Q: I've seen QR codes all over the place... is it ever a good idea to put one on a website or in an email?
A: Excellent question! The whole point of a QR code is to make it quick & easy to get some kind of data on your mobile device, so naturally it doesn't really make sense to include them on your website or in your email signature. However, here are three instances in which it might make sense to include one:
1. Sharing an App
If I read about an amazing app, either on the app developer's website or in another user's review, I want it NOW! Sure, I could take out my phone, navigate to my app store and search, but it's much easier to just point and download. For example, the list of apps on my Android page are all instantly accessible by scanning:
Scan this code to download Glympse on your Android phone.
2. Share a Map
Many people now use their smart phone as their GPS unit. Include a map link in a QR code to make it easy for them to get where you need them to go, whether it's an event, open house or meeting point.
3. Create a Text Message
If you're requesting a text message or want to let people know they have the option of texting, take the work out of it by creating a QR code that will generate a text message.
How To Create These QR Codes:
It's easy to make QR codes that perform a specific function using a QR Code Generator. I recommend QRStuff.com, which has an easy-to-use interface:
Are there other times you think it's appropriate to use a QR code on a computer screen? Let us know in the comments!
Q: Every once in a while, I see things on social media sites that make me go, "Huh?!?!" What things might I be doing on social media that make me seem out of touch?
A: Brilliant question! Just like the "Update your Digital Appearance" post from a few weeks ago, there are definitely things that I see frequently on social sites that make the poster seem, well, a little behind. Here are five things you should stop doing immediately!
1. Liking your own status
This goes double for business pages!
2. Responding to something without using the Comments section
Admittedly, these are some of my favorite faux pas to see because I get to guess what exactly they're talking about.
"It" could be anything! And who are you talking to?
If you're responding to something someone wrote to you, be sure to use the "Write a comment" box underneath the post and not the "What's on your mind box," which makes a completely new wall post:
3. Posting pictures sideways
Please don't make your friends suffer Taco-Neck symptoms because you didn't rotate your pictures! This is an easy fix to make. Simply click on the offending photo and hover your mouse until you see "Options". Click on "Options," then use the "Rotate Left" or "Rotate Right" button to fix the orientation.
4. Copy/Paste Statuses
This includes two different types of statuses:
Copy and paste this treatise for an hour if you're not a dirtbag! -Coleen from the Tech Support for Real Estate Agents Facebook group
Copy and paste this status to protect yourself from a major Facebook change that they're not telling you about!
This rule holds especially true when they are related to Facebook changes. 90% of the time, the information contained in the copy/paste is false or misleading. Mashable is an excellent source to verify whether there is any truth to these viral statuses. For example, they debunked the recent "Publicly Traded Entity and Privacy" status:
Keep in mind that when you post something to a site like Facebook, regardless of your privacy settings, it immediately becomes (potentially) public. Remember to use common sense in the things that you post!
5. Posting only about real estate
I'm not necessarily talking about listings/open houses only... this also includes making posts that *only* relate to real estate/home improvement. We're connected on Facebook to make a connection, which means you should share a little about what makes you tick. We don't need all the gory, personal details... just enough to get a feel for your personality.
So, what awkward things do you see on social media sites? Share with us in the comments!
If you take photos or download files to your mobile device, wouldn't it be nice to be able to access that data from your computer without the hassle of tracking down the USB cable? Wouldn't it be great to be able to connect to your devices and transfer data wirelessly? If any of this sounds appealing, I guarantee you will love this app!
Get the picture? I'm going to be completely blunt here: It's no longer cute or funny to just say that you don't understand technology and are unwilling to change. There's not a snowball's chance that we're going to revert to the Yellow Pages and poofy sleeves any time soon.
If you're in, here are my top five tips for those of you looking to update your digital wardrobe.
1. Make your old email go A(OL)WOL.
Having an AOL, Hotmail or Yahoo email address is the 2012 equivalent of walking around looking like the big-haired, 80's nightmare pictured above. Transitioning to a new email address can be daunting, but it's surprisingly similar to changing your real-life address. With time and patience, it will get done.
Create your new email address. Might I suggest Gmail, or purchasing your own domain and running your email through Google Apps (free version)?
Create an email signature that draws attention to your new email address:
If you subscribe to any newsletters, update your email address in the subscription preferences
Update any accounts that are linked to your old address
If possible, forward your old email addresses to your new email address, or add additional accounts to your Gmail. Just make sure that you always respond from your new address.
If you cannot do either of these things with your old email account, continue checking your inbox. If something needs a response, you can either respond from your old email and notate that you have an updated address or forward the email to your new email address and respond from there.
Send an email to your database informing them of your new email
When you feel enough time has passed, delete your old email account.
I'm sorry, Blackberry lovers (and Symbian and "Other"), it's time to jump shark and join the Androids and iPhones of the world. Certainly, the Blackberry was a game changer when it was first released and I will admit to envy when my brother got one and I didn't, but let's look at the glaring truth: Lesser market share means less interest from app developers, which means that your phone will quickly become less capable to the point of eventually being obsolete. Take the plunge and join the cults of Android or iOS. I promise you won't regret it.
3. Upgrade your internet experience
There is a saying among tech people: Internet Explorer is great... for downloading another browser. Like Blackberry, Internet Explorer has seen a steady decline over the past few years and currently holds an 18% market share, due mostly to its notoriety as a slow and clunky browser. There are 5 main browsers for you to choose from, though my personal recommendation would be Google Chrome. Check out your options here. PS... if your MLS is what's holding you back, try using the Fusion version or an Internet Explorer extension (available for Chrome or Firefox).
4. Make your MVI (most valuable info) available anywhere
Account information, passwords, emergency info... never be at a loss for information again. Use a cloud-based system such as Google Drive or Dropbox to keep this information available to you at all times. Information at your fingers = faster = looks more competent = instant gratification = welcome to 2012.
5. Get familiar with a cool app, site or idea
Choose one thing that's "hip" and just be with the times. First-time homebuyers made up 37% of the market for 2011, and these are the things they tend to thrive on and feel connected through. A few suggestions:
Shazam - mobile app which identifies a song's name, artist and other info
Pandora or Spotify - music services which allow for personalized radio or "every song at your fingertips."
Pinterest - A social website dedicated to sharing and organizing with imagery (see this post).
Memes - in today's culture, a meme is an internet phenomena such as a viral video, catchphrase or image macro and a key way in which Millennials share humor and ideas. For example, this is "Condescending Wonka":
BONUS: Stop sharing that you're out of touch
Perception is reality... so stop spreading the notion that you are a digital dinosaur! Make friends with Google and be a sponge for knowledge.
