I am old fashioned and believe that hard work, ongoing learning and attention to people, rather than just details make a person successful in whatever business they happen to work in. Historically man learned to accomplish monumental things from the beginning of time by focusing on the tools they had or created. People marvel today at Stonehenge, the Easter Island Figures, Meteora in Greece, Masada in Israel, the Pyramids in Egypt, and so many other miraculous places throughout the world. How did they do that? These questions emanate now and will for all time. Man needs and man creates a tool to find a way to make a solution.
Today we use tools to help make what we do easier. I use Top Producer and have for many years. Before I found this, I used charts and graphs and things that I put together myself. When I started in real estate I used a pen and a tablet (actually not a mechanized one: simply a paper tablet....like a pad of paper that was attached). As an aside, a couple of months ago I asked my employer for a few tablets and they had no idea what I was talking about.
Anyway, Top Producer was a computer tool that allowed me to make all my notes and keep all my time sensitive information in one place. It had reminders, places for providers and a running tab of all business related expenses in one pretty simple to learn package. I created letters, maintained a communication log and was, and am still able to utilize this information even now. It should be said that I bought the software years ago so I didn't have to pay monthly to keep using this. Today you pay monthly and it is more complicated. That said it is great to have all business related stuff in one place. While I am no longer actively listing and selling real estate this software is a tool I use still. There are many components that help me keep my life straight, and I know of no better way to keep my tax information easy and accessible.
A secondary and yet crucial tool I have used, is a good yet portable digital camera that allows me to take really good pictures without dragging around heavy and cumbersome accessories. I use an Olympus 24 times zoom model that will fit into a purse or pocket. I have documented problems, taken pretty good home and property photos and found that the ability to simply photograph information rather than having to write it down has been invaluable. Honestly my camera is a tool I use for travel too and has become my constant companion.
Ultimately, tools provide us with an opportunity to make life easier, do things better and faster, and keep things simple. I like tools but I have never forgotten that the implement is not the thing that needs focus, but rather should always be on the people for whom we work. Tools, tools, tools.
This post was written for What Tools or Systems Do You Love Contest.
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