Special offer

Setting up a "FEAR" button on your Treo

By
Real Estate Agent with TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE

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

Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate
thanks for a great tip, and a reminder about safety.
Apr 23, 2008 02:07 AM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS
Dick, What a wonderful tip! I know I get so comfortable at times and never even consider what can really happen in our line of work!  Thanks for a great reminder!
Apr 23, 2008 02:45 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Dick, It is something we hate to think about, but it does happen. 

 When I was 16 years old,  I was robbed by gunpoint while working in a convenience store.  I NEVER expected that to happen, but it did.  Thankfully, I just turned over the money and he left the store with no injuries.  But, it was scary to say the least. 

Apr 23, 2008 03:28 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
Dick - Great job sharing this idea.  I have a Treo myself - I need to figure this out.
Apr 23, 2008 03:32 AM
Burt Steingraeber
First Weber Realtors - Greenfield, WI

Dick,

What great comments or suggestions from all that posted. Yes, as agents we all take that private showing for granted. Sometimes we forget that we're dealing with the general public totally unknown to all of us. Just having a name and cell phone # to that caller isn't and saftey net for agents.

 Here in Wisconsin we just had a major incident where the agent went on a private showing and was killed showing that home. Took the family and brokers hours to determine where the agent was at.

 The Red Jacket idea should be past along to NAR or all local boards for broadcast. That was all us agents can speak and "understand" this same language.

Thanks, again!

Apr 23, 2008 03:33 AM
Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR - Searcy, AR

Dick,

You are soooooo smart and have the best ideas!  I am going to your website today, you cannot be too careful!  Thanks so much

Apr 23, 2008 04:00 AM
Mana Tulberg
805 County Real Estate - Camarillo, CA
Real Estate Agent - Camarillo CA
Thank you so much for sharing this with the rest of us. We have to always be on the look out.
Apr 23, 2008 04:36 AM
TENNESSEE HOME TEAM
Adaro Realty, Inc. - Murfreesboro, TN
LUXURY HOMES & SUPERIOR SERVICE

This is a great tip, thanks from all of us that can use this post to stay safer while doing our job.

 

daniel

Apr 23, 2008 06:15 AM
Julie Kippen
Vernal, UT
I also have a palm. I am not sure what system I have but I will see if I can set mine up. I need to be more careful when I am showing houses.
Apr 23, 2008 07:32 AM
Alan Robinson
PTE REAL ESTATE GROUP - Phoenix, AZ
I was robbed at gunpoint last month. too bad i didn't have a treo
Apr 23, 2008 07:36 AM
Carolyn Gjerde-Tu-Davis
Lyon Real Estate - Davis, CA
Ca Real Estate
Great tip.  Will get this in place ASAP.
Apr 23, 2008 08:36 AM
Niman Singh
SimplifyEm - Fremont, CA
Property Management Software

Great post Dick.  Definitely something to consider.

I'm still trying to teach my phone to be smart, but it doesn't want to learn how to use the Attack button! 

Apr 23, 2008 10:32 AM
Emily Lowe
RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group - Nashville, TN
Nashville TN Realtor
That is a GREAT idea.  You can never be too careful!
Apr 23, 2008 12:34 PM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
Congratulations on your featured blog!!  Those are hard to come-by.  NOW will you add to your name?? 
Apr 23, 2008 12:47 PM
Cathy Lemon
John L. Scott Mpv - Maple Valley, WA

Great Idea for the FEAR Button!

While your programming that one also add an ICE Button. It stands for "In Case of Emergancy".

If something does happen to you and you are not able to tell Law Enforcement or Emergancy Personnel your loved ones phone number, the first place they will look is on your cell phone. They are familar with the ICE and look for it first in case of an emergancy!

Use it! It Helps Them - Help YOU!

Apr 23, 2008 12:51 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876
We can never be too safe these days, I like the ICE idea on cell phones too, for medical emergencies. Great stuff, thanks for sharing and trying to keep the communities safe! Nice work!  :-)
Apr 23, 2008 04:38 PM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Hey, Dick! Some really excellent and practical advice. Thanks for taking the time to impart your wisdom....
Apr 23, 2008 06:01 PM
Christy Powers
Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners - Pooler, GA
Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent
That is a great tip. You can never be too safe. I was going to meet a client that was coming in from out of state and was talking to another agent about it. I told her I was taking my pepper spray. She said, "Do you seriously think something might happen?" I told her, you never really know. Better to be safe than sorry!
Apr 24, 2008 03:51 AM
Joe Martin
Robison & Co. Real Estate - South Jordan, UT
Great tip. It is sad that we need to be cautious these days, but you can never be to safe living in this world
Apr 24, 2008 08:20 AM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

Dick, what a great tip. I have the Treo, and see that you write and share information about phones in general. Will be visiting more of your blog posts. ;-)

Pepper

 

Apr 30, 2008 02:48 AM