As some know, before coming on board with ActiveRain I spent a few months working for TMobile as a sales associate. During the time there, I was able to learn the nitty gritty of the phones and the features that they possess. One thing that really helped me was being able to explain how to use the smartphones for social media work. Many that came in had no idea that most of the major Social Media Networks have applications now that allow you to use the network easily and quickly from your phone. For sake of time, I will be covering the two most popular smartphones, an iPhone & Blackberry. So, I am going to touch on just a few of these different applications that can make your smartphone make you look like a genius.
Hi, My Name is Jeremy, I am a Twitaholic
The first would be for twitter. As most know, twitter is a huge craze right now that is taking the world by storm. Even Shaq is into twitter! Most don't realize the great twitter applications available. For the Blackberry there is Twitterberry. iPhones have a few more options available. There is Twitterfon, Twitteriffic, & Tweetie just to name a few. Tweetie is probably my favorite because of a few great features it includes. One of the coolest is the ability to see who is tweeting nearby. It uses the GPS of your phone to find those around you who have recently sent a tweet.
Numerous agents have shared success stories of how they have received solid leads and even great paychecks straight from using twitter. I know personally I gave someone business just yesterday because of having a conversation with them on Twitter. Just like Blogging, it takes time and sometimes a good dose of common sense to use Twitter effectively.
Is there something for Facebook Fanatics?
Facebook on Your Phone. Both the BlackBerry & iPhone have a great application to be used with Facebook. One of the feature I enjoyed on the blackberry was that I received my facebook notifications automatically and was able to keep up instantly. Unfortunately, I don't believe the iPhone app has this same feature. But, something that application for iPhone has is chat. You can do facebook chat just like you were on your computer with all your friends.
Just like Twitter, Facebook is another social network outside your blog that can be
used to bring you additional business.
What about Pictures?
Flickr on your Phone! Flickr is a great way to share your photos with the with the world. Both the IPhone and Blackberry have a good 2.0 Megapixel camera. (Unless you have a new Blackberry, then it is 3.2 MP) They both take some really good quality photos that you can share with quickly and easily to this site. A great example of how to use this is Miamism.com. Ines has an entire section of just photos that has been taken by her iPhone and then uploaded to her Flickr account. This has helped her to become an instant success and very well known real estate agent all around Miami, FL. The picture to the right is one that she took with her iPhone.
Many of the photos you have seen in my ActiveRain blog were taken with my phone and uploaded to my flickr account. IT is a huge time save. Plus you almost always have your phone handy and charged. Unlike the infamous digital camera. For some reason, it never seems to be close by or charged when the perfect photo op is present.
So, we have these three applications, to help us on our way of becoming a genius. While having the applications is important, it is just the tip of the iceberg. How you use these applications is what will help to set you apart from the rest. I wrote a few months back about an idea I used when listing a home for sale that helped me obtain several listings when competing with other agents. In case you missed it, read: How Twitter can set you apart from the competition when listing a home. This was just one example of using your phone and thinking outside the box.
When I would share this with sellers, they would marvel at the concept even if they may not understand it in it's entirety. I instantly became this genius because of some simple processes I did with my phone. The point I am trying to make is that the simple applications & concepts that are present can be used for business and not just fun. It is all how you package the material and use it. The key is thinking outside the box to come up with a concept that nobody else has.
So, don't use your smartphone to just make a call and check your email. Let it become your most useful business tool. I know my business would not survive long without it!
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I am the Co-Founder of 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors. I have traveled the country as a social media speaker. If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, please contact me directly. We specialize in social media training, online consulting, and the creation of your own custom WordPress site.
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Useful Blog Posts:
Twitter Applications- 125 Twitter Tools To Make Twitter Easier To Use
Hi Jeremy... I love the Facebook app for my Blackberry! Using it has even resulted in business for me!
These applications would help if you dont' already use them!
My wife and I both use the Twitter and Facebook App on our Blackberries. Very fun and addictive.
I am still deciding which to buy ... the blackberry or iphone.
@Rebecca..I have played with both for the industry and I would side with the Blackberry. (The new Palm Pre is comming out and looks promising.) If you're going to get the iPhone i would hold off because a new version is going to be announced soon.
Oh my... I'm drowning in information. Somebody please stop the progress and let me catch up!
I will have to check out the facebook app on my blackberry. Thanks again for sharing some great insight. Look for me, we are linked in together and you are still holding my recommedation....pleeasse! I know you are a busy guy.
Sad news, Jeremy, I don't think there is a 12-step program for this "ism" yet. Like Margaret, I'm swimming as fast as I can but certainly will explore this ASAP. Thanks for the tips!
Tina- Sorry, I don't get on linked in very often.
Margaret & Irene- these are actually very easy things to use. Don't let it overwhelm you. They take about 3 minutes to download on the phones and about 30 seconds to set up!
I have been using Twitterific on the iPhone but i will check out tweetie. I just downloaded Static that can handle Twitter and Facebook from the same app. Haven't had time today to really play with it, so no opinions yet. Now if we could just get MS Excel on the iPhone.
Joe- Go and check out an application called Quickoffice. It says it will allow you to edit excel spreadsheets on the phone.
great infor for agents on the run. I'll look forward to trying Facebook on my vacation this summer.
Good recommends. For iPhone Twitter app, I'd have to suggest Twittelator Pro. I've tried them all, and Twittelator have several features not available in Tweetie--most notably the ability to divide friends into groups, so you can have a feed for "friends," one for "associates," one for "breaking news," and so on.
Jeremy, I have see some diverse opinions on Google about Quickoffice. What is your experience?
@ Hugo... will the new iphone finally allow use with vendors other than AT&T?
Jeremy...
BB finally upgraded to an IPhone. If he says, he doesn't know how he lived without it, one more time, I'm going to shoot him in the bum with my bebe gun :)
TLW...ROAR!
I use my Blackberry to update my Facebook and Twitter :)
Jeremy if only these cool applications would work on my Google G1 Phone-That would be awesome. Congratulations on the featured post.
Hi Jeremy...I got a Blackberry just last fall and it doesn't have a camera. I never even thought to check for that and didn't look for it initially because I always have at least one camera in the car with me at all times. My cameras have rechargable batteries and I have an extra one for each. I like to be charged!
Next smartphone I get better be smart enough to have a camera!
Kate
thanks for the mention! Rick uses a crackberry and I use an iPhone - we are constantly dissing each other's phones. I am just in awe of the quality of some of those pics I take from the iPhone (although it does not do well with low light and Rick's has a flash). As for the photo-blog.....I email the photo to an email address Flickr gives me and automatically uploads it to the blog! It's pretty cool and it makes me seem like a super geek, although I'm so not.
Did I just see TLW up there?
Thanks Jeremy for the great info about more tools!
I need to download the twitter and facebook app for my blackberry curve!
Jeremy: You are always full of interesting and informative information, thanks for sharing with the rest of us.
Jer - I have used several Twitter apps on the iPhone, and the Facebook one, too, but I haven't tried the Flickr application yet.
Wow. I asked a question about TREO and it was deleted. Is this just for the iPhone and Blackberry users? If so, I apologize.
After the AR Team finishes giving away a trip to Seattle (has a winner been announced yet?) they should run a promotion to give away a couple of dozen smartphones. That would really create a buzz.
Thanks so much for the insight!
I am a twitaholic too!!!! I will look you up and I love facebook, I have both applications on my blackberry. I actually have found clients on twitter that made it all the way to the closing table!
Thanks for this information. I haven't ventured to the blackberry or iphone as of yet, interested in doing so.
Awesome timing bro - I'm getting my new Blackberry in two days. I can already see the COUNTLESS hours spent noodlin' around. Thanks for the info - I'm bookmarking for later.
We are on Verizon, but I very much want an iPhone!!!
Thanks Jeremy. As usual more information than I know how to use. I will make the commitment to do this, this week.
I have FaceBook and Twitter on my Blackberry... and I'm installing flickr right now!
So Cool...Now I can Flickr from my Fone. If it would just make coffee...it could be perfect!
Interesting write-up and comments! I just got the iphone last night...already don't know how I made do without it all this time! Sooo much to learn though...and so little time! LOL
Jeremy - I have Twitter and Facebook but not Flickr yet.
I will tell you that last week I took a new listing and tweeted it up while I was at the listing. The sellers ate it up!
Jeremy - don't forget us windows mobile phone guys - we are t-mobile customers too.
I use a T-Mobile Dash and have not been persuaded to upgrade yet to blackberry or IPhone.
Hi Jeremy -- Thanks for the solid info. It would be cool if some neutral technology could know what technology you have available and ping you that way, whether it's Twitter, Facebook or some IM, etc. Intelligent call routing. Perhaps it does exist already?
Hello Jeremy,
Yes you are right, I love the convenience of those applications on my Curve, it makes things so much quicker and easier. Great post.
I have heard so much on all of these phones of late. I have been a TREO user since day one and have recently thought I should switch. I am cautious still but which is the right one? A Verizon customer for years. Any suggestions?
There's still a lot to learn how to do with social media on my phone apparently. I intrigued by your other post and off to read it.
Has anyone tried attainresponse on their smart phone? What kinds of apps are available from it/
If you can't find it, drop me a line.
Jeremy - When do you sleep? So much information! I'll check it out. Thanks.
Mary
Does the I phone allow for ekey? I didnt think they had that application worked out yet and until they do I love the ekey.
I am waaaay behind on this. Cell phones do not work where I live. They do work elsewhere around town, just not where I live. So I use a basic Razr phone. I feel the need for an upgrade....
Great post, Jeremy.
Lanre- the G1 has a bunch of great apps for it. I would visit the Marketplace and see if there are some similar things. I am sure they have something!
Joe Pryor- I am not sure about quickoffice. I have not used it, I just know the app store has it available. I would read the reviews there to see what people really think of it.
Kate- I feel your pain! I know many that bought BB's and thought they got a camera and didnt!
Ines- BTW, You Rock! I know we have had the debate before. Right now I am carrying both till my number gets ported over. Each have their benefits that I like and their downfalls that I am not crazy about. While the BB has a flash, I think the iPhone does take a little bit better quality photo. Unless you have a new BB that has the 3.2 MP camera with auto focus. I am glad to know too that flickr sendr would work for the same purpose.
Jason- you should! I haven't used it as much lately on my iPhone because of using tweetie w/twitpic, but I think it is time to start using it more!
Yolanda- I don't see anything deleted here. What was your question about the Treo?
John- I will submit your request and see how far that goes! LOL!
Heather- If you thinking of going with a high end Phone, here is a post I wrote a few months back on questions to ask before purchasing.
Steve- Which blackberry are you getting?
Thom- Visit the BB app store, maybe there is an application for that too! LOL
Christianne- If your clients are social Media Savvy, you look like a genius!
Ted- After using the Dash while working in the store and also the BB, I can tell you this. YOU ARE MISSING OUT! The blackberry has so many more applications than the dash. I would seriously look at upgrading. Keep an eye out for special promos. A lot of the phone companies are running special 1 day events because business is rather slow right now. While you may enjoy the windows apps, the BB now has the ability to run the same. The big difference? It is less complex to use, has a faster processor speed, and many many many more features.
Chris- I am not sure exactly what you are asking, so therefore, I am not exactly sure if it exists.
Ken- since you are already a treo/verizon user, I would suggest going with a blackberry curve. The storm from what I have heard has had some major complications. The other reason I suggest staying with the BB is that you can put your top producer that I am guessing you are running on the Treo. Also, the ekey functions are available for Blackberry. I don't believe the iPhone has it yet.
Don- I have not tried it. Not sure what apps it has.
Mary- Sleep is way overrated. LOL
Laura- I don't think there is an application available yet for the the iPhone that does eKey. I would suggest going with a Blackberry though, they do have the ability to open lockboxes.
Jeremy, Thanks man, as usual you are a wealth of knowledge and I need all the help I can get since my phone is smarter than me! all kidding aside you have helped me more than you know and Thanks!!!
Great info Jeremy and very well written. Thanks for the info - as a new BB user (from the TREO) I'm learning everyday..
Facebook is my favorite social media site, and thanks for the applications they will come in handy.
Jeremy, Just got a blackberry so we'll have to check this out. Some of this is over our heads but luckily our son who works with us is a techie so we have a resource available. Thanks for all of this information. It may take a little time to competely absorb!
My Darling Husband thinks I should have married my Iphone....I love all the apps and new technologies that make our biz easier and more productive for the customer....I am book marketing this post for when I have more time to read through all the links ;-)
All great tools, and having a phone capable of handling these SM apps is a MUST for any agent who considers themselves on the cutting edge.
THe new information out there is a wealth of knowledge if you know how it works. There is so much to check out and how do you know if it works for you. This stuff takes time over all to sell what you get back out of it. Everyday there is something to look at and read. While choices are nice it's confusing to know which way to go and what to go with!!! Yikes...
Patricia AUlson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate
Thanks for the reply on Excel. I would add that I love Slydial which makes a call go straight to someone's voicemail. It is not that I want to be deceptive, it is just that if you have a Chatty Cathy, it sure cuts down on time. Can't wait until the new upgrade comes, especially with the push technology coming.
Joe- ME too!
Jeremy, I'm a big fan of my Facebook for Blackberry app. When will AR come out with an app for Blackberry or have I missed it?
I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm just mastering Pong! Did you hear about the cool new invention called the fax machine? It can send replicas of paper . . . . .
LOL @ Gene :)
Gene- what is a Fax Machine? Oh yeah, I think I read about that in a history book once :P
Hi TLW :)
There are so many toys and applications out there ... I could PLAY all day!
Smartphones make for smart people. I am addicted to it all.
Hi, Jeremy! It could have been a burp which happens now and then. My question was would the apps work on my TREO also? I can get a new Blackberry but my smartphone is working very well and still new(er). If I can do what you're suggesting using my existing phone, I'll just be tickled. Thanks!
Jeremy, the Iphone is next on my list but still learning my Mac so can't try two things at once. Ok I love MobleMe and can send my listing photos to my assistant on the cloud.
Thanks for expanding on the uses.
Jeremy, thank you so much for this information.....I am trying to keep up with everything and really appreciate your insights.
I'm one of those needing to upgrade and can't decide between iphone or BB. I'm with Alltel/Verizon now because the coverage is so awesome - I can make calls down in the swamps of deep south Louisiana when those with other carriers can't.... but the iphone just looks so cool and love the thought of a touch screen. Oh, decisions, decisions.
Thanks for the great, informative post.
Since being in Facebook, I have received several leads and reconnected with past customers. I am trying to figure Twitter and Linkedin.
My wife and I got our new blackberries today ... She downloaded the FaceBook app already ... guess I won't be talking to her for a while :-P Well unless I am on FaceBook!
Life is going VIRTUAL!
Thanks for the post Jeremy. I need to get up to speed on all the new apps. Between Twitter and a couple of others, blogging, marketing, servicing clients and the 100 or so other things us realtors do each week, I may have to extend my day to 25 hours!
Hey Jeremy, trying to download app for Twitter on my Blackberry Pearl 8100 and can not understand how to do it. Went to Blackberry site and perhaps I already have it, but right now I am technologically challenged with this Twitter APP..HELP please, so I can get on board. Thanks in advance,
Michael, you should be able to just go to the twitterberry website and download it. However if your 8100 is running an older operating system there is a good chance it won't work. In that case, it is time to upgrade to a newer one!
twitterberry website is blackberry or is there an indiv website for that? how will i know if my os is updated or not? i the site orangatame.com?
by the way, i found twitterberry, but it does not help as it seems to be a bunch of links to blackberry with no real guidance...still at a loss on how to solve this...
am on phone with verizon wireless..they are walking me through it i hope....thanks for the tips..take care
I use the Facebook and Twitter application on my iphone daily. It's so addictive!!! Thanks for the tips.
No kidding...so much to grasp. Thanks Jeremy, I have an iphone with few applications, but I guess I am missing the tweetie. I'll catch up.
Jeremy - I guess it's about time for me to download some of these applications to my phone. It does seem to add convenience to be able to perform some of these tasks while on the road, and not sitting with your laptop nearby.
Three great apps! I use the Twitter & Facebook but will set up Flikr today. Thank you!
Hi Jeremy- I have bookmarked this post for the Twitter app. Thank you!
Jeremy, thanks for the education! I'm going to share this with my local realtors.
Where were you at T-mobile when we went in and had some "hip young thing" want to entertain us about all the features of the new phones and all the games we could play, music we could stream and when we mentioned we really wanted to be able to access the MLS he went "oh yes, Major League soccer".............. we walked out , no phones upgraded ----- where were you ?
Finally getting an iphone next week(AT&T) , glad I join this group and caught this post !
I don't have enough space for any other apps. My BB is also my lockbox key and I guess it takes up too much space.
Good info, Jeremy. Where does one go to find these apps if you're a Windows Mobile user? I'm going to take a look at your other post you referenced about Twitter; I have an account, but haven't got a clue what to do with it! =-)
I'm going to try the phone to Flickr idea. Thanks for the advice -- with all the phone choices, it's helpful to have some direction!
Great info, just got a new phone and playing with it, thanks for all your info with this.
Dump the Iphone and BB and jump on the Android band wagon .....ever forget your camera on a list appt. don't worry Droids got a flash and a high quality camera and it also has a built in turn by turn free navigation. I have a Nexus One 10 times better than the Iphone and flash is coming soon the Iphone will never have flash.
thanks for these threese
Wow, I think I just got a brain freeze........no, itr was the ice cream, I think!
Very cool Jeremy,
I have FB and Twit but not Flickr, I assure you I am checking it out tonite!
Andy Brown
www.OnlineFloridaMortgage.com
Hi Jeremy,
I was hoping to see something in there about the Android. I love my Nexus One phone.
It was still interesting and helpful
Phil
Nice, i am also working on an SMO marketing and consulting business
Andy Brown
Use the FB app on my iPhone almost daily.
Hi JB, great to know these apps....
Time to check out Flickr! thanks for the info, L
I have a palm pixi, and the phone clarity is poor despite my service being with Verizon... I have had Blackberry's in the past and intend to switch to that VERY soon!!!
I really need to look into Flickr....
Thanks for the apps. I just switched to Verizon and droid b 4 they came out with the iphone. I had the iphone and AT&T and thought I would kill someone. Have not found that many apps that are useful for Facebook and droid. Also cannot believe there is no Rain app for the ipad
Wouldn't you know it. I have a Droid. I look forward to your next post about useful applications on the Droid. Thanks for your post.
What's even better is syncing your contact management system on to your smartphone! :)
Rich Gaasenbeek, IXACT Contact, The Easy Way To Manage Your Contacts
Thanks for this post. As a lender, I'm still trying to get a better grasp of how to utilize Twitter most effectively...guess I'll put that on my list of projects.
Having owned several Blackberries, Droids, and now an iPad (the same apps generally work on the iPhone as well) and the iPad by far is the best for social media. First of all, having built in Twitter for every app is awesome. Secondly, it is extremely easy to add a "Pin This" bookmark in Safari for the iPad, making Pinterest easy to use as well. The large app catalog gives you quality apps for nearly every social media site, some first party ones like the official Facebook app, and some third party apps like MyPad (Twitter and Facebook management) or HootSuite, which lets you keep track of all your networks. And then the camera--the iPhone 4 and 4S along with the new iPad are among the best consumer (non-DSLR) digital cameras on the market and between Apple's consumer friendly apps (iMovie and iPhoto) there are also professional apps (Avid Studio and Photoshop) for film/photography editing and uploading (to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr).
Jeremy - what are the advantages of Flickr over Google photo albums?