There's a reason that myths, as widely held but false beliefs or ideas, exist. They exist because we have to find a way to explain something. So we create a story. Myths have been around for as long as human history and they're always going to be with us. Most of the time they are either harmless or instructional, but when it comes to technology and its adoption level, myths have no real use. There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to real estate technology and in particular, the successful adoption of new software and tools. Over the years, I've learned a lot about what's true and what's not and how to avoid falling victim to common misconceptions.

So here are the top three myths I can share with you.

Myth:  If you build it they will come.
Reality:  Better to rely on the proverb, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" - unless of course you make the drink really enticing. It's the same with new systems and technologies. You have to have strong leadership, good training and ongoing helpful support. Few in your organization will adopt new technology if you and the leadership don't use it. And guess what? It matters not how old the leadership is. It's not okay to hide behind the "age card." You don't get a pass just because you didn't grow up with all this stuff.

Myth:  It's all or nothing.
Reality:  You aren't going to get perfection. Even the most basic software will have loads of features that you may or not use and if its processes you're trying to improve, do so gradually, knowing that some improvement beats no improvement at all. Don't look at the price you paid and feel cheated if all the features aren't used by your folks. Be happy with their initial level of comfort and move in a direction of greater usage over time. Share in meetings the various successes and helpful tidbits that people are finding.

Myth:  Smart people live by the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Reality:  No they don't. They don't upgrade only when systems or software is broken. It's quite the opposite. They analyze regularly how broke is broke. I'm suggesting that if there's a better way to do something that will save time and money and create a better experience for you, your employees, clients or prospects then the way you're doing it now should be considered broke. If your bike or car gets a flat tire each night, you don't just keep pumping it up and driving. So why would you limp along with something?

Myths can be strong and long lasting, so don't kid yourself on how easy it will be to bust them like Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman - the original MythBusters. Use a logical, systematic approach with a heavy dose of inspiration as part of the training and implementation to break down the myths. If you don't they can lead to big losses for you and nice opportunities for the innovative competitor who looks to challenge the status quo.
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