Using Google to Work More Efficiently
Guest Blogger Alex Cortez is a REALTOR with Hawaii Life Real Estate Services. Visit his Maui Real Estate site for local information.
The keys to Google’s success as a search engine have been its perfect blend of simplicity and functionality. Fortunately, those traits have transcended to other applications as Google has grown from a SE to a powerful work center. In the past month I have been making a slow transition from working on various PC and Mac-based programs to using Google as my primary workstation (both mobile and static). And although most people who use Gmail or other Google-based email service as their email provider know how powerful and convenient it is, I would like to share a few note-worthy features in Google Docs and Google Calendar that can simplify previously time-intensive tasks.
Google Docs
The premise behind Google Docs is simple: provide a clear, yet effortless, way to share documents. In this regard, Google Docs has delivered with features that are as responsive to the growing needs of its users as they are visionary. For example, the sharing interface is very user-friendly, intuitive and, most importantly, useful. By providing an easy method of sharing documents online, Google Docs empowers its users with a robust platform on which people can save, edit, and collaborate.
Whether you are working on a listing presentation, financial report, or marketing material, you can easily allow other team members (i.e. co-listing agent, marketing director, office manager) to collaborate and edit the same document in real time while using data validation that you have set forth. Use the chat function to interact with collaborators during real-time co-editing to produce a concise document, saving time and frustration of multiple edits.
In addition, a new feature to Google Docs that can have an array of benefits is the use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to turn digital documents into editable text versions of it, thereby minimizing data entry. Formats supported are Images and PDF files, as well as Images from digital cameras or phones. Keep in mind that formatting may be lost during the conversion, but as this is the first iteration of OCR implementation, you can expect quality and compatibility to improve with time. Furthermore, as real estate professionals constantly work on the go, the ability to access PDF’s, .ppt, .doc, and .docx files that you have uploaded is paramount. Although currently only iPhones, iPads and Androids are supported, look for more accessibility options in the future.
Google Calendar
Between listing appointments, office meetings, caravans, marketing plans, etc., there never seems to be enough hours in the day. As such, any tool that can assist real estate agents in increasing their time-management efficiency is always a welcomed addition. And the Google Calendar accomplishes this in spades. With mobile support for smartphones and sync-ability to Microsoft Outlook or Mac’s Calendar, you can access GCal whenever and however you want. And what I find most practical on Google Calendar is the ability to share calendars, which can minimize scheduling conflicts.
Need to schedule a showing, but hate the back-and-forth aspect of coordinating availability of sellers, listing agents, buyer’s agent, and buyer? By sharing calendars as appropriate, it can simplify what is an otherwise unnecessarily complicated task. Look for future integration of social media calendars into GCal, making it the one and only calendar for the busy, on-the-go real estate professional.
By being on the cutting edge of technology and addressing concerns with practical email solutions, a functional scheduling calendar, and a pragmatic method of document-saving/sharing, Google has created a setting where productive professionals can thrive.
Do you have any time saving tips that you’d like to share? Comment away.
20 Comment(s)
2 Trackback(s)
- From Using Google to Work More Efficiently « As I see it… | Sep 1, 2010
- From Using Google to Work More Efficiently « Jefflobb's Blog | Sep 5, 2010
James Chai | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
These are but a drop in the bucket when it comes to Google tools but a good start.
Try these out also:
1) Google Real Estate Tools
(Tools designed specifically for Real Estate
professionals)
2) Google Base (Upload your listings)
3) Feedburner (Email Subscription)
FYI – ReCaptcha is also a Google Product
Yorba Linda Homes | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Google definitely offers a wide range of products that us real estate professioanals can take advantage of to make our job less stressful, or at least a little bit! lol. Big fan of both google docs and the calendar and use both regularly.
Alex Cortez | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the comments. Google has poised itself as a single-point work station with its efficient tools and collaborative goals.
Chris Smith | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Awesome post Alex there are so many agents that only think Search when they think Google and it is posts like this one that will help the industry catch up! Become a bit more Tech Savvy if you will
Homes In Pasadena | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Excellent post Alex! There are so many free tools available and Google has done an outstanding job at helping people. It can be a little intimidating at first, but the tutorials are great.
Professionals who incorporate these tools into their organization will definitely have an advantage.
And the great thing…Google is adding more tools all the time!
Great job – Steven.
Catherine del Rey Kolodin | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Thanks so much for sharing the information. We use SureClose for our transaction management but use Google Maps, Google Places, Google Documents. We are checking out your recommendations today.
Sandra | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Thanks a lot for this article. I personally find a lot of information about OCR technology on http://www.ocrworld.com. They also have a forum and you can post your questions there.
Bob Wilson | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Whoa. I will be looking into using these features more since I have to look at a bunch of different programs to get through the day. ONe place sounds much better.
Tim Lee | Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Just moved over to the US and helping a real estate company in Suffolk, VA take advantage of Google’s tools. It’s interesting that this article has just came out – Great post Alex!
Google Apps is something I would certainly recommend to any REALTOR. I’ll drop a link to what we’re up to shortly, it’ll cover off a lot of simple tips to how REALTORs can take advantage of the individual tools in Google Apps and other tools Google provides.
Jim at home in Phoenix | Sep 2, 2010 | Reply
Great post Alex,
I really enjoy taking advantage of Google’s tools. They make my life much easier, the only thing I don’t like is how long it took me to start using them.
Anthony Rueda | Sep 2, 2010 | Reply
I’m a big fan of google docs. I love internet based applications and the fact I can share the doc with other people. I have never used google calendar.
Jonathan Long | Sep 3, 2010 | Reply
I love the Google calender and how I can make it work with my blackberry. It makes my life that much more simple.
Karl | Sep 3, 2010 | Reply
Awesome information and you related it to real estate use. Thanks.
Brooks | Sep 4, 2010 | Reply
Google Rocks!
I tell anyone that will listen.
They provide you the tools to run an efficient business at Zero Cost (well, advertising, but I’ll take that!)
Just in my business, I use:
-Gmail
-Calendar
-Google Voice
-Google Sync (Great for contacts)
-Docs
-Analytics
-Picasa Albums
-Gchat
And it keeps growing!!
Drew Hunt | Sep 6, 2010 | Reply
Yes, I totally agree with you. Google is such a great help nowadays. Especially when you are in real estate business,’coz you’ll get organized thru google. Check out our blog post and learn something about the real estate business and find out the great things about real estate.
http://www.inboundsales.net/resources/the-real-estate-agents-guide-to-internet-marketing/
Debbie Wilson | Sep 9, 2010 | Reply
Great information, Alex. We have been fans of Google for a long time and all the new applications that it offers are just making their grasp of their market that much more bigger.
John M | Sep 10, 2010 | Reply
I’m just starting to look at how we can use google docs in our real estate company. Please keep the info coming!
Blaine MN Homes for Sale | Sep 12, 2010 | Reply
Wow, it seems like I learn something new about Google products each day! Thank you for this great post. I’m going to check out Google Doc and GCal right now. Thank you!
Bill W. | Sep 15, 2010 | Reply
Very good information, KAtie. It was well written and presented. Google has an array of tools prime for Realtors to use.
H. Spark | Oct 8, 2010 | Reply
Good information, I didn’t know I could do that with Google Calendar. I will check out how to use it with clients and other Realtors. Thanks.