You Spend A Lot of Time on the Computer

I’m fortunate that my manager doesn’t have many suspicions about what I write on my blog, especially in light of last month’s theme of what will happen to us when the corporate blogs begin.

(I still don’t fear the monolith but that’s just me.)

There are times, however, where the disconnect between how I choose to practice real estate and previous techniques seems to be too much to bridge.

• “You spend a lot of time on the computer.” The unstated portion of this statement is “… instead of spending the time prospecting.” Except this is prospecting. It may look and feel a little bit different but it’s every bit as involved as nearly any other type of prospecting. And I’d argue it’s more effective because of the broader reach. How else would I continue to find Canadian clients but through the web?
• “Real estate is a face-to-face business” But how do you attract the client so you have the opportunity to meet with them face to face? I’ve yet to have anyone purchase a home sight unseen, though I have had a couple of clients write an offer before we met up. Face to face is valuable but you need to get them in front of your grill.
• “Have you considered door knocking?” Yes, I have. No, I won’t.

My manager isn’t alone in this. My wife often tells me I spend too much time on the computer, mostly because I’m in my home office at the expense of weeds to be pulled.

If anything, I’m the type who’s focused to a fault. Granted I’m only 15 minutes from trying out Madden 2007 for the first time, but for the most part when I step into my home office I’ve checked in and am working.  I’m not distracted by the television, the beagles or (most of the time) the siren call of the PS2 or the Wii that the kids don’t know they’re getting.

A full 46% of my commissions during my career have come from my various web sites with corporate relocations a somewhat distant second.

If I truly want to build my business, do I view that 46% as the cap as to what’s possible? Or should I believe additional work will result in additional return as I continue to refine my web strategy.

In other words, do I spend too much time on the computer or too little? I think I know the real answer.