Getting Your Text On with TextID

If you are in Phoenix, and you have yet to attend one of the Phoenix Social Media Club’s monthly meetings, you are clearly missing out.  This is a monthly meeting of people that are social media fanatics and newbies, and each month we get to hear about all of these great new things coming down the social media and .NET pipeline.  I’ve attended it rather poorly in the past, but I regret it each time I miss out.

I didn’t, however, miss October and with PodCamp AZ this weekend (November 1-2), you need to know about one of the coolest ways to pass out your business card with 600+ people expected to be in attendance.

Let me introduce you to TextID.  The folks at TextID have created a way for you to rent a keyword such that when that keyword is sent to 555-411, whatever message you program in will be returned as a text message.  For example, I leased the keyword “steve” (how fitting, don’t you think?).  Here’s what comes back, as a text message:

Steve Belt
Realty Executives
steve@teambelt.com
www.realphoenixliving.com
www.teambelt.com
(480)215-9490
(480)383-8701 (fax)

Now think about this for a second.  Instead of handing out a business card to someone new that you meet, encourage them to text your keyword to 555-411.  If they do, they’ll get all of your business card info, but even better, all that info is in their phone.  If they have a smart phone, they can probably immediately click on your email address, website, or phone number.  All of your information is right where you want it to be: in the device that they never leave home without.

Don’t believe me:  Text “steve” to 555-411, and see mine for yourself.  I’d love to be in your phone anyway.

Even better, though, is the folks at TextID think that this could be an ever better way to get home info into the hands of potential buyers.  To that end, they are offering a special pricing just for REALTORS.  Contact Mike Halvorson (mikeh@textid.com) and he’ll hook you up with a package of multiple IDs to be used for each property you have listed.  Then, you could hang a rider that gives the texting instructions with that property’s TextID.  Naturally, the resulting text message would give price/size/your contact info/website.  And here again, you’ve found your way into a potential buyer’s phone.  Who are they going to call when they need an agent, even if it’s not your listing they want to buy?

Yea, I know I’m fanboying TextID a bit here, but I really do like the product/concept, and am just beginning to get my hands around all of the creative ways it could be used.  FYI, you will never get the name or cell phone information for the folks that request your information.  You can, however, see the number of people each month and in total that are using it.  They have ID plans that start from $5/month on up to $30/month (which, may get you up to 10 IDs as a REALTOR).

Neat Receipts Business Card Gadgetgirl Review

Organize your paper. Simplify your life. I was asked to review the NeatReceipts Neat Business Cards scanner by a friend Chandler Peterson, with Realty Technology Review. I’ve included a short video for you to see, be sure to check it out. 

I’m thinking Chandler must have known something about my “put off ’til tomorrow’ filing system to ask me to review this scanner.  This little gadget had my name all over it.  I have been collecting business cards for years now, more so since I began my Real Estate career in 2003.  I had always had good intent to index them and put them in my database, however it’s always been a matter of time and kept putting it off!  

For those of you that know me a bit better know that I love gadgets and own a few, OK — maybe a bit more than a few! 

This little beauty is a nifty little gadget and yet a powerful little guy too.  It’s so small and mobile that you can take it on the road with you tucked in the tiniest pocket of your briefcase or suitcase. The whole scanner weighs less than 4 ounces! That’s about a half a sandwich!

It’s the smallest color card scanner on the market.It scans directly into Outlook and ACT, and it’s small enough to not clutter up your desktop and yet small enough to bring along on your business trips.  You can stay organized as you go instead of having to face a stack of business cards or in my case a pile of 1000’s of them when you finally get the time.

Right out of the box, the Neat Business Cards scanner was pretty accurate with a range of business card styles, both scanning the text fields and then assigning them to the corresponding database fields. It even correctly distinguished telephone, fax, and other phone numbers printed in different styles (parens, dashes, periods), and identified with wildly different marks. I had a few fields it seemed confused with, but over the text was recognized and populated the fields pretty well.

Of course, the scanning is not perfect, and you should verify each card for mis-assigned fields (like phone extensions) and incorrect or missing letters or digits (i.e., at the end of a long number).

The software did struggle with some company information and business titles that were not clearly structured on the page — it still scanned the text as additional text, which then needed to be manually moved to the proper field. And there were some odd features that I could work around.

You also can export records from the Neat Business Cards database to RTF (Word), CSV (Excel), PDF, and other formats to print or share. 

I give this little ‘under $100′ gadget a thumbs up and just know it will come in handy to help you scan and organize your contacts and help you simplify your life.

Key Features

• Scan directly in Outlook
• Scan directly in ACT!
• Scan into Neat Business Cards database
• Use vCard, csv or Plaxo to export contact information to smartphones and other email applications
• Highly accurate card reader for US Cards
• Color scanning at 300 dpi
• Free travel case

What’s in the box
Neat Business Cards portable card scanner, software CD, USB cable, scanner travel case, user guide, one piece of calibration paper, one piece of cleaning paper

Different FREE IDX Options - ARMLS Integration

Are you still framing the IDX feed that you get for free from ARMLS? Think that is your only option?  Think again…at the ARMLS Tech Fair I found two different options for FREE IDX integration.

First one is Diverse Solutions.  Their dsSearchAgent “Lite” product includes map search, Satellite and Terrain maps, and flash slide shows for the pictures from each listing.  They have a paid version that includes lots of other features including a text messaging widget that allows visitors to text you right from your website.  This is a good general search option.

For those who want to specialize in a particular area, visit CyberhomesPro.com and click on “Cyberhomes Smart Frame.”  This will take you to a search page for city, state or zip, then give you the embed code you need to add it to your website.  The company would like you to purchase ads on their main page, but it is not necessary to use the service. The reason it is free is because it is an ad based model, however no ads show up on your site.

If you use one of these solutions, let us know what you think!

Rob the Tech Guy

ARMLS Tech Fair - Come Find Me!

For those of you that enjoy the technology as much as I do and know how important technology is a must have in the Real Estate business. You probably don’t want to miss the ARMLS Tech Fair this week, Thursday & Friday, August 21-22, 2008.

I’ve been ask to join some fine local Phoenix professional bloggers, Jay Thompson and Jonathan Dalton to share some insight on blogging and networking.  I will be there representing the AZ Real Estate Blogging Netwowrk that I founded in April of 2008.  Jonathan is the owner/author of the new blog, NEWARMLS.com where you can find more details about the fair and information pertaining to the newly launched Flex MLS platform.

Jay Thompson, Broker/Owner of Thompson’s Realty and is a veteran blogger here in the Phoenix metro area. Jay also joins me as a contributor to AZ Real Estate Blogging Network blog.  His expertise and knowledge far exceeds most bloggers here in the Valley of the Sun. You could say Jay is the ‘Grand Daddy’ of Phoenix bloggers. Of course, he has been called various nicknames just in the brief year that I’ve known Jay. I invite you to google, ’sexy phoenix realtor’ and see who shows up numero uno!

You will be able to find Jay, Jonathan and myself at the Diverse Solutions vendor booth. DS will be there demonstrating and showing their fantastic product that is an IDX search product with additonal features.

If you would like to see how Diverse Solutions has been implemented on my personal website and Arizona Real Estate blog, you can find the MLS IDX search page at my Phoenix Arizona Real Estate Homes weblog.

The Tech Fair will bring together leading vendors with up-to-the minute technology designed for the real estate industry.  This two day event will give the vendors the opportunity to show off their products all under one roof.

The vendors are prepared to answer your questions, concerns and curiosities about products you might be considering that will enhance your business.

The fair will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 21-22 and will be held at Monterra at Westworld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Be sure to stop by the Diverse Solutions booth and say, “hi” and check out AZ Real Estate Blogging Network.

There will be ongoing instructions and demonstrations on how Diverse Solutions works and you will be able to see it live on our websites.

Other vendors that will be attending are HomeQuest, 1parkplace, HomePages, Market Leader, SuccessWebSystems, iHomeFinder, TrackRE Technology, MarketLinx - AgentAchieve, Pocket Real Estate, Cyberhomes, VoicePad and more…

Be sure to bring a business card as there is going to be a drawing for a portable GPS each day!!

Looking forward to seeing you,

Candace Robinson

AZREBN Founder/Member

www.AZRealEstateBlogs.com

www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateHomes.com

iPhone! What Is It Good For?

As many of you know, I won an iPhone from PropertyQube a while back, when I helped PropertyQube attract more new customers by growing my own PropertyQube network…sort of a win-win.  I’ve had my iPhone for roughly a month now, and thought now would be an excellent time to post on my findings thus far.

First, I must say I have no other SmartPhone to compare an iPhone too.  I am coming from a Motorola Razr as a mobile phone, so I don’t know how it compares to a Blackberry or Treo from personal experience.  If you are looking for such a comparison, I might suggest you visit My Tech Opinion.  Particularly read the comments if you are with Verizon or TMobile customer and can’t see yourself switching.

The Good

As far as the iPhone goes, I absolutely love it.  I can Twitter great.  I can update my location on Brightkite.  I can take some pretty decent photos, and post them to my personal blog: My Side Door via the WordPress App.  I can take notes via typing or voice recording on EverNote, and then view/listen to those notes later from my desktop PC (that’s great for when you have a blogging idea when you are out and about and don’t want to forget it!).  Of course I can read/send email, read/update my calendar, and read/update my contacts all real time, as if I were sitting at my desktop, thanks to the integration between iPhone and Microsoft Exchange (if you aren’t managing your business email/calendar/contacts via Microsoft Exchange, we’ll talk later about the HUGE boat you are missing).

Naturally, I can text message people, and place and send calls, but what phone can’t do that.  Being a movie buff, I like the BoxOffice application that tells me what’s playing and when at Desert Ridge or the Cine Capri.  On more than one occasion, I’ve used the integrated Google Maps feature to chat with a client about where we are going next, or help a lost soul find their way.  Many people enjoy the free internet radio service Pandora.  I honestly haven’t used it much, but my limited use has been favorable.  The iPhone is also an ipod, which I enjoy on my 4 hour bicycle rides.  It’s also ideal for watching video podcasts, like GeekBrief.TV.  Facebook, Pownce, Loopt, and Jott all have iPhone apps, for those that are heavy into those sites.  Facebook is the only one I use, but honestly, I’m not a big Facebook user, which is a mistake I know I need to correct.  So far, a Flickr app is missing.

I also use the application SportsTap to keep track of the Diamondbacks (when basketball starts up, that will include the Suns).  My kids play a number of free games when they are able to pry the iPhone from my hands.  Tap Tap and Moonlight Mahjong are their favorites.

Finally, many websites have iPhone or mobile web support.  FlexMLS’s mobile website is: wireless.flexmls.com.  Other sites that have iPhone support (like my blog, Brightkite, or ESPN), tend to notice that an iPhone is browsing them, and then switch into a simpler display mode.

The Bad

So, what’s not great about the iPhone?  The most important thing to me is the quality of the 3G network in my neck of the woods (North Scottsdale).  It’s horrible.  To combat this, I’ve turned off 3G unless I’m some place other than my home, office, Starbucks, or any other location north of Frank Lloyd Wright and East of Loop 101.  The regular Edge network is fast enough, and has better coverage.

With 3G turned off, that also helps the next major shortcoming: battery life.  I have an iLuv docking station at my office, and then a Belkin TuneBase FM for my car, which means it’s actually on a charger most of the time.  During a recent Diamondbacks game, however, I was able to nearly deplete the battery with some fairly heavy usage in just 3 hours via twittering, browsing, texting, and taking some photos.  At the time I was sitting next to a Blackberry user, and he had a similar experience, however.  Speaking of taking photos…that’s the fastest way to kill the battery.  I left it on camera mode this last Saturday morning and drained the battery in 2 hours.

My final gripe is with Starbucks and AT&T.  Starbucks decided to allow 2 hours of free wifi per day for its customers.  “GREAT!” I screamed, as wifi is even faster than 3G.  But here’s the catch.  You have to log in to the system when you arrive at Starbucks (via Safari), a process that is very time consuming, but 50% of the time doesn’t seem to work.  Then, if your session expires, which it seems to do very quickly, you have to log in again.  This might not be a big deal on a PC, where Firefox remembers your userid/password, but on the iPhone, I’m required to start over from scratch each time.  It’s a big enough hassle that I’ve completely stopped bothering.  I’m griping about it, because Starbucks has this arrangement via AT&T, and AT&T sells the iPhone.  The system should transparent when I’m on my iPhone at a Starbucks, and there shouldn’t be a 2 hr time limit for AT&T customers.  Stop requiring logins AT&T & Starbucks!

I’m not going to complain about the lack of copy/paste or SMS messaging (this is me not complaining).  The former is odd, while the latter I wouldn’t use much anyway.  I will complain about the speed of the text entry on some blogs/websites.  I have no idea why, but for example, when typing into the reply box on Trulia Voices, the iPhone goes into brain freeze mode, and typing speed is limited to 1 character per second…or maybe slower.  The lack of flash support can be frustrating as well.

Keeping it from getting ugly

If you decide to get an iPhone, you will almost certainly decide to get a protective case of some sort.   Lately I’ve been a bit fumble fingered around the iPhone, so it’s been nice that it’s protected.  I feel fortunate to have lucked into buying a Griffon Elan Form 3G after scouring the shelves of the Apple Store for 30 minutes.  This is a hard case with a leather outer, so it’s comfortable to the touch, while being protective.  Most people that have held my case, and have the silicon gel cases prefer my case.  Another ok buy was the Apple clear anti-glare shield for the screen.  Judging by the condition of this screen protector, I’m glad I have it.  However, it seems to scratch somewhat easily, leading me to considering the Zagg InvisibleShield here in a month or two, as that shield is not supposed to scratch and has a lifetime warranty.

Should you get an iPhone?

That’s a tough question.  The 16GB version is $399.  The unlimited voice, data, and texting plan is $140/month (or so) plus tax.  It’s undoubtedly the most expensive mobile phone solution there is.  For those that love their Treo for it’s lockbox access, that alone could be a deal breaker.  For Blackberry users, I can’t find a compelling reason to want a Blackberry, aside from the keyboard, and honestly, I’ve gotten quite a bit better at using the touch screen for a keyboard.  The first time I used it I thought it was impossible.  Now it’s a breeze.

Win Flip Mino Video Camera

I highly recommend that if you are looking to get some great new FREE Themes for your wordpress blog, then you might want to take a look at ChiQ’s blog. WPThemeDesigner is also hosting their second contest and after just a few things on a checklist on the first contest I was able to win a Premium Theme for myself (undecided what or who will get it). Check out the next contest she is doing, Win a FLIP Mino Video.. I have three for my family and we use them all the time! You have just as good a chance as anyone else.. Also, take note of the great tips ChiQ gives on bring traffic to your blog, what a concept, ‘hold a contest’…hmmmm… See the contest rules below:

Contest: Win Flip Mino Video Camera!

Once again wordpressthemedesigner.com brings to you another exciting contest! Get a chance to win the trendiest gadget that has been rocking the blogging world - the Flip Mino Video Camera. This contest is graciously sponsored by the best Affiliate Network in the planet, Market Leverage.

How to Join:

Step 1: Subscribe to the Feed - click here! *compulsory

Step 2: Blog About This Contest *compulsory

(a) Copy and Paste Contest Details >> click here for html code <<

(b) optional: add a paragraph or two containing any of the ff suggested topics: (1) why you think wpthemedesigner.com rocks! (2) why you think marketleverage.com is the best affiliate network in the planet (3) why you want to win this contest.

Total: 10 points

Additional Points

Sign-up for Market Leverage under WPTD. If you have not joined Market Leverage yet, then joining this contest would be the most opportune time to do so. Besides, you get a higher chance of winning this contest. What could be better than that, huh? Click Here, you will be automatically redirected to the sign-up page. I will be able to verify it, so no worries.

Bonus: 5 points

Contest Prizes

1st Place - Flip Mino Video Camera
2nd place - $100 ML Reward
3rd place - $50 ML Reward

Contest Ends on August 17, 2008. Each point counts as your name being put down once in a randomizer using random.org

Are Your Listings Picture Perfect?

Here is a great read in the REALTOR® magazine this month on perfecting your photographs on your listings.

Put an end to boring or unflattering property photos. Here are six quick fixes to common photo challenges.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey | July 2008

Buyers today want to see photos, and lots of them. But if the snapshots you’re taking of your listings are unflattering, lack detail, or are simply too boring, you could actually be doing a disservice.

To get more eyes on your listings, you’ve got to make sure your photos are showing off properties to their fullest. Photographer Barbara Lane offers photography tips and illustrations for real estate practitioners in her book How to Photograph Interiors When You Barely Know How to Work a Camera (Barbara Lane Photography, 2007). Here’s how she solves the trickiest photo challenges: read more

AccessU2 Global Property Info..

What is going to be next? What an amazing idea to check out. With technology moving as fast as the iphone, palm treos and blackberry and texting at it’s all time popularity, why not access information from the very tool everyone seems to be carrying?

AccessU2 Global Property Info based in Colorado has just launched a great idea for brokers, agents and companies to share information and photos via SMS and your mobile phones for buyers!  AccessU2 Property Info

To read more click here