Now I know what you are going to tell me.  I know the our business is done face-to-face…and that is true.  But, I’m amazed how much of my job is done sitting in front of this computer screen.   And over the last few years, the computer has become even more critical.

In addition to the blogs and social media engagement, I spend a good deal of my time in front of the shining screen executing paperwork.  I also communicate with buyers and sellers, talk to agents, communicate with lenders or escrow officers – all from this chair.

I also stay educated about the local and national market conditions and trends from my chair.  I track my agents’ activities and my accounting from this chair.  I do much of my marketing from this very same chair.  My strategizing, my planning, often take place here, too.

Is That A Bad Thing?

Maybe.  Maybe not.  That fact is, agents, affiliates, and consumers expect ,and often want, that type of contact.  My clients would often rather see an email than a phone call; they’re busy too.  And while there is no substitute for face time, there is no denying the dominating role that this little machine has taken in my business.

Time for a Break

Someone recently gave me some sage advice as he listened to the rantings of someone who had spent far too much time in recent weeks in front of ‘The Screen’. 

He advised, ”Step away.  Time for a break”.  And I did.  I shut it down.

Now, you’ll forgive me a few Posterous slips, right?!  I had to share the joy of my favorite vacation spot.  A few Tweets slipped out.  I did peak at Ubertwitter occasionally.  I also had transactions underway that required a few emails and a little cyber paper pushing.

I admit, I didn’t go cold turkey.  But, I did break away.  I looked up.

Looking Up

Have you ever noticed that you can drive down the same street every day nearly without thought, and then one day, you shift your gaze from your direct line of sight and you look up.  It’s as if the world changes for you in a brief instant.  That small shift in perspective – and all that is ordinary about that street you see every day, suddenly changes.  You notice the mountains, or the leaves changing, or a blue sky and it all is just…different.

I think that is the benefit of a Technology Sabbatical, and time off in general.  It allows for a broader perspective and fresh eyes to what we see everyday.  As we head into the holidays, consider trying one.  You might just find it refreshing.

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