by Michele Gillis
Staff Writer
In a time when it’s hard to take time out for education purposes, Magnolia Properties has found a solution.
“We have started having a Technology Power Hour at Magnolia the second Thursday of each month,” said Stephanie White, director of agent development at Magnolia Properties. “It’s a after-hours happy hour with learning about a newer technology. Last month we did Form Simplicity and this month we’re doing Blogging.”
It’s free and includes wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres to go along with the education. It’s open to anyone and is at the Magnolia Properties office just off Baymeadows Road east of the I-95 interchange in Jacksonville.
“There are so many agents out there who are afraid of technology,” said White. “Technology is what we deal with. In our whole industry, if you don’t understand it or have a fundamental knowledge of the softwares, programs and pieces of technology that are out there, then you are going to fall behind. This would give that competitive edge to the agents who want it.”
White said that the company is dedicated to education.
“When I was hired at Magnolia, one of my main tasks was to create the training calendar,” said White, the NEFAR president-elect. “I found there were a lot of agents that wanted some education, but had other commitments during ‘normal’ working hours. That’s where the idea of having a monthly after-hours class came from.
“Technology is something that every agent needs a little help with and there are so many possible topics to cover. It just seemed like an idea that people would respond well to. The happy hour part is to make it a little more fun!
“For someone to make that time commitment, plus to show up after 5 p.m., you have to have to have another compelling reason,” she said. “That the Happy Hour component.”
The session starts at 5:30 so attendees can network, get a drink and a bite to eat. The class starts at 6 and it’s over by 7.
“Each month, I take a piece of technology and have do a class less than 45 minutes long. I don’t want anyone to feel like they are coming in to sit in a long, boring class. I want them to feel like they can show up, grab a beer and sit down for 30 minutes and learn something that is tangible that they can take away and apply to their business.”
White said that the event is also partially for recruiting purposes.
“If someone can come to the office and see that we offer something they are not getting, then it’s a compelling reason to come work for me,” said White.
Upcoming topics include Facebook basics, Turning an Internet Lead into Dollars, Form Simplicity, Twitter basics, Microsoft Office basics and Digital Photo Editing.