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| A Monthly Publication of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® |
March 2008 Issue
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| About
Us November Dates to Remember
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Mobile technology and you Remember the “good old days” of MLS books, pencils and solar powered calculators? Well, they’re gone forever. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 70 percent of today’s buyers want an agent who is better trained in technology then they are. It’s time for the industry to raise the bar to meet public demands. What a confusing time to be a REALTOR®. New devices are put on the market almost daily. Trying to decide which device is best can be mind boggling. What do you need a device to do for you? What works with what? Will you learn enough to get your money’s worth? If the device itself isn’t enough to fret about, then you have all the add-on gadgets to consider buying - printers, keyboards, GPS gadgets, etc. And what about software programs? Will they open your lockbox? Can you still look up listings? Are the programs downloaded or live? Which contact management system should you use? Does the system work with what you currently use (like Top Producer or Agent On-Line)? Will it ‘talk’ to your Outlook? My goal here is to help you wade through all the options and decide what will work best for you. Many of you have attended my classes and seminars and have heard me use the phrase “one size doesn’t fit all” when it comes to technology needs. Hopefully this information will help you find your “proper fit.” There are two main options when it comes to mobile technology – a simple PDA Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a flashy Smartphone. Both offer organization tools that will amaze you. A PDA provides an organizer, which includes an on-going calendar, a Memo pad that will replace your sticky notes and a task manager for your to-do lists. A PDA also includes a more detailed phone book than a regular cell phone, a camera and the ability to download software to open lockboxes. It is my opinion, however, the biggest change in agent technology has been the invention of the Smartphone. It’s a natural stepping stone of progress now that agents have become tired of carrying three or four different devices to do their job. Add to that frustration the need to accommodate the new e-consumer’s demands and the Smartphone becomes the perfect solution. According to NAR, more then 60 percent of the agents in this country are currently carrying a Smartphone or plan on purchasing one this year. So what makes a Smartphone smart? It’s the PC-like functionality, because basically a Smartphone is a handheld computer. And much like a computer, you can’t just pull a Smartphone out of the box and become an expert in its use in hours. It takes time and work. The Smartphone allows you to carry (and charge) one device that holds the following:
The Smartphone also comes with a documents-to-go program allowing you to download Word and Excel spreadsheets directly onto the device; Bluetooth and infrared beaming capability to ‘talk’ to other devices such as printers, headsets, cars, and GPS units; all kinds of games; and a world clock. There are more than 28,000 third-party programs you can add onto the Smartphone. Overwhelmed yet? Don’t be. With a little direction you can quickly become ‘smarter’ than your Smartphone. The hardest step is getting started. Like any other change in how we do business, it takes time to learn to get the most out of the Smartphone. So, start today! Triangle MLS, Inc. provides training on Smartphone use. Betts will
make his third trip to
(Betts is a technology instructor and consultant, living in Bentonville,
AR. For technology tips for your devices, visit www.DickBetts.com.) |
