Last week, we made our inbox manageable; this week we'll be making a few little adjustments to speed up our equipment.
Image via David Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
1. Clear your browser's cache & cookies.
Your computer will save items (graphics, media, etc.) to make speed up your internet experience. The problem is that over time, these cached downloads can become pretty hefty and bog down your system. The good news is that emptying the cache is quick and easy; some browsers will even let you specify when the browser should empty the cache automatically! Get detailed instructions for your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer) at RefreshYourCache.com.
Windows users can also opt to use the Disk Cleanup Utility, which will remove temporary internet files, downloaded program files, temporary program files, empty the recycle bin and more. Hint: I just reclaimed a whopping 11.9 GB using this tool.
2. Remove any bugs.
Ideally, you already have virus and malware protection on your computer that runs automatically, but just in case... Take a few minutes to download one of these free programs and make sure you don't have any hidden bugs on your machine. (I personally use Malware Bytes.)
3. Change your startup programs.
Do you feel like it takes forever for your computer to turn on and get going? An overloaded list of startup programs may be to blame. Please be aware that you should only stop programs that you know you do not need; some startup programs are critical to the operation of the computer. Things that are safe to remove from startup include: iTunes, Spotify, real estate programs such as the key card updater, etc.
Stop unnecessary programs from automatically opening one of several ways:
Within the program itself: check the settings for the program. Look for a setting related to starting when Windows launches and disable it.
**Use the MSCONFIG tool: Click Start > Run and type in msconfig. Select the Startup tab and uncheck the applications that you don't want to run on your next startup.
**Install AutoRuns for Windows: This program is considered one of the more comprehensive startup managers available. Click here to download.
Q: I know it's important to be in-the-know and share useful content with my friends and fans, but I just don't have the time to write my own stuff or spend hours searching for valuable articles. I also prefer [email/websites/social networks/using my mobile device]. Isn't there a better way?
A: Regardless of how you prefer to consume information, there's a method to fit your needs. A lot of the options are crossovers as well. For example, you may prefer email, but you probably also receive your email on your smart phone, where you likely also access your social networks. Keep in mind also that this list is by no means exhaustive!
If you prefer... EMAIL About You: You live in your inbox. It's the one place where you know you can find anything, any time. If someone needs to get in touch with you, shooting you an email is the best way to do it.
Ways to Curate:
Newsletter Subscriptions. Find websites that create content you appreciate and find useful and subscribe to receive their regular newsletter. This can come in the form of a blog (like Houzz) or a news website (like NBC San Diego).
RSS Email Notifications. You can receive email updates from nearly any website that updates regularly using RSS, or Really Simple Syndication. These feeds can come directly to a special folder in your inbox in Outlook or delivered as an email via a third party service such as FeedMyInbox or Feed2Mail.
If you prefer... WEBSITES About You: You prefer the convenience of a full keyboard, standard mouse and larger screen. You may not always be with your laptop or PC, but you favor its company to a mobile device.
Ways to Curate:
YouTube Subscriptions. Even if you don't create content on YouTube, having your own account has its perks. When you subscribe to a channel, not only can that content be emailed to you on a weekly basis but you are able to access it in the Subscriptions section of YouTube.
Blog Subscriptions. Similar to YouTube, you can subscribe to blogs when you have an account with either WordPress or Blogger. Simply log into your account and look for the "Blogs I Follow" section (WordPress) or "Reading List" section (Blogger).
RSS Feeds. RSS is a simple and expedient way to have content from various websites delivered to you in one centralized location. Google Reader and FeedReaderOnline are two good choices.
Personalized Landing Page. Unfortunately, iGoogle will soon be extinct however there are other sites waiting to take its place. NetVibes and Protopage are functional as both an iGoogle replacement or a first-time user landing page.
If you prefer... SOCIAL MEDIA About You: You are a champion Facebooker, Tweeter, Pinner or Blogger. Email generally feels clunky, and you tend to keep in contact with people on these sites instead.
Ways to Curate:
Twitter Lists. If you've ever used Twitter, you know how quickly information can pile up. Make sense of the noise by separating who you follow into lists. Lists can be public or private and there's no limit to how many users you can place in a list, or what topics you create. Bonus: Hootsuite can help you digest your Twitter lists even more efficiently.
Facebook Lists & Interest Lists. Similar to Twitter lists, Facebook allows you to sift through the noise and focus on the accounts you want to hear. Friend lists are private and allow you to filter your friends into separate groups. Interest lists are more about topical content.
Paper.li. Paper.li takes your Twitter lists and formats the content into a digital newspaper. Not only can this make it easier for you to digest information, but it also can share with the public via Twitter.
If you prefer... MOBILE DEVICES About You: You are a person on the go and hate being tethered to a desk. You likely access all of the above options through apps on your phone or tablet.
Ways to Curate:
Preferred Source Apps. Many content creators have their own mobile phone apps that will even notify you when there is new content available. Mashable, TechCrunch, CNN and MSNBC are good places to start.
Aggregation Apps. If you'd rather streamline the number of apps you have running, an aggregator is your best option. Check out Zite, Flipboard, Pulse or Google Currents. Besides having an assortment of pre-selected sites available, these apps also allow you to customize your content by adding RSS feeds from your favorite sites or your social media connections.
So, how do you have content delivered to you? Share with us in the comments!
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.
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?
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.
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]".
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.
…In talking to hundreds of individual REALTORS®, we came to an powerful realization: The vast majority of agents still get 80%+ of their business via word-of-mouth referrals. [This], combined with the incredible mainstream adoption of of Facebook and the Social Web over the past year, triggered a thought in our minds: What if we could build technology that helps REALTORS® optimize the 80%+ of their business that really matters? [...] The Roost Social Real Estate Toolkit is easy to use and all about helping you grow the biggest, most productive part of your business: word-of-mouth driven referrals from the people you know and the people who know them.
First things first: how can you get the app? Easy peasy lemon squeazy: go to the Roost App page of Facebook, click the “Go To Application” button, allow permissions, and follow the directions. Need a more visual example? Roost created a great video tutorial.
So… what can this do for you? A lot, actually…
Create a real estate tab on your personal page or business fan page (This first example if for a personal profile. See my test profile page in action here. And click on any image below to see a larger version in a new window.)
Add your picture (from your profile picture album), a tagline, and some marketing copy. Note: to stay in compliance with Facebook’s TOS, you will not be able to edit a phone number. I added mine manually in the marketing copy section. Is this a violation? I’m not sure.
You also can add introduction copy to the left of your photo, which is the text above the Google Map image.
Based on the information you provide about your market area, Roost will provide market stats, education information, graphs from Altos Research, and a Walk Score (see my test page.)
You can also add up to four listings (active, contract accepted, sold, open house). The Roost app will ask you to create a photo album called “Listings” from which you will select the photo for each property (I went with clip art for simplicity’s sake- you should put an actual home picture). You enter the address, price, bed/bath/square footage and a short headline.
You can edit, change, or remove these listings any time.
How does the personal page differ from the business fan page?
(Click here to see my test business page in action.) The biggest (and maybe only?) difference that I can tell is that you are now able to add a phone number, web address, and company logo. Note: You will still need to select a page owner and owner picture. Because of this, you wouldn’t be able to use this on behalf of a company without singling out one person as the “owner”.
Schedule future posts from within Facebook with Publisher
The Roost Social Toolkit also provides an invaluable tool: the ability to schedule future posts (to your profile or any page that you admin). These posts can include link previews as well by using the Add Link function. Check out Roost’s video tutorial here.
I tested two links last night and was rather pleased with the outcome:
As you can see, the posts come via Roost, so you do run the risk of losing exposure if people “hide” the Roost app, just as you are if you use Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, or the Twitter app. FYI: The first test didn’t show an image when I created it, and the second test replaced apostrophes with special characters. Be aware also that you can only schedule posts to go out at the :00 :15 :30 and :45 marks, and there is currently no way to use the Tagging feature in a scheduled post (from any program).
Who will benefit most from using this? Realtors who are using Facebook only will find this tool to be a great aid, if only for the publisher (although having that non-invasive “I’m an agent!” reminder with the Real Estate tab can only help you). If you’re all about social media and like the ability to schedule and post to multiple sources (FB/TW/LI/etc) at once, I would stick with an outside program- my favorite being Hootsuite.
Room for improvement? Knowing admittedly nothing about creating Facebook apps… this is my wishlist for the Roost Social Toolkit: 1. The ability to use the Tagging function in a scheduled post 2. A plugin or popup to easily schedule links from other windows a la the Facebook Share Button, Hootsuite Hootlet, or Bit.ly Sidebar 3. The ability to add a few more listings. (It doesn’t make sense to me that you can only add four when there is clearly space for six). 4. The ability to upload images off the hard drive vs from Facebook Albums 5. The ability to use the Toolkit on a page without selecting a singular owner (although I suppose there would be lesser incentive to purchase a custom app from Roost) 6. (And this one is purely because I’m lazy) The ability to auto-populate listing data from an MLS number
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