Two GOLDEN NUGGET Tools that you SHOULD be using!

This is my first Journel that many I'm sure but after doing this for myself... I thought this might be something MANY people can use (if they aren't using it already) So my first Journel entry is a tool for you! Hope it Helps!

Sorry in advance for the lengthy Post!
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Two “Golden Nugget” Tools to use in your Real Estate Business

If your not ALREADY using these… you should!

Here are two tools that should add to your overall efficiency as well as providing you with FREE professional tools to bring you to a new level.

First, is GOOGLE APPS! What is Google Apps? It’s a suite of tools that is offered to businesses FOR FREE!(free version is 10 or less users) Although there is a paid version of Google Apps for those who have more than 10 users, the free version should meet most, if not all of your needs.

What is Google Apps… It consist of some of the regular Google products such as Gmail, Calendar, Documents and Google Video. All of these packaged within your very own Domain. Utilizing these products and their benefits within your business is a tutorial I’ll have to save for another day.

In regards to Google Apps setup, all it takes is a quick upload of a file to your site (usually via file manager) to verify you own the domain and your close to up and running. (more on Google Apps here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJT3pagjd8s&feature=relmfu)

For example:
1. I purchase www.XYZrealestate.com
2. Then I go to https://www.google.com/a/cpanel/domain/new to register for my FREE Google Apps account. (note: it’s sometimes hard to find the sign up for the free version as they try to sell you the paid version… but it’s there)
3. Now I verify my account via file upload (easier than you think for those who aren’t tech savvy)
4. Change my mail settings so I can start using my NEW custom email and I’m off and running (within 10-15 minutes)
5. Then you’ll have Mail but with your own domain (ie: [email protected]
and up to nine other users which you can add extremely easily)
6. Example of your what your new email log in is here: mail.vallerinvestments.com

That’s it!

Although we can do a whole other tutorial or how to use Google Docs to build your website or stand alone forms in minutes… FREE.

My second Tool for you today is another Google product called GOOGLE VOICE. Just in case your wondering, I don’t get paid to push Google and/or their products but I am a huge believer of products that work.

As for Google Voice, if you don’t already know, it’s a FREE service Google currently offers which enhances the existing capabilities of your phone, regardless of which phone or carrier you have.. all for free. It provides you with a free phone number, which you can tie to any land or wireless phone. You can also not tie the phone to a land/cell phone to have your own voicemail service.

Google Voice also provides those in Real Estate Investment a way to create a dedicated phone number that you can not tie to any phone but can be there 24/7 as your FREE recorded Real Estate message.

One added benefit is that through your online Google Voice dashboard, you can view your voicemails, missed calls, contacts, text messages and MUCH more!

With the push of a button you can even record your current phone call. The voice recording will be available right in your dashboard the next time you log in.

The best par of having your own domain and being enrolled in Google Apps, is that for EVERY user you make on your domain… you can have a number!

So if you choose to have a user/email address [email protected] you can have your own dedicated number for that email. (the only limitation is that you can only link one Google Voice number to a land/cell line at a time. So if you plan on having all of your numbers linked to one cell phone, it’s not going to happen)

There are many additional benefits of using Google Voice for your primary means of communication with your Business. Some are:

• Having the number ring to ANY phone that you have access to, or even have them ring all at the same time… which ever one you pick up will pick up the call. (ie: ring office number and cell)
• Have your voicemail messages “texted” to your phone
• Custom Greetings for different contacts who call
• Place a CALL ME widget on your website
• Don’t have to worry about switching carriers and switching numbers
• REAL Call Screening: you can listen to someone leave their message and even jump back in on the call
• Detailed HISTORY in your dashboard if Calls out/missed/voicemails/recordings/texts etc

I think we can all agree… if you know anything about business, having a professional image adds to your legitimacy as a professional. Using these tools can help.

So my question to you is this….. WHY AREN’T YOU USING THESE TOOLS?

PS: if anyone needs any help, PM me. but I also offer help via www.Visiondrivenmedia.com. I've done setups/intalls for others for $100, but I'm always willing to help out with advice and what not...

- Mike Valler