2014 Technology Resolutions

Technology is changing our lives – and our industry – on a daily basis. And as they say, you're either with the times or behind them. With that in mind, I wanted to roll out three New Year's resolutions I'm asking my agents to adopt when it comes to technology in 2014 and I'd love to see you implement them into your success plan for 2014 and beyond.

1. Let's See That Beautiful Face! Every slogan and catchy phrase that can help you sell more homes in 2014 has already been plastered on a billboard somewhere at some point in the past. No matter what you say, and how well you say it, there are simply limitations to the things you can convey through pen and paper. Instead, turn to video. For $200 we purchased (and you can too from any number of online retailers) an "iPhone film pack" for use with pretty much any smart phone. The kit comes with a clip on and boom-style mic, tripod-adapter mount, and a magnetic camera lens that fits over the phone's camera to give a wider-angle view.

With this kit, we can now shoot video both in the office and out in the field with a maximum 3-minute set-up time. Think of the possibilities: neighborhood reviews, client testimonials, and interviews with local business owners, etc.

The sky is the limit with video, and the added benefits (increased SEO, higher click-through rates, etc.) make this a great way to distinguish yourself from the crowd.

2. Never Forget. If you don't use a digital method for keeping track of your clients, contacts, and communication, then you have let business – and a nice commission check – walk right out the door.

If you own a smartphone, you can download any number of CRM/task apps for either free or for a couple dollars a month, at most. The bottom line is you should be writing down every communication, task, reminder, or tidbit of information in one central place that syncs automatically across all your devices seamlessly.

Information is power, and those who control it will continue to see their sales volumes rise.

3. Show Your Hipness. People love to work with sales professionals who they feel are "in the know." What does this means for you as an agent and how can you capitalize? Simple!

Make it a point to use technology in a highly visible way to reinforce positive behaviors in your clients and their networks.

The best example of this is Facebook's "gifting" function. Rather than having to go down to your local Starbucks, pick up 50 gift cards, hand-address the envelopes, write each person a note, and mail them out for $.45/stamp and $2/stationary piece you can now do all this through Facebook with much better results.

I constantly give people small gifts through Facebook, and it's made a huge difference in the amount of referrals I get from my network since I started. Whether they are a soon-to-be client, or they have bought from me in the past, or they are a good referral source, I will make it a point to send them a gift on their birthday and/or anniversary. A $5 Starbucks card or a free ride from Uber goes a long way towards keeping you top-of-mind when it comes time for them to recommend an agent to someone who needs one.

Further, their entire network sees the gift, which gives you instant – and free – recognition as their cool agent who is always up on technology and ahead of the pack. Oh, and by the way, you save hours of your time and a couple hundred dollars on postage. Use what you save to buy that video set up I mentioned earlier in this post!

The bottom line is this: Technology is going to continue to play a huge role in the success of those agents who plan to remain in this industry long term. As with many things, the devil is in the details, and by mastering some simple but highly effective technology strategies, I know you can make 2014 your best year yet!

Scott Newman is the broker-owner of Newman Realty in Chicago. Connect with Scott at www.newmanknowschicago.com or@newmanrealty.

To view the original article, visit the YPN Lounge blog.