Are you feeling a tad out of touch with the latest technologies? Fear not; you are not alone. It’s easy to feel like a dinosaur in today’s fast-paced world when tech advances keep increasing exponentially.
Let’s be honest — even remembering your password is a Herculean task these days!
Gone are the days of using the same simple six-character password that was easy to remember (but hardly secure). Now, we’re faced with complex password requirements and ever-changing user interfaces, making even seemingly simple tasks seem like comedy hour.
But before you panic and question if our tech-driven society has left you for dust, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the technologies of yesteryear.
Let’s marvel at how innovation has shaped our lives and how far we’ve come.
For a bit of fun, I’ve thrown in some flashbacks – classic TV shows from our childhood years.
So, without further adieu, let’s get on with some digital déjà vu.
A trip back in time: The 1950s and 1960s
The 1950s marked a significant period of technological advancement and laid the foundation for many innovations we rely on today, including those that impact real estate.
Picture this: black-and-white televisions became increasingly common in households, transforming how families consumed entertainment and news. It was a time when families gathered around the TV to catch the latest episode of “I Love Lucy,” and the whole neighbourhood would tune in to watch the local news reports.
Electric appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers revolutionised household chores, making life easier for many families. This change in household dynamics influenced the real estate market, as homes began to be designed with modern conveniences in mind. Additionally, the advent of commercial airline travel with jet aircraft opened up new horizons for air transportation, connecting people across continents and changing how we viewed distance.
The automobile industry flourished during this time, with sleek new post-war vehicles rolling off the production line, each one more impressive than the last.
The 1960s continued this trend of technological marvels with the introduction of colour televisions, push-button phones, and an array of appliances that made daily life more convenient.
The 1950’s & 1960’s real estate office
The technology used in the real estate industry was relatively basic at this point in history. The introduction of the telephone allowed for quicker communication between agents and clients, replacing the need for face-to-face meetings for initial enquiries. Property listings were primarily managed through newspaper advertisements and window displays at real estate offices. Agent’s secretaries would call the newspaper’s classifieds department and read out the property details to be included in an ad. The advent of television also began to influence how the real estate industry was marketed, as some of the bigger agencies and franchise networks started experimenting with TV ads to reach a more affluent audience.
Kids’ TV shows in 1960s Australia
As technology advanced, so did children’s TV. In the 1960s, kids in Australia were treated to a budding landscape of television shows. “Skippy the Bush Kangaroo” captured the hearts of young viewers, telling the adventures of a clever kangaroo and a young boy. Then there was “Romper Room”, an interactive show that encouraged participation from children at home. Families also enjoyed international hits like “The Flintstones” and “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”, which made for delightful family viewing time.
The 1970s: A decade of transformation
Fast forward to the 1970s, a decade of transformation that laid the groundwork for the technologies we often take for granted today. Electronic calculators replaced slide rules, and cassette tapes became the go-to music and data storage format. The introduction of digital watches marked a significant leap in timekeeping technology, and microwave ovens began to grace the kitchens of many households, forever changing how we cooked.
The VCR, or Video Cassette Recorder, emerged, changing how people consumed television and movies. This era also marked the birth of home gaming consoles, with Pong and Atari ushering in the world of video games. Personal computers began to emerge, making computing accessible to individuals and paving the way for the digital revolution that lay ahead.
Kids’ TV shows in the 70s
Children’s television blossomed in the 1970s with memorable shows like “Adventure Island” and “Agro’s Cartoon Connection”. These programs entertained and engaged young minds, laying the foundation for a new generation of viewers. International favourites, including “Sesame Street”, continued shaping how children learned and interacted with the media.
The 1970s real estate office
The 1970s saw the introduction of more advanced office equipment into real estate offices. Tools such as photocopiers and electronic typewriters streamlined administrative tasks for agents of this period. The use of desk phones became more widespread, and fax machines started to emerge, allowing for faster transmission of advertising materials, letters and documents.
Advertising real estate listings was still heavily reliant on newspaper ads, but the quality of these improved significantly with the technological advancements of the time.
The 1980s: A digital dawn
The 1980s marked a significant technological leap forward, with many innovations becoming household staples. Answering machines made it possible to record messages when no one was home, and VCRs became essential for recording and watching favourite TV programs. Personal computers became more powerful and accessible, with models like the Commodore 64 and Apple II gaining popularity.
Floppy disks became the standard for data storage, and CD players introduced a new era of audio quality. Meanwhile, the rise of cable television expanded channel offerings, and video game consoles like Nintendo and Sega revolutionised home gaming.
Aussie kids TV in the 80s
Australian children’s television flourished in the 80s with local gems like “Round the Twist” and “Play School”. These shows became staples in many households, captivating young audiences with their quirky stories and engaging characters.
International hits like “He-Man” and “Transformers” further enriched the viewing experience for kids, showcasing how entertainment became a crucial part of family life.
The 1980s real estate office
With the arrival of personal computers, the entire real estate industry was revolutionised during this decade. Early systems enabled the digital storage of property records and client information, significantly improving information management.
The introduction of answering machines allowed agents to manage calls more effectively, even outside of office hours. Pagers became popular among agents, providing a quick way to communicate and stay connected while on the go.
The 1980s also saw the pioneering use of video tours. Yes, as early as the 80s! But at this point in time they were recorded on VHS tapes, and really only created by the more innovative agents with larger property marketing budgets.
The 1990s: The digital revolution begins
The 1990s ushered in a pivotal era in technological advancement. Personal computers became more powerful and affordable, increasing home computer ownership. The Internet experienced explosive growth, transforming communication and access to information.
The introduction of the World Wide Web brought a graphical interface, making the Internet more user-friendly. Email became a standard form of communication, and digital cameras began to replace traditional film cameras. Video game consoles dominated the market, and innovations like DVD players and GPS systems became essential to everyday life.
Aussie kids TV in the 90s
For Australian kids, the 90s were a magical time filled with beloved shows. “Round the Twist” continued to entertain, while “The Adventures of Blinky Bill” charmed viewers with the tales of the iconic bush character. Internationally, shows like “Rugrats” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” became household staples.
The 1990s real estate office
The 1990s brought significant changes to the real estate industry. Agents began using email for faster communication and digital document sharing, with PDFs first appearing in 1993, reducing the reliance on physical paperwork. This innovation eliminated the need to courier newspaper ad artwork, streamlining the advertising process. Some agents began using Palm Pilots to organise their calendars, notes and client contacts, marking an early shift towards portable technology.
With its screeching sound, dial-up Internet paved the way for portals like realestate.com.au (REA) and Domain.com.au to launch, providing a new and powerful way to reach potential buyers and renters. Digital imaging technologies made it easier and quicker to take and share property photos, enhancing the visual appeal of listings. The introduction of program-based CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems also helped agents manage client relationships more effectively, marking a substantial leap in operational efficiency.
The 2000s: The digital age takes off
The 2000s, often called the “noughties,” was a decade of rapid technological advancement that laid the foundation for the digital world we live in today. MP3 players popularised digital music listening, while digital photography became the norm, replacing film photography.
Broadband internet became widely accessible, revolutionising online experiences. The introduction of smartphones, led by the iPhone, marked a significant turning point in mobile communication and computing. Social networking platforms like Facebook and MySpace emerged, changing how people connected with one another.
Aussie kids TV in the 2000s
Children’s television in the 2000s evolved dramatically. Shows like “The Saddle Club” and “H2O: Just Add Water” captivated young audiences, while international hits like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Kim Possible” made their mark on popular culture.
The 2000s real estate office
During this decade, Domain and REA became the number one destinations for selling and renting homes, reducing the importance of printed newspaper ads. Mobile phones revolutionised communication, allowing agents to stay connected with clients on the go, often with a Bluetooth headset permanently attached to their ear. SMS messaging became a standard method of communication, while Blackberries — affectionately dubbed “crack berries” — gained popularity for their addictive efficiency.
The growth of digital photography led to a brief trend where agents took their own property photos, though the quality of professional photography soon reasserted its importance, thank goodness. Google started to offer search advertising, but the industry mainly disregarded them (and still does). Social media platforms emerged. Remember Friendster and Myspace? Facebook made its mark, providing another avenue for real estate marketing and prospecting.
Embracing the digital age in real estate
So, as you can see, there’s a good reason why you might feel like a digital dinosaur as a real estate professional in this fast-paced world.
Rapid advancements in technology can be overwhelming, and the sheer volume of new platforms, devices, and applications that appear year after year can leave even the most tech-savvy agents feeling a bit lost. But there’s no need to stress!
Just as past generations adapted to the changes brought about by technological advancements, you, too, can embrace the digital age.
Here are some ways to stay connected and avoid feeling like a relic:
1. Stay curious: Explore new technologies, platforms, and tools. Take the time to learn about emerging trends and how they can benefit your real estate business.
2. Embrace change: Change can be intimidating, but it can also be exciting. Embrace the opportunity to grow and learn, just as previous generations did when they welcomed colour television, personal computers, and the Internet into their lives.
3. Connect with others: Engage with colleagues familiar with the latest trends. Share knowledge and experiences, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Networking can provide insights into effective marketing strategies.
4. Take small steps: You don’t have to become a digital expert overnight. Start with small, manageable steps to improve your digital skills. Whether learning to navigate a new app or exploring a feature on a social media platform, every bit of progress counts.
5. Reflect on the past: Remind yourself of the technological advancements you’ve already witnessed in your lifetime. You’ve likely adapted to many changes, and this new era is just another chapter in the ongoing story of innovation.
6. Outsource your marketing: If navigating the digital landscape just feels too overwhelming, consider outsourcing your marketing to a digital expert like Hoole Marketing. You can get training or leverage the prowess of professionals who are immersed in it all day. Sometimes, it’s about faking it till you make it – allowing experts to handle the technical aspects while you focus on what you do best, your real estate job.
Feeling like a dinosaur when it comes to digital technology is more common than you realise. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, real estate professionals often say, “We know we need it, but we don’t know where to start.”
However, you can confidently navigate the digital world by embracing change, staying curious, and connecting with others. Remember that technology has continuously evolved, and each generation has had its own challenges to face.
So, let’s take the journey together. Doing so will ensure your real estate career remains vibrant and relevant in the digital age.
Want some marketing help? Book a time to chat with me, Melanie Hoole, about your specific situation, and I’ll work out the best next step for you.
Written by Melanie Hoole
My team and I specialise in helping real estate and property professionals perfect their personal brand, build a first-class digital profile and implement inbound marketing activities to attract leads. If you are unsure which direction to take with your digital marketing contact me for help.
