Hot App Alert: Astrid Tasks

Astrid Tasks

Do you live by scraps of paper scattered all over the place? Ever forget to do something because the adhesive on the sticky note wore off and the note went out of sight, out of mind? Ever try to coordinate multiple people on a project and worry that deadlines are being missed or tasks aren't being accomplished? If any of this sounds familiar, I guarantee you will love this app!

Q/A Friday: What are 5 essential pieces of technology that I shouldn’t be living without?

Q: Tech is amazing, but also expensive and ever-changing. Without bankrupting myself, what are five pieces that I absolutely must have to improve my professional (and personal) life?

A: It’s no lie... I am definitely someone who would have the latest-and-greatest everything if I could! Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but there are five pieces of equipment that I absolutely CANNOT live without, and any agent worth their salt shouldn't either.

1. SMART PHONE

iPhone? Android? Whichever you prefer. The really key thing is that you get a data plan- without one, a smart phone is really rather dumb, wouldn’t you say? Make sure you get a data plan that will fit your needs. Be sure you monitor your usage as overage charges are no laughing matter! Key Ingredients: Data Plan, Web Capable, Email, Texting, Camera Anything more only matters if you will use it. The same goes for apps. Things that should be second-nature: Email and texting, getting a map or navigation, taking and sharing photos/video (via email, text or social network), using any app that you download

2. LAPTOP

I wish I didn’t have to have this in the list, but it continues to surprise me how many people either don’t have laptops or don’t take them out of their homes… that’s why you got a laptop! The good news is that pretty much every lap top made today comes standard with the key ingredients below. Key Ingredients: Plenty of hard drive space (at least 320gb), Decent Processor & RAM, Built-in camera, WiFi/Bluetooth capable, CD/DVD burner, Enough ports for your peripherals (USB/Firewire are essential, eSATA and HDMI are a bonus) Things that should be second-nature: connecting to a wireless network, opening and using programs, organization & folder structure (where you save your documents) Regarding Size: I love my 17.1” desktop replacement enough that I don’t mind lugging it around, but if size/weight are what keep you from bringing your laptop to the office or into the field, don’t go for something that big! A 15" screen will suffice. Regarding Macs: If you would prefer a Mac, make sure you are aware of any restrictions with the systems you currently use. For example, it has historically been difficult to use a Mac with the MLS. Be aware of  limitations and bring a list to the Apple Store to discuss with a Genius.

3. BACK UP PLAN

That lovely laptop full of your data is useless if it is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair. If you only take one piece of advice from me, please let it be to back up your data. You truly never know if (or when) something might happen. Key Ingredients: Automatic/Scheduled Backups, Backup Software (for external drives), Ability to back up large or hidden files such as an Outlook PST file External VS Cloud-based: If you are picking between one or the other, I would recommend cloud-based storage such as Carbonite. An external drive is great for quick, local file recovery, however that will only be effective if a) you make sure it is backed up on a regular basis and b) the external drive is undamaged or not taken in the event of theft. Bonus: Most cloud-based storage comes with a web interface and smart device apps, allowing you to access your data from anywhere.

4.  CAMERA 

Still camera? Yes. Video camera? Yes, that too. Got one that does both? Even better, but is it easy for you to edit that video or put it on YouTube? If not, you might want to consider a pocket camera such as a Creative Vado or Kodak Zi. Key Ingredients: Easy for you to use, Easy to upload, Easy to edit, High Definition video (at least 720) A note about phone cameras: As I said above, you should absolutely have a camera on your smart phone, but you should still consider a standalone. Does your take high quality pictures for your listings? Is the video clear and easy to edit? If the answer to these questions is yes, I give you permission to skip this category. If not, you know what to do.

5. CLOUD-BASED SYSTEMS

Do you keep notes via scraps of paper and Post-Its? Stop! There are plenty of cloud-based (meaning accessible via the internet, and usually with an app for your smartphone) services to help keep track of notes, tasks and contacts. Not only are these cloud-based systems convenient, they help to ensure that you have the same information available on your computer or phone or between teammates and assistants. I've named several task management apps below; test them out to decide which one best fits your needs. Key Ingredients: Easy for you to use The Big Key: Force yourself to commit to these systems. Resist the urge to write something on a note pad and instead take out your smartphone or enter it on your computer. Systems I recommend: Google Apps (Contacts, Calendar, Documents), Evernote, Springpad, Astrid Tasks, Producteev, TaskOS, Any.Do Bonus: Many of these systems are free; some have a Pro option for more capability.

So, tell me: What are your most essential pieces of tech?

Hot App Alert: Skitch

Skitch

Do you think a picture is worth a thousand words? What if you could easily take a picture or screen shot and mark it up with arrows, text, shapes and more? And what if you could do this all from your mobile phone or tablet then send the picture via email, text, Facebook and more? If any of this sounds appealing, I guarantee you will love this app!

Q/A Friday: What are 5 ways to use Pinterest in real estate?

Q: Everyone seems to be buzzing about Pinterest lately. What exactly is it and how might I capitalize on this latest boom in social media?

A: Ah, Pinterest! (Or as I like to call it, my nightly-wind-down-before-bed-routine). This great service allows users to create virtual "boards" with visual "pins" to gather ideas and inspiration. And this service definitely isn't just for college kids!

According to a February 2012 post on Mashable...

• 67.4% of Pinterest users are 25-54
• 68.2% are female
• 50% have children
• 28.1% have an annual household income of $100K+

Sound like a demographic that you might want to tap into? Not so fast! Pinterest is a social tool, and shouldn't be approached as a quick means to a paycheck. The good news? There are plenty of ways to showcase your knowledge and home prowess without creating a pin like this one:

(Don't believe that this is ineffective to the point of counterproductive? Check out some of the comments.)

Without further ado, I give you my 5 tips for Pinterest:
1. Pin your city. One of my favorite things about real estate is that being a good agent is so much more than negotiating a sale. Your clients depend on you for recommendations on the best places to eat, the bars with the best happy hour, the park with the best running trails, the gas station with the cheapest gas... Take that to the next level by creating a board dedicated to your city and the surrounding areas. Bonus points for using your own photos, videos and blogs to highlight why you love where you live! Need an example? Check out my NYC Favorites board.

2. Pin home improvement and DIY adjustments.
Hands down, one of my favorite things to find on Pinterest are unique and clever ways to make a space more organized/kid friendly/efficient. Check out these great pins:

Source: bhg.com via Tassia on Pinterest

Source: curbly.com  via Tassia on Pinterest

Source: thebaezablog.blogspot.com  via Tassia on Pinterest

Source: kristanlynn.com  via Tassia on Pinterest

3. Ask clients who are at the very beginning of the home search to create a "Dream Home" board.
That's right, my friend... it's not always about you! Encourage your "just getting started" clients to use Pinterest as a tool to visualize what they want in their next home, even if they venture a little into fantasy land. As you become more familiar with their desires, design style and dreams, you'll be able to preview homes with more accuracy, and maybe even pick out a home that might seem a little unlikely but includes features that they tend to pin. By the way, people are doing this already... you might as well be a part of it!

4. Follow your clients' boards in general.
Pinterest can help you get a feel for someone's personality, sense of humor, likes and dislikes and more, which can only help you with those long periods of togetherness that you'll experience during the real estate process. At the time of this writing, Pinterest is still in invite-only mode, but you can invite your clients if you have an account. Way to be with it, you social/tech genius :)

5. Showcase YOU.
Shared interests and connection points could very well be the reason why a client chooses you over another agent. Whatever your interests - amateur chef, the color pink, fond childhood memories, causes near to your heart - let your freak flag fly! A few of my favorites...

From Katie Lance's "Owls" Board Source: etsy.com via Katie on Pinterest

From Julie Bernardi's "Fun Stuff" Board Source: toostinkincute.blogspot.com via Julie on Pinterest

So, my friends, pin away! 

By the way, hit me up on Facebook if you need an invite :)

Hot App Alert: Google Voice

Google Voice

Are you frustrated with voice mail? Ever wish you could have you messages transcribed and delivered to you, access them online in a searchable database, save them in the cloud, or have one phone number to ring all the phones you own? If any of this sounds familiar, I guarantee you will love this app!

Q/A Friday: What are 5 useful resources to help me get my Social Networking questions answered?

Q: I’m a beginner/intermediate/advanced user and need some resources to help me out. What do you recommend?

Image via renjith krishnan

A: Excellent question! Just keep in mind that there are plenty more resources available than what’s on this list, but it's a great starting point.

1. Mashable Guidebooks
   Mashable has created great, multi-level guidebooks for both Facebook and Twitter. Topics range from Intro/101 to using these platforms for business to platform-specific topics like Twitter Lists and Managing Your Facebook Wall.
2. Social Media Examiner How-To SectionBesides Mashable, one of my favorite social media blogs is the Social Media Examiner, and they just happen to have a great and constantly changing How-To Section. (At time of publication, current how-to’s include “5 Ways to Enhance Your Facebook Timeline Page With Images” and “5 Tips to Becoming a Top Blog in Your Industry”)
3. Inman Next
   Chris Smith, Katie Lance and the rest of the Inman Next crew do a fantastic job of making social manageable, especially for those in the real estate industry. Whether you're looking for something long and detailed or short and sweet, video or text, mobile or social, Inman Next has something for you. Make sure you check out their Next TV section and join the InmanNext Daily Delivery group on Facebook!
4. Tech Support Group for Agents on Facebook
   What started out as a small group of agents helping each other with social media and technology has grown to nearly 4,000, but don't let that number scare you! The great thing about having such a large (and active) group is that questions tend to be answered in less than 15 minutes, and there's no such thing as a too simple or dumb question. Thanks to the group search feature, you can see if your question has already been asked, and there are extensive docs within the group featuring information on vendors, webinars, apps and more. Join us!
5. Google
   The solver of all life’s problems :) Keep in mind that you can skip using words like "the," but it's sometimes easier to drill down to your subject using operators. For example, searching facebook site:mashable.com will yield pages on Mashable that reference Facebook and searching facebook filetype:doc will yield .doc files that reference Facebook. Check out this great infographic on effective Google searching and Google's search help article for more information.

Hot App Alert: Where's My Droid

Where's My Droid

Ever misplace your Android device... and it's silenced or set to vibrate? Or maybe you're not sure if you left it at the office or in your car? I'm sure we are all familiar with the game of "call your phone and pray that you hear it buzzing". If this situation sounds familiar, I guarantee that you will love this app!

Q/A Friday: Spring Clean Your Digital Life

Q: The first quarter of 2012 is officially over and it's time for some spring cleaning! What are five things I must do to get my digital cleanse rolling?

Image via Frecuencia/SXC

A: Ah, spring! A time for tulips, sunshine, and yes- spring cleaning. FYI, these five tips are good during any season, and if you follow them every few months you'll reap the benefits all year long!

	1. Make sure your Plan B actually exists.  If you do not have a back-up solution in place, stop reading right this second and sign up with Carbonite. $59 will get you a year's worth of unlimited offsite backup for one computer, with pricing available for additional computers or to simultaneously backup to an external hard drive. Use code "LEO" (or click here) to get two free months courtesy of The Tech Guy, Leo Laporte. Hot tip! Carbonite comes with a host of handy mobile apps and a web interface, allowing access to your documents virtually anywhere.
	2. Purge your email. In theory, this is something we should do more than every couple months, but practically speaking, it doesn't always happen. Take the time to clean out your inbox at least every quarter to help you tie up any loose ends, remove unnecessary e-clutter, and destress yourself. Don't want to receive newsletters or promotional emails any more? Use that "unsubscribe" option or check out Unroll.Me. Hot tip! Take advantage of the tools in your email client to sweep emails to the trash bin or a folder easily. In Outlook, this could look like sorting by recipient. In Gmail, this could look like searching using the "From:" command. See a full list of advanced Gmail search functions here.
Image via jscreationzs	3. Categorize your social networks. You've probably collected some new friends or follows over the last few months. If you don't already make use of Facebook Friend Lists or Twitter Lists, this is an excellent time to start. Once these lists are in place, they are easy to maintain. Hot tip! These tools enable you to sort through the social media noise and quickly get to the people, pages, and tastemakers that matter most. Use them to connect with those closest to your, keep tabs on trends, and streamline social media in the unique way that pertains to you.
	4. Password protect. Sure, you have passwords for your banking website and social networks, but what happens if someone grabs your phone or laptop? To get instructions to set a password for your device, Google "set password [device]". Hot tip! Install and setup an app like Where's My Droid or Find My iPhone to help you recover a lost phone quickly.
	5. Detail your devices. Even though you work and play in the cloud, your physical devices can still use a little TLC. Arm yourself with canned air, lint-free cloths, screen cleaner and a little bit of elbow grease. If you really want to get into the nitty-gritty, I've heard great things about Cyber Clean Electronics Cleaning Putty.

BOTTOM LINE: There are a million things that you could do to streamline your digital life depending on the services and tools you use. Take on this list every three months and dedicate yourself to one additional project per month, like digitizing your paper documents or organizing your photos. Need some inspiration? Check out Geek Sugar's 31 Days of Spring Cleaning Board on Pinterest.

Hot App Alert: Chrome to Phone

Google Chrome to Phone

Ever been in a hurry to get out the door and need to get some piece of information on your phone? A map? A phone number? A website address? Sure, you could look it up on your phone, but sometimes it's just quicker and easier to find on a laptop. If this situation sounds familiar, I guarantee that you will love this app!