1. What Happened to My Life?--II. ... Last week's question about how an individual entrepreneur balances work, technology and family produced many wonderful responses. The comments ranged from "It's all about delegation and priorities," to "I've got the perfect software solution," to "Meditation solved my conflicts." ... Wow, that's a full spectrum. ... Below are sample comments.

"I can't think of a better use of technology for business than to free up time for family." Steven Hufendick. ... "This guy is a natural for a networked version of ACT! and Trans/ACT! ... the new PaperPort Personal Scanner and WinFax Pro 9.0." Philip J. McBride. ... "Either you work to live or you live to work. In either case, you can't have both and certain sacrifices will need to be made if a balance is ever to be created." Lisa Csernica.

"Whenever possible, try to accomplish your family and personal business first-- if you don't get it done, you will probably neglect it." Leanne Tobias. ... "It is much easier for one or two people to make technology decisions than to try to implement them in an office of 10 or 20 people. The key decision path should be needs, software, hardware." Joseph C. Traynor. ... "Far from making my life hectic, technology and connectivity make my life more productive and creative!" John M. Peckham III. ... "Being organized and in control is as much a 'state of mind' as it is getting to an appointment on time. Technology is helping us accomplish more, but we're not working any less...Success is getting what you want, but happiness is wanting what you get." John Krug.

Hank Gaines described in detail how he and his wife have used technology to grow their investment management company, "Although everyone's circumstances are different, I think the secret is finding what you do best and getting a partner or assistant to balance you. ... As we grow, the new people take over our specialized functions, allowing us time and freedom to bring in new business and take off time to enjoy our three children."

"You cannot be all things to all people all of the time. So set limits, be realistic, and take time for the other things in your life that are important to you. My wife, who is a nurse and works with our local Hospice, says that she has never heard of a person on his deathbed wishing that he could have done more deals. They all wish that they had spent more time with family and friends." Chris Stephens

"Well, Peter, as you know being an I.S. guy in a big commercial firm, I get this question all the time. I don't think there is a single good answer, other than do something, and take advantage of the technology. Unfortunately I think the 90's are more about utilizing technology to become more competitive than having technology freeing our time and makes our life easier." Bob Duffy

So that you can all enjoy a more extensive exchange of ideas, I've created a specific discussion on this topic at PikeNet. Go to the "What happened to my life?" item by clicking the Hot Topic link on the home page or use the following URL:

http://www.pikenet.com/cgi-bin/WebX?230@@.ee6ba19

2. Wells Fargo's Extranet Attacks Paper. ... Wells Fargo recently launched RIMS (the Real Estate Information Management Service), a contracting and management extranet for commercial loan processing co-developed by Wells and Seagull Technologies. According to Joe Miller of Seagull, RIMS will allow appraisers and inspectors to submit bids, receive inspection contract awards and file inspection reports electronically.

"With RIMS, all information is tracked in a central database, which provides a specialized information to each type of user. The bank's loan processors have full access to enter and view detailed information, while bank managers can view summary reports interactively. Outside vendors can view their own RFPs, bids and awards, but all bank-private information is secured from vendors. Standard web browsers can be used for all access including interactive reporting..."

3. Message Boards--RREEF Post. ... You'll find some interesting new posts to the PikeNet Message Boards, including one from RREEF, which is seeking a Research Manager. Check the Jobs and Consulting section by clicking the Message Boards hyperlink on the home page or use the URL below:

http://www.pikenet.com/cgi-bin/WebX

4. PikeNet Advertising. ... Promote your service or product to thousands of real estate professionals nationwide. ... Sponsor a PikeNet Dispatch or display a Banner advertisement at PikeNet. ... Click the Advertising Info link toward the bottom of the home page or use the URL below:

http://www.pikenet.com/advertising/advertising.html

5. Web Mail Goal--1,000. ... Currently 875 of 6,075 subscribers receive the PikeNet Dispatch as a web page. The difference between HTML and plain text e-mail is the difference between color printing with graphics and a telegram. It's much easier, faster and enjoyable to read web mail! ... So, if your corporate network supports HTML mail (like Grubb & Ellis and Marcus & Millichap), take advantage of the option to select this format. ... Modify your personal setting by clicking the Edit User Profile link under the logo on the PikeNet home page, or use the URL below. Enter your e-mail address and password. If you've forgotten your password, click the "E-mail My Password" button and you'll be sent your password immediately. After you login, choose the HTML option and click the Modify button at the bottom of the page.

--Peter Pike