I look forward to reading the upcoming responses to that question.

Primarily, I would like to know if, as a professional real estate advisor, you (dear readers) still feel the need to do ALL your administrative tasks yourself?

Why not give your clients the “better experience” and “more value”? Stick to your core competency and outsource the rest of it.

Imagine the experience you could create for your clients if you had more time. Imagine the energy and time you could put into prospecting online, or off.

We could have intellectual disagreements, of course, and I guess I just don’t buy the argument that iPhone is not seen as bling. That Apple “connects with consumers” in some different way than “Buy Buy Buy” — as per David’s thesis.

Apple is one of the most brilliant advertisers in the world, because Steve Jobs knows how to do presentations. The recent iTouch ads showing video games… what is that if not “buy bling buy” appeals?

Plus, bling is always justified by the buyer.

BTW, I’m writing a blogpost in response as well.

-rsh

Missy – it will be interesting to see the differences in attitudes over the next 18 months … I’m sure we will have plenty of discussion!

Rob!! – My friend … is this our first fight? (Kidding.) You raise a good point re: iPhone. I just don’t know that people see an iPhone as bling – but rather a more pricey necessity (iPhone over freebie from service provider). That can be justified.
Let’s consider recent outcry over executive salaries and bonuses and talks of the Government enforcing caps (not talking AIG here). I think there is an attitude shift toward excess, but will agree it is selective. I mean, outrage over salaries … but not at celebrities driving the Bentley du jour …

Great and interesting post. I happen to think David Armano is dead wrong on this, and conducts what amounts to wishful thinking rather than actual analysis, but… reasonable folks can differ.

I for one will believe that “backlash against bling” is real when the sales of the iPhone drops. (See this chart). Unless Armano is prepared to argue that people NEED the iPhone….

-rsh

However, the attitude is changing in many area’s.

What amazes me is that the “Consumer Era” got so out of hand and was paid for by HELOCS that were made possible by artificial home equity spikes that were made possible by poor lending standards and the Fed pushing cheap money. The end result should have been anticipated!

Like some big brained person said, don’t remember who, “It’s the strongest, fastest or best looking who survive, it’s the most adaptable.”

Thanks for sharing.