Old school vs new school

unregistered168043 · #1 12/12/12, 10:54 AM

I recently had the opportunity to compare the efficiency of two very different types of people. I am currently dealing with two competing salesmen who are in the same industry. Salesman 1 is a younger ( mid thirties ) guy with cell phone, laptop computer, and iphone. Salesman 2 is an older ( mid sixties ) guy still working full time uses a landline telephone, has paper files and a note pad.

I call salesman 1 to ask about a few listings he has for sale...he is in a rush but promises to send me an email within a day or two outlining 3 listings. Five days later I still haven't received the email. I call his cell phone....it rings to voice mail...I leave a voicemail reminding him to send me the info. Another day goes by, I call his office and tell one of his associates the situation and to have him send me the info. He calls back and says he is having trouble locating the files, but found them now and will send. Fifteen minutes later I get an email...incomplete, only info on one listing.

I call back....get his voicemail, leave a message. A day later he sends the remaining info.

Salesman 2...I call to ask about a listing, he is out and his collegue promises to foreward the message. An hour later he calls me back from his landline, I ask about the listing, he goes into his paper files while on the phone, tells me to get a pen and pad, and write the info down. He is not in a rush, he has time to do his business, he is polite. Gives me his home number and tells me to call him at home if he's not in the office. I call, his wife answers if he doesn't, takes my messages if he is out and relays them directly to him, he calls back with all the information I need within an hour most times.

WINNER; Old school....all day long.

simi-steading · #2 12/12/12, 11:20 AM

Isn't it amazing how technology can complicate things so much?

Some of the most disorganized people I know and deal with are the ones that are trying to use 6 pieces of technology at once...

My wife works for a guy that still uses a rolodex... He can't find a thing for himself...

It goes both ways...

PistolPackinMom · #3 12/12/12, 11:52 AM

I wonder if it's the technology angle, or the fact that the old school guy is from a time and culture where working FOR a client, keeping his word, and making a person feel valued actually meant something?

Perhaps a bit of both...?

geo in mi · #4 12/12/12, 12:14 PM

First guy isn't experienced enough, or maybe hungry enough.

geo

Awnry Abe · #5 12/12/12, 12:19 PM

Both types exist in both schools.

Alice In TX/MO · #6 12/12/12, 12:25 PM

I'm looking at Evernote, a system of keeping info "in the cloud." Dunno if it would just be another time suck.

MO_cows · #7 12/12/12, 12:30 PM

Salesman 1 needs an assistant, new line of work, a class in organization, something.

Doesn't matter how advanced his technology is, he is disorganized at the core so isn't using it to its potential. Salesman 2 has it more together. If he advanced his technology he might become even better.

But even with that being said, I can think of numerous times I could lay my hands on a file much faster than I could search up the same info. on the computer.

A favorite t-shirt:
To err is human. To really screw things up, you need a computer.

mnn2501 · #8 12/12/12, 12:39 PM

I think is more about their attitudes toward customer service rather than the technology.
I have however noted that the attention span of SOME of the younger guys is very short. I blame that on their being in the instant gratification generation.

oregon woodsmok · #9 12/12/12, 12:53 PM

It's not old school vs new school. It is an organized hard worker who understands the importance of customer service vs someone who thinks he ought to be able to make a lavish living without doing any work.

The world is full of unsuccessful salesmen who can't be bothered to put any effort in.

foxtrapper · #10 12/12/12, 02:02 PM

Doesn't have anything to do with technology or not, or "old school" vs "new school", whatever that actually means.

Just that one is more focused than the other.

Wayne02 · #11 12/12/12, 02:24 PM

Disorganized, scatter brained, undisciplined, inconsiderate, poor work ethic people exist both in the world of modern technology and the world of old school.

sisterpine · #12 12/12/12, 03:10 PM

This is just one more sad statement regarding our current societal trends. We have trained ourselves to be this way. Do I need a smart phone thingy? Of course not, don't even know how to text LOL. Yet I see the commercial and I think it would be fun to have one? My DSIL got one and now cant make even simple phone calls without going to a special class on how to use it. I got a new flip phone with big numbers and a big screen and am happy as a pig in a poke! More complicated does not mean better. My dad always said get the one with the least bells and whistles and it will work better for longer.

Ozarks Tom · #13 12/12/12, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne02

Disorganized, scatter brained, undisciplined, inconsiderate, poor work ethic people exist both in the world of modern technology and the world of old school.

I disagree, people with poor work ethic don't last long enough to become "old school".

rwinsouthla · #14 12/12/12, 03:43 PM

Or the new school is salaried to put food on the table and old school is commissioned to put food on the table.

Warwalk · #15 12/12/12, 03:53 PM

It's not the technology that's the problem, it's the individual in question. I would typically bail on vendors that would do the kind of carp that that first guy did. Then they'd call me back a month or so later "hey hey buddy!? how's it been?"... they were always a little shocked when they found out I was no longer using them, but heck, they've got to learn somehow, right?

Lazy J · #16 12/12/12, 04:02 PM

It has nothing to do with old school or new school. The first person is either disorganized or doesn't value your business.

ryanthomas · #17 12/12/12, 04:13 PM

Maybe the young guy is so busy making easy sales that he doesn't have time for organization and customer service. I'd still prefer dealing with the old school guy who provides better customer service, but I won't assume the disorganized guy is less successful.

ChristieAcres · #18 12/12/12, 04:13 PM

I am a Managing Broker in Real Estate, use most current tech devices, avoid text messaging, but am available by phone, email, and fax. When I am called while at my home, I can walk right into my home office, and get on the computer. When I am called at my in-town office, I have a computer readily available, often while on the call. All Clients get RE info in any form that works for them. I have Clients who have preferred everything via the Net, others prefer Fax, and others wish to meet in person.

Maura · #19 12/12/12, 05:16 PM

Salesman #1 doesn't care. Salesman #2 does. I have used both all paper and only computer. I'll still get you your information as soon as I am home or at the office. So, we are looking at minutes or hours, not days. Chances are, more and more people will be fed up with #1 and try not to deal with him. Salesman #1 will whine that sales are sooo hard and there's just not enough people wanting to buy and they won't pay enough. Salesman #2 will see his income go down, but not his business.

ChristieAcres · #20 12/12/12, 05:27 PM

I recently read three Reviews written by Clients and I was blown away. They were wonderful and accurately reflected the Superior Service I give my Clients