I Don’t Get It
Does anyone else remember the seen from Big where Tom Hanks is in a development meeting at the toy company, listens to an entire presentation with a quizzical look on his face and then says simply, “I don’t get it?” If you do, then you can understand my current feeling with the wave of RE BarCamps building across the country. Bismarck’s not on the official list but it can’t be far off …
There’s a fundamental flaw in the RE BarCamp setup … not BarCamps in general, but the real estate version: the purpose of a BarCamp is to have an “unconference” conference where there’s no set agenda and all of the discussions develop organically. Except without an agenda in place, it’s difficult if not impossible to decide who the intended audience for these events might be.
Are they designed for more seasoned tech-savvy real estate agents? If so, there need to be discussions at a somewhat higher level than for those who are paying Active Rain to blog because they haven’t figured out that WordPress is free.
Are they designed for these newbies? If so, how do you get the more experienced agents to participate and help these others grow? (Maybe I’m the only one but I’m soooo DONE with blank stares from agents who never will adopt any advice I provide. But hey, it’s not like I’m closing a couple of deals a month strictly through the Internet so what do I know …) I realize I’m not supposed to ask what’s in it for me, but what’s in it for me – especially if I have to travel either across state lines or into a different area code to attend?
Lending a Helping Hand
I’m not against attempting to help the newbies but at some point these people needs to take the initiative and do something with what they’re told. Because if they aren’t then they’re wasting both their time and mine. And unlike Mr. Hand, I can’t show up at their house on prom night to reclaim the minutes of my time that were wasted in a futile attempt to enlighten.
And so I’m back to square one … am I the intended audience for these events or not? If I’m not, then why keep urging me to tell everyone about the event through my Facebook account? Why not spend the time trying to get those who aren’t online to attend … actually I know that answer. Because they probably won’t.
When NAR decides they’re going to announce who was hired as Social Media Manager at a BarCamp, does the event even belong to the agents anymore? (If you’ve read a similar sentiment recently it’s because I’m in agreement. I’m now going to go take a Silkwood shower.)
Everyone seems excited to have one of these and I’m not sure they’re even sure why in some cases, except to say “hey, we had a BarCamp.” You don’t need a BarCamp. You need a curveball … I mean closings … right, Meat?
Hey Bartender
To be honest, regardless of whether I’m who is being targeted, call me when the drinking starts. Because what I’ve found is I learn more with a drink in my hand at these events (and also at my former brokerage’s happy hours) than I ever learned in the designed sessions (or training classes).
