If I had to come up with something good to say about the recent pandemic, there are some things that stand out as being “good”.
In my mind, the best thing that came about was the nearly universal adoption of using Docuisgn and its analogs for our transactions. It’s so widespread that newer agents coming into our ranks are unable to function without it. They simply don’t understand why some people don’t want to use e-signature software! When you suggest that they go get “wet” signatures they give you a blank look!
For the experienced agents among our ranks, the experience is a bit different. Some of us (baby boomers I’m looking at you) STILL aren’t completely comfortable with the process. Many of us don’t take full advantage of the myriad of online tools that are available to us from our brokers, MLS’s and our Local, State and National Associations!
I’ve given this a lot of thought as to the root problem. It appears to me that the issue lies with something as basic as the way we approach life. The majority of real estate agents can best be described as relationship people, NOT systems people. Oh, we will adopt the bare minimum of systems to get the job done, but we are unsure and uncomfortable with the process.
There are training resources galore available. But most are taught by smiling, fast talking digital natives. After attending one or two of them, the less tech savvy among just move on without really grasping a true understanding of how things work.
Think about this: If you have achieved a bit of success in our industry you have mastered how the prospecting, sales and and escrow management process works. You feel comfortable in your abilities to get the job done. As you go on in your career this feeling becomes stronger and gets to the point where you can literally perform at a high level without any doubts.
That same level of confidence is what you need to get to with tech. The questions is how can you get the help you need to get there?
I’ve done some research and have come up with a few websites (yes, you have to use tech to learn tech!) and have listed them below!
Techboomers – I REALLY like this site. The founder was helping his parents get comfortable with tech when he realized that there was a real need for resources to help older or tech challenged adults learn how to use the web interfaces of companies.
From their website we learn that: “Techboomers.com is a free educational website that teaches older adults and other inexperienced Internet users with basic computer skills about websites that can help improve their quality of life.”
“Techboomers aims to improve the quality of life for older adults and other inexperienced technology users by empowering them to learn how to use popular and trusted websites and Internet-based applications.”
Visit them here: https://techboomers.com/
Meganga – Takes a different approach. Instead of concentrating on web applications, they get down to the computer level and work with you, via free lessons, on how to use the common programs that you have on your computer. It is Microsoft oriented with lessons on Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel and Acess.
From their website we learn: “Meganga.com was created to fill a very much needed gap in the provision of computer training for the elderly and beginners alike. We have a passionate belief that you are never too old to learn. Learning to use computers can open up a whole new world to people and seeing and hearing people’s enthusiasm once they do start to learn is a reward in itself.”
Visit them here: https://www.meganga.com
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks – If watching videos is more your speed, then this is a good place to go. The web page is more like an advertisement for their YouTube channel, so the link I give you below will take you directly to the channel.
From their website we learn: “On YouTube, I offer more than 40 hours of free computer training videos that you can watch and learn from starting right now. In this difficult economic climate, people need help developing the computer skills they need to improve their ability level to get a new job, or even start a business. Providing this free computer training is my way of giving a little something back. I would like to provide assistance in the best way I know how…teaching!
Visit them here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TonyHolowitz
If you are even a little bit challenged by the way our industry has changed, or if there are tech questions that you need to have answered, I urge you to visit these three sites and up your game.
I can assure you, that failing the apocalypse, tech isn’t going away. Only agents who don’t use tech to its full advantage are going to go away!
