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Google Has a Voice and I LOVE it!

By
Real Estate Agent with Novella Real Estate

aggravationIt's not the first time I've gone on recored stating that I LOVE Google!  Each and everyday Google delivers good things to me, leads, maps, gmail, calendars.  Oh I could go on and on!

Today in particular I got yet another call from a solicitor.  This call was the THIRD one in a row, as if yesterday and the day before when I said, "NO!" didn't matter.  Today because it's Wednesday maybe they figured I would change my mind?

Sure.

Daily calls are more than just annoying they rank up there with harassment.  They interfere with my train of thought, my time and frankly aren't how I want to spend my hours.  I normally enjoy talking to people, but those who are trying to sell me something I said on multiple occasions I don't want, well you get the picture.

So after today's call I went to Google and BLOCKED that telephone number.  Now when they call they will hear this:

"We're sorry you have reached a number that is disconnected or is no longer in service.  If you feel you have reached this number in error please try your call again."

Ha ha ha, the joke is on you annoying solicitor!

How did I do this?

First all my published telephone numbers are Google Voice.  (Free)

When a call comes in the caller has to state who they are.  Not everyone does, but some do.  I don't use this to "screen" my calls.  I always answer my phone unless I'm with someone or in a meeting.

If I don't answer the caller has the option to leave a message, which in turn Google voice transcribes and emails me along with the recording.  If the transcription is not correct (which oftentimes it isn't), I can listen to the recording.

This feature along is so valuable.  I love having the email sent because it's so much easier to glance at an email when working with clients than to have to take the call or listen to a voice mail. 

Plus,  I now have an online record of the call.

To BLOCK a telephone number, Go to Google Voice, find the record of the call, click on the "more" drop-down box and BLOCK.  You will have to confirm you actually want to BLOCK that number.

Here's what it looks like:

Google Voice

 

Congrats and carry on!

Other posts about the joys of Google.

Gmail Offers a Passport to Many FREE Services

Google has a Voice and I Love It!

Relocate to Gmail - A Step by Step Story

Comments (13)

Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

This is all new to me - Google is definitely amazing.  Thanks for sharing your tip.

Jan 26, 2011 05:47 AM
Miriam Bernstei
Rochester, NY

love the graphic

Jan 26, 2011 06:08 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

KK - this is great... I too am a big fan of Google.... Will have to look into this Google Voice deal... Thanks for the tip...From you bud in New Joisey.... hmmm spell check that...

Jan 26, 2011 06:25 AM
Ilyce Glink
Think Glink Media - Chicago, IL
Best-selling author, award-winning TV/radio host.

Kristal- Wow, what a useful tool. Thanks for sharing!

Jan 26, 2011 06:50 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Kristal --- I'm going to have to get Google Voice - not that I get many calls to block, but I love the idea of the calls going to email when I can't answer.  Did you have a telephone number transfered to Google Voice, or do they give you one?? Hmmmmmm can't wait to find out! 

Jan 26, 2011 10:11 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Kristal

Thanks for sharing the information, I'm going to have to check it out.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jan 26, 2011 11:15 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I love Google Voice & I've been using it for about 6 months or so now. I also get tons of laughs on the translation sometimes.  There is one person who calls & Google Translates it to 'Lyn the Hooker'. LOL. Also too, the voice copy can save your butt on occasions if there is ever any misunderstanding or incorrect info left.

Jan 26, 2011 11:53 AM
Monika McGillicuddy
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH
Southern NH & the Seacoast Area

LOL You gotta love it!  I think I'm going to give it a try!

Jan 26, 2011 12:23 PM
Paula Stills
Elite Realty - Rogers, AR
Full time Real Estate, Ready when you are!

Thanks Kristal, thanks I'll have to give Google voice a go....Make it a great day.

Jan 29, 2011 10:25 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

I heart Google Voice! I am slowly changing over all my cell phone number and office number to my GV number. All my listings I use that number. If I am out with clients I can read the txt or listen without interrupting the flow with my clients .

I can't imagine not using it anymore.

Did you know they are now importing cell phone numbers?

Jan 30, 2011 02:14 AM
Karen Mathers - REALTOR®
Keller Williams Vero Beach - Vero Beach, FL
When it Matters, Choose Mathers! 772-532-3221

I have a google voice account . . . now I know how to use it!  Thanks

Jan 30, 2011 10:47 AM
Bob Foster
Century 21 Lanthorn R. E. Ltd. Belleville, Ontario - Belleville, ON

I must admit that I'm not sure about this one, Kristal.

Is it likely that you will be working with this lawyer on another sale?

Thanks for your tips about Google, though.

 

 

 

Jan 30, 2011 11:52 AM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Krystal,

Great tips again, I will have to look into this as I do not really know anything about all the google voice options and methods

oh Bob (#12) from one Canadian to another, not all solicitors are lawyers.........(phone solicitation is what Krystal was talking about)

Feb 17, 2011 10:50 AM