Rerunning the History Reel... "The more things change, the more they stay the same." That idea echoed through my mind as I spoke last week with Terry Hindermann, Director of Brokerage Services for the Mid-Atlantic Region (Baltimore to Richmond) of Trammell Crow.

What format is best for circulating space available information? How do you most efficiently communicate to the wider brokerage community? How do you reduce the need for administrative support? Hey, this sounds familiar. I remember debating these questions thirty years ago in my first real estate job.

Hindermann recently rolled out MindMatrix to market space in his region electronically. MindMatrix acts as a central depository (or "library") of listing information, including floor layouts and stacking plans. Electronic fliers can be sent to brokers or directly to prospective tenants and the results tracked electronically. And very importantly, according to Hindermann, the system is simple enough for brokers to use without extensive IT support.

"We're always looking for additional non-burdensome technologies that make it easier to do our job better." Referencing a library of information at MindMatrix reduces Trammell Crow's need (in Washington DC) to tour properties in "98% humidity." That makes everybody happier. Of course, the operative phrase is "non-burdensome." And in Hindermann's words, we're all searching for the right balance between "legwork and technology." Sound familiar?

Spread the Word... Many thanks to Mark McLaughlin at McLaughlin Ventures for sponsoring this week's Dispatch. McLaughlin Ventures will help you fine tune your business strategy. If you would like to tell Dispatch readers about your services, send e-mail or call 415-485-6700.

--Peter Pike