Tools of the Trade: Great Productivity and Client Management Apps and Web Services That You Need to Start Using

As part of our Tech Guide coming out of the Extreme Makeover Technology classes, here is our list of the “must have” apps and web services that can help you boost your productivity and manage your clients.

Web services are simply online tools that are available, generally for free, for things like calendars and document management.  Most of them also have apps that sync up between your online accounts and your smartphone or tablet.  For example, you can use Dropbox on your laptop through the web, and also download Dropbox to your smartphone. Moreover, almost all of these apps and services are free and available across smartphone and tablet platforms.

 

Google Calendar         

http://calendar.google.com,

A great way to keep your calendar. Easy to add new appointments, and to share appointments with your clients.  Syncs across all types of platforms.

 

Google Docs  

http://docs.google.com  

Replaces your Microsoft Office programs: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations. Because it keeps all your documents in the cloud, available to you whenever you are connected to the internet.  Also, easy to share documents via email. And free, which is cheaper than Office!

 

Google Voice               

http://voice.google.com

Transcribes your voicemail and emails it and/or texts it to you. Great to have all your voicemail saved in your email inbox.  Lets you check your voicemail without having to call in.

 

Picasa Web Albums  

http://picasaweb.google.com

Great way to store your photos, so they don’t clog up your computer, and so they are available from anywhere that’s internet-connected.  Also great for sharing photos with clients.

 

Picasa Desktop           

http://picasa.google.com

Great way to enhance your photos, crop them, edit them, etc.  Works nicely with the web albums so you can move photos easily from one place to the other.

 

Dropbox                       

http://www.dropbox.com

Great way to store large files so you can share them with your clients, or to backup your important files so you don’t lose them.  Also, easy to move files from one place to the other.  Also a good way to move photos from one computer to another.

 

Evernote

http://www.evernote.com

Great way to take notes that will be available across platforms, and to store documents and photos.

 

Google Maps

http://maps.google.com   

Great mapping program, can get turn by turn directions, and reliable.

 

Orchestra                    

http://www.orchestra.com

Great way to keep track of “to do” lists, manage projects, share tasks. You can even dictate your “to do” list.

 

Card Munch                 

http://www.cardmunch.com

Hold a business card up to phone, take picture, and it uploads information into Contacts.

 

Genius Scan                 

http://www.thegrizzlylabs.com

Scan documents as PDFs that you can mail, store, etc.

 

Sly Dial                         

http://www.slydial.com

Leaves someone a voicemail without ringing their mobile phone.  Great if you want to avoid talking to someone. Doesn’t show up as a missed call.

 

Branded Realtor.com        

http://www.realtor.com/collaborate/index.php

Great agent branding on a terrific app, and forges a connection between you and your client: you can suggest listings to the client, and she can request showings from you. Just follow the directions on the video.

 

Open Home Pro          

http://www.openhomepro.com

Manages your open house for you by giving you an iPad-based sign-in sheet, which then stores visitor information and sends requests for follow up.  Very nifty!

 

Magic Plan                   

http://www.sensopia.com

The best app available to create floor plans for your listings. Still not that easy to use, but getting better.

 

Videolicious

http://www.videolicious.com

Great for making on-the-spot video tours of listings, or even to create a cool email video message.