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Mark Schilling Regional Technical Support RE/MAX of New Jersey
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This will be the last tech tip authored by Mark Schilling as he is leaving the RE/MAX of New Jersey Regional office. Here are some simple parting tips for you. Today’s Tech Tip: Some Basic Advice You Should Always Follow
I wanted to inform you all that I am
leaving my position as Regional Technology Advisor at RE/MAX of New
Jersey. My last day in the office is Thursday September 7th. After a
short sabbatical, my plan is to enter private technology consulting,
specializing in RE/MAX offices and clients. It has been my distinct
pleasure to work with each of you and RE/MAX - the world's best real
estate organization. I hope to remain in contact with many of you, and
hope we will be working together in the future. Feel free to contact me
at my personal eMail address:
mark@virtualmark.net
Before I go however, here are a few basic tips that I can share with you. I hope that these as well as previous tips have been helpful. Don't be afraid of technology - The real estate business has changed radically in the last few years. Internet-based searches for homes and electronic communication have become the norm, rather than the exception. Nothing will ever replace the face-to-face interaction between agent and client, but you will never get a chance at that personal contact if you ignore the technology which leads prospective clients to you. Everyone has a computer, and over 75% of buyers use the internet for part of their home search. Be afraid of technology - They are lots of people out there who want to take advantage of technology to steal from you. Keep your anti-virus and spyware software updated. Be aware of 'phishing" scams, which will try to steal your identity by sending simulated e-mails from legitimate companies. Be suspicious of anyone who asks you for confidential information via e-mail. Never reply to unsolicited business offers from eMail. Change your passwords frequently, and never give them to others. Ignore schemes that seem to good to be true. They always are. "Be a Realtor, not a Webmaster" - Remember this advice from your first new agent orientation? There is a big difference between being familiar with technology and trying to do it all yourself. Hire or contract with someone NOW to assist you and your office with technology needs. This is the most important investment you can make in your business, because it will free you to increase the amount of time you dedicate to your core function: selling real estate. Ask for help - Don't be afraid to ask for help, from friends, associates, vendors, your kids(!) and especially the RE/MAX of New Jersey helpdesk staff. There is no such thing as a stupid tech question, unless you fail to ask it. Read - Take 30 minutes a day, every day, to keep informed about the latest trends in real estate and technology. There are lots of online subscriptions to real estate newsletters and other resources, but they are useless if you don't take the time to read them. (You would be amazed how many people don't bother to read these tech tips!) Attend meetings, seminars and conventions - Each time I go to one of these gatherings, it's like a meeting of old friends, because the same people attend each time, every time. These people all tell me the same thing: If they only learn one new thing, then it is worth the time and trouble to attend, because it increases their business, and subsequently their income. Who are these people? We actually make a list of their names and offices - it's called "Top Producers". Check and answer eMail - Not daily, or when you get a chance, but at least EVERY FOUR HOURS! This is the most important thing you can do to let people know that you care about their eBusiness. You probably can't schedule the time to keep up with this, so hire someone else to do it for you.(see above) If you don't, your competition will. Most of these items have been covered in previous tech tips, and you can search for them in our archives. Good luck, everyone. It has been a pleasure working with you. Time’s up! Gotta go. Mark Schilling |
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