At the recent RETSO conference in Atlanta, I learned about a “Safety App” from Shannon King with Schoolhouse Realty, called  MyForce.com.    This App was the winner of the 2011 People’s Choice Stevie Award for favorite New Product or Service of the Year.  Pretty impressive!

“MyForce is an innovative security service that acts as your mobile bodyguard and arms you or your loved ones against would-be attackers with the touch of a button on your smartphone.“   It’s available on the iPhone, Android or Blackberry.

Here’s how it works!  Next time you’re sitting at an open house or leaving the office late at night, simply launch the MyForce App.  If a situation arises and you need help, the alert button is right on your phone.  Once you hit the alert button, your phone screen goes black and the MyForce app begins operating in “stealth mode.”  Your phone will records what is happening, the monitoring team begins listening, tracking your location via GPS and alerting the proper authorities.

When it comes to safety, cost is irrelevant.  At only $11.99/month or $120/year, MyForce is an affordable, sweet deal.  Plus, additional subscribers on your account will get a 50% discount!  What are you waiting for… check it out today!

We hope this is one App you never have to use!  Here’s to much success and safety in 2012!

Pam Sherlock - Listing Coordinator Extraordinaire – attended Amy Chorew’s “Tablet Tips” session and took lots of notes!

She put together the following list of Apps for both iPad and Android tablets reviewed in Amy’s session.  Apps for contracts, open houses, file storage (in the cloud) or video – there’s at least one app that a  realtor could incorporate into their business today …and see results!

TABLET APPS FOR DAY-TO-DAY USE

Dropbox:     File sharing. FREE 2GB account!
Keynote:    Presentation software for iPad, iPhone and iPod. $9.99
ZipForms:    Complete and sign forms on your mobile device. $12.95/year
PDFExpert:    Read, annotate, highlight, draw and save documents as PDF. $9.99
SignMyIpad:    PDF signature tool for iPad. $3.99
iAnnotate:    Read and make notes on any PDF document – on your iPad. $9.99
TourNarrator:    Capture client feedback about a property on your iPhone or iPad. $1.99
IDreamAgent:    Complement to any real estate app. Take your own photos, make your own notes,  share thoughts, etc., about a property. $4.99
Tout:    Short video status updates to share through Twitter or Facebook. FREE

(And finally, we think this one ROCKS!)

OpenHomePro:    #1 most downloaded real estate app! Manage leads, create listing presentations and collect open house visitor data.  Potential buyers can leave feedback. $3.99

As you move your business to working “virtual” and “mobile” add a few of these apps and watch your productivity increase!  And if you need some help incorporating these tools into your business, give us a call!   We’ve been working virtually for years!

image credit: worldlink mobile apps

What does that mean exactly?

It means the AnotherME team of virtual assistants all have specialized skills that are unique to the real estate industry. We understand what services a Realtor® needs to run their business and become more successful.  Our VA’s collaborate one-on-one with our clients to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

It also means you don’t have to add an employee to your already tight budget, pay for health insurance or deduct those pesky taxes. You don’t have to provide a desk, phone or even a chair! Virtual Assistants work from a remote location and have all the necessary computer equipment, office supplies, office software and communication devices (ie: phones) right at their disposal!

It’s easy to get started – we’ll work with you to set up your checklists for listings and closings, update your login/password lists, collaborate on your marketing templates and flyers, and create special instructions based on your preferences.

What could be easier and more cost-effective? Remember, if you’re spending too much time on the 80% (administrative tasks) then you’re not spending enough time on getting new listings, developing leads and buyers, and more importantly, gaining an advantage over the competition!

So what are you waiting for?  It’s worth a phone call to Another ME to determine if we can help you maximize your time, your money and your efforts.

Here’s to a successful 2012!

It’s based on one of their blog posts titled 21 Ways to Create Compelling Content When You Don’t Have a Clue.  I’m sure you’ve feel this way sometimes, and so have we!  Now we can share with you our little secret from CopyBlogger – and you’ll know what to do next time you’re not feeling creative or have a little writer’s block!

Enjoy the graphic and let us know your favorite tip!

Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.

Here’s what we at AnotherME know to be true for our successful clients and how you can make sure your virtual working relationships will be successful too!

1)  Understanding your big WHY behind the what.  A virtual assistant is a trusted member of your team. (or they should be)  They are not little robots or time clock punchers. Typically they are the “get the job done” – results oriented types versus work my hours/week and go home.  It’s important for them to know the WHY of this new project or program you are asking them to complete or set up on their behalf.  Everyone likes to have meaning in what they are doing.  Understanding the WHY makes your VA feel a part of the team and gives them the framework to find and offer suggestions or improvements to what they are working on.

2)  A virtual working relationship must start with mindset of TRUST.  No one is perfect! Admit it, you’ve had your share of mistakes, typos, delays, etc.  It’s easy to point the finger when your virtual team member slips and doesn’t meet your expectation or when they miss a deadline. When that happens, it’s time to TALK with your virtual assistant – no emails that can be misunderstood.  Actually get on the phone and find out what happened…if your directions were clear and understood or if the task was not within their skills/abilities. Assume the best in your VA first; not the worst.  By doing so, you can develop a culture of trust and a sense of ownership and “team.”

3)  Virtual working relationships can be long lasting and productive – sometimes better than an on-site working relationship.  It’s a FACT.  More and more savvy realtors are opting for working with a Virtual Team where the strength of a relationship isn’t measured by proximity.  Do you really need someone sitting in your office and taking up space to work on programs and websites that are all internet based?

4)  Use technology to get face to face. Phone calls, texts and emails are great, but consider a monthly or quarterly chat with your virtual team members via Skype.  Include your buyer’s agents or other office staff so that everyone can be part of the experience.

The best virtual relationships take time and some effort.  By implementing the four ideas listed above and leading your virtual team like you would an on-site team, you will develop a results oriented, efficient and successful business!

Image Credit – traffikmarketing.com

Whenever there’s a holiday it’s a great time to give a little TLC to your clients.  Although Christmas and Thanksgiving come to mind as the top Holidays,  other holidays throughout the year provide extra opportunities for expressing your gratitude for your clients and supporters!  And most of these holidays come pre-themed for the less creative!  For example: Valentine’s Day is not just for sweethearts, but also for those “sweeties” on your client list!  There are so many great holidays that give you an “excuse” to send a note, an email, a card or even a phone call!

Here is a list of the traditional, and most common (commercialized) holidays throughout the year:

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther King Day
Valentine’s Day
St Patricks Day
Easter
Memorial Day
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Chanukah
Christmas

And here are a few of our favorites and some you might not know about!  Check back next quarter to see what we have in store for you!

January:   Nat’l Oatmeal month, Nat’l Soup Month, and Nat’l Get Organized Month

February:   American Heart Month, Nat’l Cherry Month, Nat’l Weddings Month

March:  Nat’l Craft Month, Nat’l Peanut Month, Red Cross Month and Nat’l Kite Month!  (of course!)

We hope this short list gives you a few creative ideas for touching base with your clients and sphere in the upcoming months!  They really want to hear from you!   If you need some help creating a marketing campaign using emails, postcards or newsletters, let us help you create something fabulous!

At AnotherME, we’re all about saving time and saving money!  That’s what we do for our clients every day.  So of course, we have a few tips for those who have waited until the eleventh hour to get your last few presents… and a few tips for saving some money in the process!

7 Shopping Tips (when the clock is ticking and your wallet’s getting thin):

1. Free Expedited Shipping
Most retailers offer free rush shipping in the last few days leading up to the holidays, look for codes before paying expensive overnight delivery charges.

2. Re-gift
It’s a dirty secret, but there are many who just put a new bow on an old gift.

3. Ship-to-Store Specials
For those who want to avoid long check-out lines of shoppers or the shame of offering your gift post-holiday, quite a few retailers these days offer free delivery to their brick-and-mortar stores.

4. A Picture Is Worth a 1000 Words
Avoid rush charges and purchase a present online, then print out a picture and wrap it up for under the tree.

5. Magazine Subscriptions
There’s a magazine for every interest! Find a monthly publication at the book store, order and wrap the December issues!

6. Gift Cards
They’re everywhere!  They’re easy to purchase and will save on shipping fees!

7. Best times to hit the Mall
If  you just want to go to the mall, the best times to go are early in the morning, mid-afternoon and after 7PM!  And why not plan to meet a friend for coffee, lunch or dinner to make your trip worthwhile!

Wishing you Happy Holiday Shopping …and while you’re in the hustle and bustle, don’t forget the real reason for the season!

Back in the ‘old days’ before Facebook, Twitter and email, people used to send postcards to their friends for every holiday, event and trip!   The recipients would save and organize their postcards in elaborate scrap books.  These scrapbooks were then shared when friends came to visit and displayed with great pride.  The more postcards you had, the more popular you were! Some things never change !  These scrapbooks could be considered something akin to an old fashioned Facebook page!

I am so lucky to have my Grandmother and Great Aunt’s collections from the very early 1900′s!!  I have to admit, some postcards seem a little odd and some are downright politically incorrect!  (will share some more on another occasion)

However, most of the designs and pictures depict a simpler way of life and provide a glimpse into the history of our country and traditions. I hope you enjoy them!

But just as you start planning to send those heartfelt Christmas and Hanukkah cards, spooky Halloween greetings, Daylight Savings Time reminders and Thanksgiving Thanks… Reality Hits You!

Your contacts are scattered from East to West, from your PC to your phone and from office to home!

You need those addresses, labels and emails before you can send the first thing!

Don’t worry, don’t give up!  There’s still time to get your database in order and send those Holiday Greetings… if you take advantage of a little help from your friends at AnotherME Virtual Assistants and a special discount!

** OCTOBER Database SPECIAL **

     40 Cents/Contact – includes entering name, address, phone & email

$25.00/Hour – Set up Email Campaigns, Postcard Designs, Mailing Labels, etc

PLUS …

  Custom Return Address Label Design with Your Order (5 styles to choose from)

Email Greetings are very popular today and there are so many types to choose from (I’m partial to the animated ones myself). However, if you’re thinking everyone might be too busy to read the e-mails that come through their inbox… maybe you should consider sending a real card by US mail!   Getting a card in the mail will be a pleasant surprise!   (We can help with that too!)

Call or email today – and we’ll get started!
770.414.9393  ~ patty@anotherme.com

Did you know that Google has a Text Message “Search” feature?  Even if you have a web browser on your smart phone, you might find Google’s SMS search easier. For one, it’s incredibly fast– no clicking links and searching through results while you try to find your glasses!  You use special keywords to get immediate access to information.

Here’s an example: text “weather 30329″ to 466453 (GOOGLE) and instantly receive the current weather in Atlanta, along with a three day forecast.  Cool! …or Hot!  It works with any zip code.

Movie times, no problem!  This little feature comes in handy when the gang says, “let’s catch a movie!”  Just text “movies” plus the zip code for movie times in your area along with options to view more films, more theater times, addresses and phone numbers.

For the ‘directionally challenged’, who don’t have a GPS; you can get step-by-step driving directions in a text!!  Simply text the word “directions [your start address] to [your destination address]  I used this feature recently and it was spot on!

There are over 22 “hot search keywords” you can get your hands on information faster than searching via your browser and squinting to read! To see a demo along with all of the search features (and instructions on how to use them), check out the Google Mobile SMS page!

And of course, we have to use the disclaimer “don’t text and drive” and “normal texting charges apply.” However we’re pretty sure most real estate professionals have unlimited texting or data plans today and that realtors are excellent drivers!

image source: wired.com