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Many attendees of my different Smartphone classes and seminars have Windows Operating Smartphones and when I show the Financial Calculator on the Palm OS many moan that their Windows device is lacking the Financial Calculator. Well we have looked at some options and wanted to share with you one you should look into. http://www.pocketgear.com/ offers the MxCalc 10b II Business Calculator 1.0. Quoting their website "Looks as good as the HP-10BII and performs as good as the HP-10BII. This calculates loan payments, interest, amortization and many more features. All this for just $9.95!
One thing I love about Pocket Gear they let you have a free trial before you buy so please try it out and let me know! I feel better now that we have something to help my Windows Smartphone friends!
Dick Betts
National Real Estate Speaker
Treo Training
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
http://www.dickbetts.com/
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Hey anybody within driving or flying distance of Santa Jose have we got a deal for you! Thanks to Sprint they have arranged for a full day of training for FREE! We plan on presenting "Everywhere is My Office" from 9:00 to 10:30 then "Today's Top Technology Trends" from 10:30 until noon. The afternoon is packed with 3 hours of hands on training on Smartphones whether you have a Palm or Windows device. Don't have a Smartphone yet but thinking about buying one, no problem be there so we can help you become an educated consumer.
The location for the event is Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS, 1651 N. 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95112. Again that's May 7th.
For more information please contact Shelby at Questions@DickBetts.com
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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If you are a member of the MetroList MLS in Sacramento you so need to show up at one of my seminars, their free! We kicked the week off in Placerville today with a nice size crowd.
We are not selling anything just telling you the real estate professional how to "Make Everywhere Your Office" so you can provide the best possible care to your buyers and sellers. We try to take the confusion out of buying a Smartphone and what you can expect out of it. We give you tips on where to buy and what programs you might want to add to set up your Smartphone to handle your daily real estate needs.
Here's my schedule for the balance of the week;
Tuesday, April 29, Masonic Center in Modesto, 9-11 and 1-3
Wednesday, April 30, Sacramento Association of REALTORS, 9-11 and 1-3
Thursday, May 1, Placer Association of REALTOR, 10:30-12:30 and 1:30-3:30
Friday, May 2, Lodi Association of REALTORS, 9-1 and 1-3
If you have any questions drop me an email!
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Dick@DickBetts.com
http://www.dickbetts.com/
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I think one of the toughest things with a Smartphone is managing the email. Even the devices that are easy set up you the user need to decide the best way to handle the email. For sake of staying sane with this blog let's not talk about how to set it up which would take a book because of all the different devices, rather let's talk about some general rules I like using mine.
First I do not have my email set to automatically check, instead I go to my email program and hit the get or send and receive button. Your device beeping at you at the wrong times can be annoying plus when you are expecting an email you want to check it every few minutes. Automatically is rough on your battery life because of the device turning itself on so many times a day.
Secondly I only download the name of the sender and the subject line. This speeds up the process and takes so much less memory in your device if you download the entire email. Looking at who it's from and the subject tells you enough if you want to download the entire message.
Third how I have my server set up, my computer cleans off my server of email which works great for my phone except when I swallow a dumb pill and leave my computer connected to the internet and my email program pulls them before I can get them with my phone. Overall it's just a better system then pulling the same email off many times to your phone.
Fourth I have my mobile email set up to BCC myself because I am old! I can't remember what I did 15 minutes ago let alone an email I sent while rushing thru an airport or during a break.
Fifth build a great signature that is put on every outgoing email. I include that I am sending VIA on my Treo appealing to the folks who are impressed on how fast I answered your email.
I think using these general tips will help you get the most out of your mobile email and help you manage your life maybe just a little bit better.
Dick Betts
National Real Estate Speaker
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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After 8 years of running around North America and almost everytime I finished asking if I had a book or a tape of my session. It seems I cover more material then most can aborb in a three hour classroom setting. I listened and finally have done something about it. We have built a DVD which includes my three hour "Smartphone Fundamentals for the Real Estate Professional" class and is designed for Palm Operating System phones. Windows owners not to worry we are going to do the same thing for you in a DVD to follow in the next few months.
We built the DVD divided into chapters so you can go right to the section you want to learn or review. Because it is in the DVD format you can either view it on your computer or slap that baby into your DVD player and watch it on your big screen TV.
To purchase the DVD go to this link to order online; www.dickbetts.com/dvd.html
We do plan on offering about five different DVD's as time goes on and will look at future classes we can add. We actually sold out the first run before I had a chance to put them on my website by folks buying them at my events the past two weeks.
I know you will get many tips and tricks from the DVD and I hope you feel it's worth both your money and your time.
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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Wow what a response on my blog about fear button! Folks are adding their own tips both here on the blogs and by email directly to me. I want to share some points;
The Centro both Sprint and AT&T have the same nub for finding in the dark or with eyes closed. I have heard other phones have nubs so please check it out.
ICE = In Case of Emergency, I overlooked putting that in my blog as it's something I do cover in my classes. Both EMS and Police will check your cell phone looking for ICE. Please list a contact in case your phone is the only way they have for contacting somebody if you can't.
Again thanks for all the feed back and help spreading the word so someday we read a blog the "Fear Button" saved me!
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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We read too many stories about agents being attacked, kidnapped, raped and even killed. This tip might not prevent that from happening but could get you help on the way quicker. PLEASE do everything possible to avoid getting yourself into a position where you might need this tip!
Whether you are using a Palm OS or a Windows based Treo Smartphone, you can set up a Speed Dial that you can find with your eyes closed! It's going to take some set-up work on your end and some coaching to the person you select as your Fear Contact.
For the Windows based Treo: go to your Today Screen and hit Menu then select New Speed Dial to enter your Fear Contact's number and label it "Fear". Enter the letter "F" as the Quick Key.
For Palm OS devices: since this varies for the different devices, please go to www.DickBetts.com/tipstricks/palmos.html to learn how to set up a Speed Dial for your specific device. Be sure to use the letter "F" as your Quick Key.
Once the Quick Key and Speed Dial features set up on your device, close your eyes and try to find the "F" key by running your fingers over your keypad. We use the "F" key because it is the only letter on the keyboard that has a Nub on it. By holding down the "F" key, the device will automatically dial your Fear Contact.
Now, make sure you explain what you are doing to your Fear Contact! Coach that person on what to do if/when they receive this type of call from you; they need to listen closely and call for help - you might be in trouble! Be sure to practice turning your Smartphone on and dialing without looking at your keyboard; the whole idea here is to be able to dial without the other person knowing what you are doing.
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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If you want a Smartphone and want some unbelievable deals then you need to check out www.amazon.com I direct folks there all the time as you can get a much better price from Amazon then walking into a store. You do the whole deal right on their website which involves either getting a new contract or renewing an existing contract. Amazon works with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon and has about 50 Smartphones available. You also can buy unlocked Smartphones so you don't need to fool with contracts.
Just go to Amazon, do a search for Smartphones and pick your device. I personally have used the site 4 or 5 times for friends and family who wanted the best deals!
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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First let me say you need your email all over your website, every page and if you get spam because of it, so goes it. The main thing is your prospects can use it to contact you.
Now with that said, quit hiding the address with a icon or "Email me", reason many folks do not have the email in their computer set up so when you tap on the hyper link or icon it either does nothing or attempts to open maybe Outlook and they don't use outlook.
Also many people shop while at work and they want to use a Internet based email like AOL or most of us have a web based site to send email while not in front of our own computer.
If you hide your address then they have to left click and copy and paste or just not bother. So bottom line spell out your email address on your web, you can hyper link it, but others can copy and paste.
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
http://www.dickbetts.com/
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The Palm OS Treo has this function from the calculator. Give it a try.
Print the ‘Calculator Tape' or Save it to a Client
Ever wish you could print the ‘tape' for a calculation? Or wish you would have written the numbers down? Next time you do any calculations while you are working with a Client, file the calculation either under the Client (in Contacts) or as a Word Document (for easy Printing)! Just highlight the numbers by tapping the screen with your stick and dragging thru them, and then hit the Drop Down Menu to select Copy. To Save under the Clients' name: Open their Contact and tap on Edit, then tap on the NotePad. Hit the Drop Down Menu and select Paste, then Done. To Save as a Word Document: Open a New Document in the documents-to-go program, hit the Drop Down Menu to select Paste then from that same Drop Down Menu select Save As... using the your Clients name and the date as a label.
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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For my friends operating a Palm OS Smartphone here's a tip for you.
Never forget to make a Phone Call
Keeping track of phone calls you need to return can be handled easily by using the Task Application. Start by hitting the Applications button and tap on Tasks. From the main Task page, tap New then enter the details about the phone call you need to make (do not put it in a category; just keep it on the main Task page). By tapping on Details... you can select a Due Date and even set an Alarm if you are forgetful. You can also add Notes so you can remember what was said. Checking the Completed Box will file the Task out of sight. This is a great way to keep track of whom you've called back and whom you haven't.
Dick Betts
National Real Estate Speaker
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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For my friends with a Palm OS Smartphone here's a time saving trick for you.
Import a Contact into your Calendar to quickly set an Appointment
In my basic Palm class, one of the last things I teach is how to move a Contact into the Calendar for a quick entry to set an appointment. I know your brain is on overload by this time in my class so here it is again. In the Calendar, pick a date and then pick the desired time for the appointment, make sure your curser is flashing next to the time. Hit the Drop Down Menu button to open the Menu Bar across the top of the screen. Tap on Options, and then Phone Lookup. Find the desired Contact Name, highlight the number, and then tap Add at the bottom of the screen. The name and first phone number is now on your calendar as an appointment.
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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In your time of need and maybe not thinking straight anything you can do to help you get to the information you need and be a big help. Try this tip!
Keep Personal Physicians' Info Handy
Create a New Category named ‘Medical' in Contacts to keep all your physicians' details grouped together and handy to access. From the Contacts Application, enter each doctor (i.e. family doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist, orthodontist, etc.) as a New Contact. Before you exit the Contact Edit screen, tap on the Category Box in the upper right-hand corner to display the complete Category List. If you do not have "Medical" as a Category yet, tap on Edit Categories at the bottom of the list, tap New, enter the Category Name, (you can also attach a Ringtone if desired on this screen) then tap OK. Using the Contacts Application will give plenty of room to record the address, phone & fax numbers, directions and even notes about details you need to remember or questions you need to ask when there next! This is also handy when filling out forms asking you to list medical details (like for school); you can quickly pull up the Medical Category to scroll thru.
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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Yesterday I worked a REALTOR fair in Tulsa, OK. I must of had 5 people come to me complaining about dropping calls with their Treo's, both Palm and Windows devices. I changed the screen settings and they will see a drop in the nmber of dropped calls. Here's how you do it.
Accidentally touching various parts of the screen can hang up or put your call on Speaker unintentionally while you are on a call. This is very easy to do with an earring! To eliminate this problem, go to the Applications Screen, tap on the Prefs icon, and then tap on Keyguard. Check the boxes to Disable Touchscreen when: On a Call, then tap Done. From now on, to access on-screen commands while on a call, use the 5-way Navigator to highlight and select the commands you need.
Try it and see if that doesn't help!
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com
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Have you ever used directory assitance on your cell phone? If you have you know they charge you up to $1.50, well stop it. Try this:
Text Google for FREE 411 Info!
If you ever been in my class you know I say several times "THIS IS COOL"; well this Tip is very close to the top of the Cool List! Just send a text with the name of the business/person you are looking for followed by either the zip code or town & state; within 30 seconds you will have the name, address and phone number! Plus, the phone number is hyperlinked for one-touch dialing! You can even text a simple question and get an answer back! Need to find a Chinese Restaurant? No problem! Text your requests to 466453.
Go to this website and play with it, then try it on your Smartphone. www.google.com/sms/
Here's a list of what you can get from Google:
* Google SMS will return results using your saved location if no location is specified.
** If you don't receive any results, the season may be over for this sport.
*** Flights data is provided by flightstats.com.
Try it out!
Dick Betts
National Speaker Real Estate
Mobile Technology Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com