- videos and podcasts across the Internet. Unfortunately, with so many sites available, each of which I have at least taken out for a spin, I don't remember where I put them all. Back in the old days (2006), I finally signed up for a Google account. Then I signed up again, forgetting I had already been there. "Google" I can remember. Which account I am supposed to be logging into -- the "good" one with all of my analytics and my chat, or the other -- remains a daily challenge. It turns out they are both good, each with different features enabled. So, each morning finds me frantically toggling, a series of sign-ins and outs, until I finally hit pay dirt. I know I could combine the two accounts, but I don't have time. Someone is asking to be LinkedIn.
"I need a birthday present for Lauren today, and I think Fluffy threw up." After delivering this matter-of-fact State of the Home address at 6:12 a.m. today, my daughter breezed back to the toxic waste site we like to call her bedroom, leaving us to process the information. Clearly, we have been given two action items. Although at first blush unrelated, they are both part of Emily's (and, now my) business plan today. One of my assignments is easily discharged. I know where the mall is. The other, well, I don't know exactly where it is that the family cat just redecorated. This one will take some investigation on my part. And, this defines my current State of the Business in a nutshell.
Where the traditional, prescribed business tasks are concerned, I am a finely oiled machine with enough systems and checklists and discipline to make me the envy of the 32nd Airborne Division. On the other hand, where my online presence is concerned, I'm a lot like Fluffy these days. I'm making a mess, and even I can't remember where, exactly, I did it.
If anyone sees my social network, would you please drop me an instant message? I'll be here at home (just check Brightkite). If I remember how to login, I will respond. And, maybe we can be "friends," unless of course we already are.
Kris Berg is a real estate broker associate for Prudential California Realty in San Diego. She also writes a consumer-focused real estate blog, The San Diego Home Blog.
Berg will speak at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, July 23-25, 2008. Register today.
***
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Submitted by Jason Berman on June 18, 2008 - 1:47am.
Fantastic piece. You've expressed the essence of what so many others are struggling with every day. The pace is accelerating. Those that can learn new skills to keep up or even 'get ahead' will have vast green fields to sow. Blogging, Social Web, Internet Performance tools will allow some to gain the edge.
Submitted by Teresa Boardman on June 18, 2008 - 3:58am.
It is hard to keep up with it all, I am just now learning how how to cope. I try it, and if I don't think it will add value to my business I move on. Love brightkite, love twitter, really tired of faebook. :)
Submitted by Lynn Mooney on June 18, 2008 - 5:47am.
Wonderful piece. You have put into words what each of us goes through every day. I've signed up for so many blogs (most of which lasted 1 post) and free trial software (that was going to make my life simpler), I have no clue what they even are or were. All of this innovation is a distraction from working the real estate market - but I love it anyway.
Submitted by Karen Rice on June 18, 2008 - 6:04am.
LOVE IT!
I haven't been on Twitter in over a week (just too busy). I have also forgotten some of the things I've signed up for...I have also signed up for things more than once.
You are not alone, sister!
Northeast PA / Pike & Wayne County Real Estate Agent
Lake Wallenpaupack Real Estate Website
Submitted by Kristal Kraft on June 18, 2008 - 6:47am.
Keeping up with the all the social networking sites is beyond difficult. I can't believe cyberspace is actually large enough to hold them!
Kristal Kraft
Selling Denver Real Estate
Submitted by Ralph M on June 18, 2008 - 7:09am.
The technology of real estate is difinitely there to utilize, but the evoluton of the real estate industry is still 100 yrs behind .
See the 1970's version of:
1- FREE market analysis (get a doctor or attorney to come to your home for free??? yeah right)
2- For every smart agent who tackles a video, there are 100 agents who still can not upload a photo
3- For every agent who can upload a photo, there are 100 agents who will not remove the photo with snow in july.
Nice article though.
www.aarsteam.com
www.weuuzit.com
www.nosellercost.com
www.iuuzit.com
Submitted by Michael Lange, e-Pro, GRI & Cheron Lange on June 18, 2008 - 7:16am.
Fabulous piece...you read my mind! There are days I just do not want to keep up with social networking, but I keep trucking on. My husband nicknamed me the "Blog Troll"...I had to laugh there are days I am just that! LOL
Cheron Lange
www.LetOurFamilyHelpYours.com
blog.LetOurFamilyHelpYours.com
Submitted by Rudy Bachraty on June 18, 2008 - 7:17am.
Hi Kris!
It's not about keeping up. It's about finding which ones work and which don't. Then stick to the ones that work. Even I have trouble testing all of these new whiz bang things that come out.
Real life example - I hated Twitter when it first came out. The conversations were almost non existent. It was more about the randomness of what you were doing. Now, real conversations happen, breaking news is announced, gossip galore and connections are being made. As twitter matured, I gave it a second chance. Plus, I rarely even go to twitter itself, I use twirl and it rocks.....
If you don't have the time nor patience to experiment with a new "innovation", then I would say, go where the people are and where the conversations are happening. You'll have a better experience.
Here are some of my favorite tips for Facebook, Linkedin, and Meetup.com -
http://www.truliablog.com/2008/06/17/the-top-3-non-real-estate-social-me...
Peace,
Rudy
Social Media Guru at Trulia
Submitted by Jamie Geiger on June 18, 2008 - 7:19am.
"Stop the Madness" comes to mind every time I read about the latest and greatest, and trying to remember all the usernames and passwords-enough already. Great article
Jamie Geiger
Keller Williams Realty East Valley
http://www.RealEstateCactus.com
Submitted by Jay Thompson on June 18, 2008 - 7:22am.
Actually, I wouldn't mind having your recipe for Gumbo...
I'm with T on Facebook. I just logged on and saw two people I don't know are bidding on a photo for me and I got a "Hotties For Sale" invitation. I don't think that's even legal is it?
However, my soon-to-be 15 year old daughter actually just became my Facebook friend (much to the dismay of the soon-to-be 17 year old son) so I guess I'll stick with it. At least maybe now I'll "see" her every once and a while.
Jay Thompson
Broker / Owner
Thompson's Realty
Blog: www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
.
Submitted by Bernice Ross on June 18, 2008 - 8:30am.
Chris,
Another terrific column. Check out a new service that's in beta--www.Yoono.com. It aggregates feeds from major social networking sites plus a number of IM sites. It doesn't handle everything, but it's a great start. Also, you can prioritize your incoming information and it runs as an unobtrusive tool bar on the side of your windows.
Bernice Ross, CEO RealEstateCoach.com
The Place You Go to Make Real Estate Dough!
Submitted by Steven Stearns on June 18, 2008 - 8:33am.
Kris and all,
...achieving Nerdvana ( and a Google page rank 3!)
and being owned on facebook are all just new ways of doing business.
It is very startling to think things like this may lead to business. But it can. And has for me on more than a few of the places my webbed feet have trod.
...somehow, someway, I think all this social media marketing is leading to a better cheeseburger, as well.
Log on and chow down,
Steve
Steven Stearns
www.obeo.com
http://obeoman.blogspot.com
262-325-8687
Submitted by Damien Hall on June 18, 2008 - 10:11am.
Kris, thanks for the article!
I just recently started the social networking thing and now I'm pulled in just like everyone else. Everday I find new things that will enhance my business. I'm really trying to wrap my head around all the new gadgets, widgets, blidgets and every other 'gets!
But in the end I think all of the advancements of technology in the industry will be great for business!
Damien
www.TheDCInvestor.blogspot.com
Submitted by Scott Lau on June 18, 2008 - 1:34pm.
Kris - you bring up extremely valid points. In any market like RE that is virtually exploding with new technology, it feels like there are just too many options out there. Trust me, it's tough!
There are answers out there though - for one, the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER (www.webographers.com) constantly monitors these new offerings and providing RE professionals with what they need to know about the general technology and a roadmap of sorts of how to use them in conjunction to create a seamless web presence. Candidates also are provided case-study glimpses using live demo accounts with our tech partners so they can really get a feel for the usefullness of each. This is an excellent certification!
However, speaking from both consumer and RE professional perspectives, I think having too many options is far better than not having enough. There are always going to be new technologies you have never heard of yet - but at least the tools are out there for consumers to in effect help themselves to some extent, and also for professionals to improve their own business efficiencies.
Submitted by Rhonda Perales on June 18, 2008 - 3:14pm.
Oh my gosh, I've just had to add 5 more things to my "Check Out This Technology" list of to-do's, that I will get around to some day! ; ) My previous life as a geek, before real estate, is sometimes a curse, as I am always seeking more innovation, more gidgets,gadgets and widgets, better ways to market, etc. I get overwhelmed as well...and I do have three kids at home who are constantly rearranging my daily agenda. I can totally relate to this entire article.
One thing I do is keep a small spiral notebook beside my computer. Anytime I sign up for a new something online, I write in my user name and password. I think they make software for that but checking that out is on my above referenced to do list. For now, the spiral notebook thingy works pretty good!
I do alot of cool things with video in my marketing efforts, which blows away my competition. But I sometimes envy the agent who just plops another listing on the MLS and goes after the next one. Maybe I just need to hire me a geekish assistant to help with the tasks! ; )
Anyway, thanks for another great article that reminds me I'm not alone! It's a crazy business! ; )
Rhonda Perales
Keller Williams Realty
Lake Conroe, Texas
sellwithRhonda@vmdirect.com
www.sellwithRhonda.com
www.helloworld.com/sellwithrhonda
Want to see how other Realtors are using video technology?
Check it out at www.soldnow.tv, then let me know what you think!
Submitted by Ruthmarie Hicks on June 19, 2008 - 6:10pm.
It becomes an issue of quality vs. quantity. Unfortunately, I was never good at BOTH. I can either produce terrific content on a limited basis or shovel c*** all over the place. Very frustrating because VOLUME seems to work better than content.