I have been thinking about starting a class lately on the use of smartphones. I'll tell you why. Most of us just use them, dial a number, text a friend, and post a message on facebook. Well these things are so smart if people really knew all the things they could do with them it would make their whole lives so much easier.
I used to be one of those people who was easily irritated by people constantly on their phones, why was it so easy for me to judge when I didn't have one? Mostly I think its a resistance we all have to change for certain things at times and we find it easier to make excuses why its bad or not to try it so we don't have to dive into a totally unknown world. Let me tell you I was very behind in the world of smartphones less than a year ago but when I decided to finally get one I dove right in. I researched the phones out there and heard what people were saying about them... I didn't just want to go with the trend as so many of us do nowadays, I wanted to find the one I would love the most.... after all this is a monthly expense and a long term commitment ;). Next I researched all the 'must-have' apps and what they can do. This is where the smart phone world gets fun and exciting, I would suggest never stop doing this as there is constantly cool and new apps out there changing how we live our lives everyday.
Let me start with some of my coolest/favorite apps mostly for business and some just for fun! The best part is all these apps are FREE for Android! I use an Android but most I believe are available for other devices/platforms.
1 - Evernote -
a must have for any business professional who needs to keep track of notes, webpages, documents (word, pdf, excel), voice notes, to-do lists, pictures, and so much more. How I use mine is this: You can create folders so I have a business folder and a personal folder, in my business folder I have a folder for my clients (buyer folder and seller folder)... if I am meeting with someone anywhere I am I have the ability to email them right from the app whatever document I choose. And the great thing also with this app is say last year you took a note of something to do with apples (we will use this word as an example) and now after using the app for a year you have soooooo many notes that you can't spend time rummaging through all these notes.... voila there is a search button so all you have to do is type in the word apple and it will pull up all notes that have that word in it. So easy right! Honestly the uses for this app are endless and definitely my number 1 recommended app. I talk about it with everyone. This app even has the ability to read your personal hand writing! I have a pre-made packing list for when ever I go on a trip so that I don't forget anything... I don't have to write a new list everytime I go on holiday, I just look up my list that I know has everything on it so I don't forget my bathing suite! ;) This app is way ahead of the game and committed to staying on top, the phone syncs easily to your computer or whatever device you are using, so if I made a note on my phone I know it is right there on my computer too! They even have an edge with computers too for making easy access with browser add-ons (for example if there is a webpage that I want to make note of I have a little button right on my browser that I press and it instantly saves the note in my evernote app for me... its quick and easy)
2. Business Calendar Free -
We all need a really good calendar in our phone and Business Calendar is great. It syncs with all your calendars you have in other places, it gives you options for numerous reminders, repeat events, adding contacts to an event as well as extra details in that day. Its easy to use and functional.
3. Dropbox -
Dropbox is a must have as it automatically backs up all your photos in the cloud so you can access them on any device or over the internet. You can also share photos and documents with others by creating a URL link to the files or photos you would like to share. As our smartphones are now our cameras and we all probably have thousands, this helps keep the storage down in your phone by occassionally going through your phone and deleting any that you don't need saved right on your phone... before you do this double check that all your photos have synced to the cloud.
4. Skype -
A must have for traveling to talk with family, friends or a business meeting when I phone call is just not good enough. Sometimes we need that extra personal connection of seeing someone's face. Smart phones make this easy with Skype as sometimes it just isn't practical to lug your computer around everywhere. With Skype you can also send messages and share files.
5. Facebook -
If you are on facebook then you should probably get the app. As a business professional this makes sense as not everyone has your phone number and you don't necessarily have everyone's phone number either. Here you can message people you need to and receive their messages instantly. We all have a larger social network than just those we call occasionally and this app makes it easy to stay in touch. It is also a great app to use when you need to wait in line or kill some time, what better way then to keep up to date with what is going on in the lives of those around you.
5. Google Maps -
Google Maps has really made the need for a GPS system obsolete. Now you can get voice navigation through your phone to your destination. Everything is easily findable on Google maps and its ability to give directions using your GPS location is an app that nobody should live without.
6. Whatsapp -
Probably one of my favourite apps. More of a social networking app that is more popular in Europe, for some reason it hasn't become as trendy here in North America. This app makes simple messaging, sending photos, sending voice messages to friends fast and easy. You can see when the person was last on-line and if they received your messages. Creating group chats is easy too if you need to add more people to a conversation. I have a penpal from Russia who has now become a really good friend because of the ease this app makes it to share our lives.
7. Kingsoft Office -
If you are ever in need of creating a word document, excel spreadsheet or work related document then this app is a must have. The great thing about this app too is that after creating your word document you can print it right from your phone, it doesn't work for PDF's though and something I think they should work on. How often you might need to edit or print a word document from your phone is probably next to nil but why not have it set up for that situation when you need it most.
8. Yahoo Mail -
Yahoo is really trying to become a leader when it comes to email and if you haven't seen their recent updates you will be impressed. Not only is it easy to use (there is nothing worse than a complex email) it is pleasing to the eye. They have created themes so your background doesn't have to be the standard white and black. Mine has a soft sunset in the background and yet still easily readable. The great thing is that emails seem to show up on my phone instantly, I receive a different notification sound, and its easy to manage and store the emails as I want. Also if you need to send from an Alias email... for example my @yahoo.ca email is not the one I email people from but from my business email address michellenadeau@hallmarkrealty.ca (this takes a simple initial setting up) yahoo makes it all possible.
9. RBC -
I am not sure if most banks have got into the app world yet but if they haven't they are falling behind. RBC makes banking easy by being able to manage it all from my phone. Personally I still do it all from my computer but if a situation ever arises that I need to manage my money on the go then this app makes it easy and quick. I think its ING Direct that allows you to deposit checks by taking a photo of them now... boy I sure hope RBC jumps on that band wagon! Actually I was just browsing ING Direct's company... seems great!
10. Shazaam -
An app purely and simply for figuring out 'what the heck is this song playing on the radio?' With the press of a button your phone takes a few seconds of listening and pulls up the name of the song and the artist so you can find it to download. They are also getting involved in America with viewer voting on shows like The Voice so all you have to do to vote is Shazaam the contestant singing the song and cast your vote right from the app. Definitely an app trying to stand out in the crowd for doing a little more than just its original function.
Well that's about all for now. Most of these apps are tools I use to help me with my business (some just for fun). There are yet even more great apps out there that are definitely worth checking out and since there are millions of them I couldn't possibly tell you about and know about them all. But these are some of the highest rated apps that I have found and make my life easier on a day to day basis. You can find apps to help you with just about anything you can think of right now from cooking, to shopping, to watching tv, to games, to dating, to planning your wardrobe, and well you get the idea. But the apps above if used properly (especially for business) will turn your world upside down IN A GOOD WAY!
Just another way that I serve my clients is by staying on top of technology. If most of my time is trying to sort through files, searching for notes
and rummaging through a day planner then there is a lot of time in the
day wasted. In a fast and quickly accessed world it pays to have the tools to get things done quickly, easily, and to help you stay organized. The more time I have technology working for me means the more time I have to spend making phone calls, sending emails and most importantly meeting with you.
Have fun with your smartphone and if you know of any useful apps be sure to send them my way!
And last but not least------------> For all you home buyers and agents out there this ones for you! I also use this as a REALTOR® for an app when on the go with clients and to view other listings nearby they may have missed or to pull up extra information on a property too.
REALTOR.CA -
All the same abilities their website provides but actually easier to use than the website. You can search by map too and bookmark your favourite properties so they are always easy to find. The other great thing about REALTOR.CA is that all the listings posted on MLS® show up here!
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