Go Ahead, Grab a Free iPad

The iPad is one sexy tool. So sexy and shiny in fact, that everyone seems to be talking about using it in their business. Or giving one away as marketing swag like in a recent episode of one of my fav shows Parks & Recreation! Btw- I’m not opposed to raffling off an iPad when it’s for a good cause.

But it seems like every time I get booked to speak at an event (lately), I’m inevitably asked to “work a little bit of iPad” into my presentation. Back to sexy and shiny again, which is fine to a point. But if you’ve seen me speak you know I focus more on substance, less on tools.

That’s not to say I don’t love my tools (iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, etc). But they will evolve…which means I must always be ready to adapt. And I must always be ready to learn new ways to share my expertise with those who need it and want it.

No, I don’t have a tool strategy

Which brings me to why I don’t have a tool strategy (social strategy, content strategy, distribution strategy….yes, yes, and yes). But no tool strategy…I rock more of a tool mantra. A little reminder I can recite to myself when a take on a new tool. Mine goes like this, “I promise not to drop you in the toilet or leave you in a limo.” True stories.

In all seriousness though, it IS important to keep in mind why you selected your current tools. Do they improve communication with your sphere? Do they improve your productivity? If the answer is yes to both, then you’ve selected wisely. If not, then it’s time to upgrade or reassess.

Another reason your shiny new tool may be working against you is because it is just that…a tool (with clearly no purpose).

It’s ALL in the application

A tool becomes an integral element in your business when it fulfills a purpose. With the iPad, there are many ways it can enhance the transaction process and day to day real estate related activities. But the question I’m asked more often than not, is how to effectively use the iPad for a listing presentation.

And perhaps some of you would enjoy my tips on formatting and features in Power Point or Keynote. But rather than get lost in minor details, let’s focus on what you have to offer (to your potential client). Moreover, could you enhance what you already share in your presentation with a new resource? I bet you could…you overachiever!

To YOU, bringing your iPad to the appointment is not enough. YOU actually want to demonstrate your expertise in a valuable way with your iPad. YOU understand that your iPad is a teaching aid…giving you the power to become a trusted advisor by showing what you know.

And one of the best ways to support your expertise is with data, specifically listing information, comparables, charts and reports. Fortunately, I know one resource that provides all that along with 147 million property records, the Realtors Property Resource or “RPR”. Yes, I’m closely affiliated with their Director of Marketing and Social Media. That aside, those of you with access to RPR know exactly how amazing the information, graphs, saved searches, heat maps, etc. are!

If RPR is not in your area, get involved and make that happen. If it is in your area, you have no excuse…not to be using this valuable information in your next listing presentation.

The RPR reports are extremely detailed giving you the ability to highlight key indicators and trends with your clients. More importantly, you can use the information to support your expertise and better position yourself as a trusted advisor. FYI- All RPR reports can be emailed in PDF format and opened on the iPad using GoodReader, PerfectReader and iBooks. Check out @ReggieRPR’s how-to video for more details.

MyTechOpinion

Sexy and shiny may get your clients to the table, but it’s demonstrating your expertise that sustains their appetite. So go ahead, grab a free iPad (or just buy one at the Apple Store)…but use it with purpose!