Why I use Dropbox for my real estate business...
((Watch the Video at the bottom of this post))
I've been using Dropbox for over a year now, and out of all the services I use, this is the most important to my business. I use it every day because it's simple, it's smart and most important...it's free!
"...what is Dropbox"
Dropbox is a cloud storage service which, as long as you stay under 2G, is completely free. If you feel you need more storage you can purchase one of the monthly plans that works best for you. Also, as you refer Dropbox to friends they will increase your storage limit for free. Having your important documents in the "cloud" means they are accessible from any computer and all your devices. As explained by Dropbox, if your computer falls in the river it doesn't matter cause your documents are safe online. The service works on all your devices Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry etc. So again...you are never without your documents.
"...how to get started"
Getting started and set up is really simple. First go to the Dropbox website - http://www.dropbox.com/ - sign up and download the software. Once you have set up your account download the software onto all your other computers. Finally install the apps on your other devices ie: iPhone, iPad and Blackberry's. For my business I've set up folders for each of my clients individually. When I am done with a folder, I move it out of the Dropbox and keep it on the hard drive of my computer. That way I always stay under the 2G allowable space. Once you put something into a folder in Dropbox, it automatically syncs with all your other devices and computers. That's it...simple, simple. You can put anything into the Dropbox, music, video, documents...just need to stay under the 2G.
"...why do I use Dropbox and not other services?"
I've tried other services and to be honest I keep coming back to Dropbox for a couple of reasons. One, it is really simple to use. As shown in my quick video...you simply drag a file into the Dropbox and you are done. Second, Dropbox works with so many other applications. For example I use iAnnotate to sign contracts on my iPad. iAnnotate and Dropbox work together so when I sign a contract I can send it to the appropriate file in my Dropbox. Never again having to print and scan documents back and forth. Because I use Dropbox so much I often won't download an app if it doesn't work with it. Thankfully most of the good apps that you should be using sync perfectly and easly with the Dropbox.
"...works great for teams or when you go away on vacation"
If you are part of a team you need to start using Dropbox. Each person can have their own private Dropbox account, but share certain folders within the group. Perfect for keeping information about all the listings you have or the types of homes your buyers are looking for. Again only the shared folders are viewed by the group...everything else is hidden. I'm not part of a team but when I go away on vacation I leave my business with another agent. Back in the day I would have to print off all my listings and write all my clients information out for my colleague. Then he would have to carry around a binder of all this information just in case he got a call while he was out and about. Now, we have a shared folder. When I leave I simply put all the information into that folder, he doesn't have to upload anything...it automatically syncs on his iPhone and he has it where ever he goes. It also syncs with his computer and all his other devices. Awesome!
So don't waste anymore of your time driving back and forth between your office...download Dropbox, get organized. and send me a thank-you email when you figure out how amazing Dropbox is.
Kyle Hislop
RE/MAX
Kyle Hislop
RE/MAX