Yesterday, I ate lunch at Google in Ann Arbor.
Here is how it happened: At NAR in Orlando, Cyndee Haydon and I were walking around the Expo and Google had a large booth there.
So I go strolling up and met a guy named Payton Dobbs...I asked him to share with me the latest and greatest about Google.
Payton asked me if I was using Google Docs and I said yes we use it for each transaction. My assistant opens a new Google Doc for each file that is under contract. Then the buyer agent and Colleen can access it and add notes and conversations with our clients. 
We also use Google Calendar and each of the Buyer Agents has one.
Colleen can overlay each Google Calendar and see what we are all doing that day. Google Calendar can be set up to send us appointments for the day.
So that was it and we moved on to look at other vendors at NAR.
Then I got an email
Hi Missy,
It was a pleasure meeting you at NAR and many thanks for stopping by our booth at Google. As you happen to live in Ann Arbor I thought it'd be a great idea to introduce you to one of our team members from that office. Steve Holden (CC'd) is a relationship manager who works with many of our top advertisers within real estate.
I figured since you're already an expert using many of our products it might be nice to get more of your feedback on the products (as they relate to real estate) and help us better understand how to position them to our advertisers or others in the industry. I'll let Steve follow up with more information and perhaps an informal chat or even lunch in the office.
Regards,
Payton
Payton Dobbs
Manager, Online Sales & Operations
Real Estate, Moving & Storage
Pretty kool, huh?
About 5 minutes later I received an email from Steve Holden in Ann Arbor-Google to have lunch. I
t was a lot of fun, and I have a few photos but can't post them here because it is part of the terms when you go to Google and sign in at the Reception Center.
Here are my thoughts and feelings on the experience. The food was great and there is a coffee bar with snacks on each floor where people can go and relax and grab coffee or something to eat. We ate in Googles own cafeteria and were able to look out on the skyline of Ann Arbor.
Everything is bright and open, with a Mothers Room, Massage Room and conference rooms both big and small everywhere.
Each room is named after a different city in Michigan. There is a game room with a pool table, snack bar, pop machines and air hockey.What a fantastic work enviroment. There is even a small section where you can drop your computer off if you are having problems and some geeks will fix it.
Did I mentioned this is all FREE?
Steve and I then went into a small conference room and plugged in and he looked at how I use my IGoogle home page, the Ad word campaign I use, etc. I will post soon on a new feature he pointed out to me, which I have not played with yet and want to make sure I got it down before linking to it.
One thing Steve pointed out to me about Google Alerts, which has been encouraged here on Activerain my many of us that I am changing right now. You can have your Google Alerts go into your RSS feeds.
Since I follow a number of Search Terms that I want Alerts on it can really fill up my email box quickly, so I will be changing to RSS.
Here is my question?
How are you using all the FREE Google Applications to run your business? 
I told Steve, Activerain Bloggers were head and shoulders above your average Realtors so....
in your comments let's let Google know which applications you are using in your business.
Proof I was there, sorry for no photos.
Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com
Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.
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Stay strong, stay faithful, stay honest, stay loving, stay true to who you are, most importantly stay true to who God is as you'll be who you are, and you'll be happy, you'll be you, you'll be free. -Jamie Caulk
Hi Missy, Well how cool was that experience and how cool are you!!?? Wow! I am using google docs for my blog posts. Google docs make my life SOOOO easy when I am writing from home but dont' finish up and post from work, no USB, no emailing it to myself, nada, just go right back to where I was from home (or work!). Love it! KM
WOW, I'm not using Google. But after reading this great post, I'm checking into all this great FREE stuff. Thanks so much for this information.
Google is one of the most innovative companies ever. I have a high opinion of any product that they put their name on so look forward to hearing some of your tips.
Very cool Missy!!! I LOVE all things Google. I recently just started setting up all of my sellers with their own calendars. It's a great way for them to keep track of what I'm doing.
I have also been using Google docs like a madman. Mostly their online forms. Those are the best things since sliced bread. I have captured about 40 buyer leads in the last 30 days from all the different forms I have out here.
AND....I keep track of what offers and transactions I have going on by using their spreadsheets. For example I have submitted 14 offers for one of my investors. Each property is entered on the spreadsheet. Then we use that for his counters. I just update the spreadsheet with the responses I get back and then he goes in and gives me my instructions.
OK I'll stop now. I could write a book about all the uses I have found for Google docs and calendars.
That must have been an amazing experience! I have for years tried to get in at Yahoo who has a big campus here in Hillsboro with 0 results. I have always used Google as a search engine and am starting to use their tools more often as I work to have a much bigger blogging presence both professionally and personally. Again congrats on a great business contact and wow on what I'm sure was a an amazing experience.
I have just signed up for Google Adwords and analytics, I am still digging into Google to see what I can use so it is a process.
I am totally jealous. I used to be a trainer and always wanted to work in an environment like this - what an awesome opportunity for you - and it happened because of who you are and what you are up to!! Congratulations. Sorry, I don't begin to use Google like I could so can't comment on that. thanks for sharing
Wow, great opportunity. I'd love to meet some Googlies! I bet you got some great tips and advice.
I use just about them all. Google Calendar and sync my blackberry with it, gmail, googledocs, google analytics,googletalk, google sketch (floor plans), google desktop, google reader, google news, google maps, igoogle home page filled with widgets, and whatever else is out there!!!
Missy, how fun! You are so on top of all of the technology, I wish I used more than I do but I do use Google Alerts and Google Analytics and love them both.
I am just beginning to discover all of the great free google tools -- I haven't tried google docs yet, but I am going to take a closer look at that. Keep us posted.
Cha cha cha! That's great, Missy! I hadn't heard of Google docs or Google calendar, but I'm going to find out more. Thanks again for all of your tips and advice....
Hi Missy...I am a such a Google fan that I even own shares. It is a great company.
I use Picasa (google's photo program), gmail, analytics, news, alerts, home page, finance, reader (I'm a news junkie and this gives me the top stories on the sites I'm interested in following), and will be looking at some of the other features.
We use Zipforms for our contracts and are able to e-mail them so I haven't used goodle documents although I have for a few other things.
You must had a wonderful time. Wish I'd been there with you.
Kate
Missy,
This is so neat! Congratulations. I also loved the photos...thanks for sharing.
TD
I'm using just about all the apps. I particularly enjoy email, picassa, analytics, google ad word analyzer, the new presentation program, our family uses the community calendar & the spreadsheet program. It's fabulous.
Impressive visit. Next time I want to see the flip video tour!
PS. Through trial and error I think I'm on autopilot w/mixpo. It was all about trial and error.
Ok, where do I start?
First I guess I should say I envy you greatly. Can I get an invite? Wow!
I have been teaching in my market center for a few years now as the chair of the technology committee and Google has been part of every class.
Google is the 800 Pound Gorila. Hands down.
Every chance I get I look to see whats new and I have a field day.
Ok, to my business and where I am using Google.
G-mail
Has made my e-mail organization just wonderful. Every client has there own folder, filter and forward.
All of my businesses and personal life is easily filtered.
Google docs get better monthly and I use it similar to you with every contract having it's own location and sharing is a blast.
But the real fun is the Spread sheets. My entire team can work on it at the same time while chatting and this is so efficient it's a shame I don't have more spreadsheet to play on.
My REO business is all Google docs and spreadsheets.....No where else.
I save all my passwords in a google spreadsheet.
Did I mention they just added PDF.....
I would like Google to work with Top Producer and top REO agents to create a great program that works for together with a contact database. This would be a dream come true.
Google groups for my family and scouts and team
Google calendar? Hmmm, how many overlays are too many? I currently have 11 that I created and 5 I have added. Oh by the way, I created our KWPP Public calendar and keep it updated and forward to our agents monthly. And thank you for the Holiday calendar. Realtors don't get Holidays so why remember.....Well we should and now I do.
There is so much more I am sure I have only lightly touched what I use.
I can't wait to get my invite. LOL
For now I'm using Analitycs, Blog and Toolbar. Google's stuff is very cool but I didn't have time to look into other options. My webdesigner-husband even uses google calendar in building websites.
I was able to have lunch at the google offices in Manhattan. It really was a fantastic place to have lunch and I cant imagine working there. I would work all day long if I was a google employee. What a great experience for you.
Wow - go Frank..
Anyway, and I thought I was cool for having a nice coffee machine at work! Very cool, I'm happy for you! I only use some of these apps but can see posibly using them with my processor to streamline things. thanks for sharing.
Hey I want to hang around with you, how cool. Actually just added google analytics to my postlets, use Calendar, Igoogle, Reader and have used Adsense & Adwords. LOVE google and can't wait to hear more from you.
Oooo I want to go there. I use Google Docs and probably don't have the first clue of all the great things it does and can do. How fun for you. Thanks for sharing with us.
Wow Missy, how VERY cool, and great synchronicity! Like you, I love all things Google and use iGoogle for my homepage, love the new themes and upgrades in gmail, Picasa, Reader, Pages, Docs, plus Google calendar rocks. I love that Google apps sync with my Blackberry. I'm checking out Google Friend Connect now. IMHO, the only thing they haven't done is a database. What a great opportunity you had!
I had no idea abou these tools. I'm going to have to check them out.
Wow Missy to work in an environment like that would be a dream come true . . . massage . . .walk in computer service . . I would want to live there.
What I use Google:
Calendar worked out really great this summer when the neighbors and I had 4 kids in drivers training. I set up an account and went in and entered all the dates they needed to be there then we divided up all the slots and each went in and chose our dates. They all thought I was a techno geek . . .yeah right!
What in the heck is Google Analytics? I have read a blog about the Alerts but it was really in my newbie days and I have no clue what that is either . . .so much to learn so little time!!
Thank you for letting us live vicariously through you Missy!
I'll pass on listing the features I use on Google.
However, I DO want to comment regarding their photo policy. I find it amazing that the company who takes photos of people in their garages via Street View, and who scrapes all OUR photos and places them on Images for others to steal ... don't allow their own spaces to be photographed! That's just wrong.
Missy - I've just started using Google docs they are great. I wish I could have gone to Google with you. Itr sounded like you had a good time.
Sounds like Google is the place to be ~ glad you had fun. And so glad this post wasn't about the auto industry! :)
I've been using Google since beta... lol. Primarily I use google apps for domain mapping and branding. I didn't think to use Google docs and spreadsheets as you and others have described. Great ideas.
What a great opportunity, Missy! I use Google Docs and Google Alerts, with Google Analytics on my list for January. Of course, the google mapping is built in to many other applications I use.
Missy...
We're using all of them and I personally loaded Google's GMail Video Chat the other day. I know a lot of Members use Skype. Skype is okay but it acts up if you use AVG Internet Security. Google is Compatable with AVG in a way Programs like Skype are not.
I should write a post about Google's Video Chat. I'm going to need someone to video chat with. Hey...I know. Maybe we should set all our Customer's up with a GMail Account and provide a $30 Camera for the duration of the transaction. The Customer can then return our Camera and we can pass it on. What a great plan! Video Chatting with our Seller's. Excellent idea...I amaze myself sometimes :)
P.S. Love the upgrades to Picassa. Very cool Guys :)
TLW...ROAR!
I have used some of the free Google tools but have not gone to document storage. I'll look into it thanks .
Hi Missy, We never know what will come of our conversations. Good for you! And good for us that you are sharing with us and that fellow ARers are sharing too. I expect to learn a lot and I'm glad I saw this post!
Missy: How cool that you got to go to Google. I tried using the Google docs, must be doing something wrong as I tried to send my blog there with photos but it said it was to big, tell me how you are doing yours. I would love to get this going. Thanks for the great comment.
Google rocks! I am using a lot of their tools, but am constantly amazed at the new stuff they come up with. Thanks for sharing your lunch with us!
It is good to have friends in high places! I have been using google alerts in the manner you describe. I wrote a post on it way back when:)
Boy I wish I had time to do all this....way too hard for me right now.
Missy I don't use Google Docs but I do use the Google Alerts. I need to start using more Google and take advantage of its great products. You seemed like you had a good time. Thanks for sharing. Great post.
Wow, I had no idea Google had all these applications out there. I am still struggling to get gmail to gorward my email.
TLW, very cool and now you have given me another something to do. I am getting a new GMail account, as I never used mine because I didn't like the name it was set up under. This looks better than seesmic which is what most of my Twitter friends use.
Donna, I will do a tutorial on it, but if you go to YouTube I'm sure there are plenty there. But, I will make it real estate specific. Right now I am 1 Friendship Ball, 3 Christmas meme's and one other meme behind.
How do I use Google, let me count the ways. To start I use Google Chrome for my web browser, not all aps work perfectly yet, but it seems so much quicker and has a much better look and feel. GMail is the best, and yes the Calendar and Docs features are great. I also put links to Google Maps and imbed the Street View into my posts. Did I mention Picasa for saving my photos. All of these are shortcuts across the top of e-mail.
Since you are getting buddy-buddy with them ask Google if they have plans for a contact management alternative to Outlook or the web based programs like Top Producer. I am so fed up with learning these things it only to have them change it. I am sure they can do it and do it better than what is currently available.
Mike Nastri
This is great, Missy. I'm sad to say I'm not as deep into Google as I should be. I use Google docs and the calendar, but really need to delve into their tools. Thanks for the nudge! :)
It is great Missiy that you have an inside track on Google. Will be checking to see what you say in the future about my favorite search place GOOGLE.
Missy, I use the Google Maps and Street view with my listings, and my husband (web master) now has a street view map for EACH listing on our MLS..no clue how he does that. I use the Google tool bar and Google analytics. Need to use Google docs...just haven't tried it yet. Rich told us about it during the m2T challenge and I never really got started with it.
We use the Google Pay per click also...Works like a charm! I'm off to search out all of the Google options.
Can you imagine working at Google? What a great environment! That had to be so exciting to visit. Congratulations!
Congrats Missy! That was sooooo koool! I use few of the "Googlies" like Picasa, Alerts and Analytics. But docs and sketch sound so very interesting - so off I go to check it out! thanks for sharing...
Bo
WOW what an awesome experience! You Rock!!
Missy, did you order Google Juice with lunch?
Missy, Google must be one of the most awesome places in the world to work! I'm surprised you had not been in there before. I can imagine you sneeking in and passing out cards to all of them! Shoot, I would! Sounds like a lot of fun. Holiday Hugs, Deb
I love all things Google too and need to explore more of their great products and services! Right now I use Google Search, Google Maps, Google Alerts, gmail, Google Analytics, Picasa (I'm addicted to this great application) ... and must look into trying more.
Missy: THis is great... I use the alerts and of course the google search engine. I need to learn other benefits of using Google. Looks like a great time to learn
Keep the ideas coming, Missy, and thanks for this blog. I use Picasa for compressing pictures and of course, google search for all internet research. I now have some tips for great tools to try out. THANKS.
Thanks for sharing, that sounds like a great experience. I use gmail and the search engine & am justing getting into analytics & ad words but really am not taking advantage of everything, After reading your post, I went to check out the calendar (which I didn't even know existed) and it looks great....I am going to give it a whirl! Thanks again for all the info - you also inspired a great discussion!
Missy...you lead such an exciting life!! You rock, girlfriend!!! I can't wait to find out what secrets you learned for the rest of us. I personally love Google. I use many of the free features that you mentioned. I'm just beginning to use the calendar...but I know I'll love it. Now...about that massage room. I think I would have had to take a closer look at that. :-) ~GBU~
Google Analytics, Gmail, Gtalk, Google Maps, and Google Alerts are all tools that I use regularly.
Missy - Wow, that's really cool. I'm just a tiny bit jealous. I'm glad you got to go though and it shows the power of stopping to chat with someone. I wrote a little piece about Dwellicious and next thing I know they're sending me emails. It was a cool experience.
I use Google Analytics, but have enjoyed the interface on Clicky more. I use iGoogle and it is my home page... I often keep it open in a tab all of the time just the keep up. I put a spreadsheet from GoogleDocs in a post just this week. I keep thinking I need to find more ways to leverage Google.
I use Google Analytics, but have enjoyed the interface on Clicky more. I use iGoogle and it is my home page... I often keep it open in a tab all of the time just the keep up. I put a spreadsheet from GoogleDocs in a post just this week. I keep thinking I need to find more ways to leverage Google.
Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing. Have a good holiday season.
Missy- How cool is that! What a great post and experience. The fun stuff really got me hooked, they know how to encourage their staff to stay at work! That is so awesome!
I use Google reader for my rss feeds. I use Google notebook which I love for all my research so I don't lose my place nor have to print out everything.
I use the igoogle page for my homepage and have Twitter,Facebook and Friendfeed on there. I love the google docs and use them for our short sale assistant and our virtual assistant. We can access our files from anywhere and so can they.
I have not started with the google calendar since I love my outlook calendar.
I use gmail for many email applications and have different ones for different things so I don't overcrowd my crowded email box!
I love to use google alerts for any local news and of course our names and to keep an eye on our kids and our competition.
I did my first google presentation. The only thing I did not like about the presentation slides is that they don't have all the bells and whistles that Open office and Power point have like the little sound you can add when you change slides and the choices in how the slides move. That was a little disapppointing for such a big company not to have the features that PPT has.
And most of all I love the new upgrades to Picassa.
Missy, super cool! I can't help but feel that when I read your posts that I am so far behind the power curve.
Missy - Google is going to rule the world... I love Gmail, Analytics, Reader, Calendar... Do I neet to keep going?
I just began using Google Analytics & alerts when I started blogging. I love the slideshows on Picasa. I haven't tried the other applications. I'll have to add that to my to do list! Thanks for your awesome story!
Missy - I'm a big Google lover from analytics to calendar... Thanks for sharing the story, I think Google is going to rule the world!
Wow Missy - That's Thrilling! What an honor to be invited to the Ann Arbor Google Campus!
I am embarassed to say I hardly use any free Google Apps other than Google Alerts, Analytics, & Adwords Editor. (I'm a proud owner of a Google Fridge because of all the money I give them via Adwords, and adwords editor has saved me hundreds (if not thousands) of hours, but not a whole lot of Google activity otherwise...)
I have now bookmarked this post to come back to as a resource because I'm sure that in addition to all of the great comments so far, you'll receive many more to come.
Guess it's time to roll up my sleeves & see what I've been missing.
Missy... this is so awesome. Hey, can you get me a job there?
On another note... I would say that I am way behind the times... I just use Google to search and Google Alerts.... I need to catch up some. Thanks for the info...
Missy,
I use Google for my main search engine, Google alerts, and Google docs for all my blogs!!! Google is Grrrreat!!! Thanks, Fran
P.S. And of course the Google tool bar is fantastic, including 'page rank' widget and other customizable features...!!!
Missy,
I must admit I'm currently using Google Alerts and Blogger and that's it. Since you speak so highly of their other apps I need to look at them and see if a switch is warranted. The office they have over there is impressive.
I love Google alerts. And I was using google analytics for a while until it lost some history and I lost interest.
I look forward to more goodies from Google!!!
This reply was posted in via Google Chrome Browser.
hmmm interesting and \MORE useful ideas and tools to implement! :-)
That's cool. I use tons of google products. My favorite of course is the browser, then analytics, webmaster tools, gmail, google alerts, tons of the add ons.
Missy, I use iGoogle to monitor real estate news and blogs. I have used AdWords and gotten some fabulous sales from my Google leads. With the market softening in the islands, I've pulled back on my AdWords budget. I wonder if google is feeling the pinch from the recession.
google rocks! How exciting!
too cool I am jealous.
Bryan Schroeder http://www.oregonmortgagesecrets.com
Now how cool is that --- almost like winning a lottery ticket! I'd never be so lucky. How fun!
Lucky you...they are a very impressive organization. I would love to get a tour of their facilities. A friend told me about them many years ago when they were relatively unknown. I've been a fan ever since.
I downloaded Google Chrome the first day it was public and now rarely use MS IE to surf and/or post. I'm anxious to hear about the other feature you learned.
WOW - I"M IMPRESSED - But gotta tell ya - I'm just as impressed about the google toolsets you're using and how you're using them... I'm going to have to check some of these out... thanks!!
WOW!
Missy,
That's awesome! What an opportunity for you. I saw your post last night but was too tired to read it. As for Google, I absolutely love my Gmail applications but need to start branching out to other things.
That is awesome!!! I'll bet you head was spinning when it hit the pillow that night. All those idea's floating around like flash cards or CNN snippets on the news. Wow.
Missy you asked "How do You Use Free Google Applications to run your business?
Thanks for the tip on the RSS feed. That one will be implemented today.
Love you post..Thanks!
We will evaluate this with our new tools for the new year....looks great ! Thanks so much...Happiest of holidays and a prosperous new year to you !
Hi Missy:
Thanks for sharing that information. I'll definitely look into it. Always looking for new ideas!
that awesome! I love google docs and calander and have use it awhile now. I did a blog about it a week ago.
Missy, Neat experience and thanks again for sharing. I'm just getting my feet wet with google analytics and will bookmark for future reference.
that is fantastic. what a great experience. too many tools too little time!
Google analytics is outstanding. Saw them on 60 minutes, this is the absolute LAST comapny on the bailout list, Matter of fact, we should ask THEM what to do! So cool you could do that.
Wow, sounds like you had a great time! Guess we have to start going to some conferences and hobnobbing with these guys!
We use Google Docs, Analytics and Alerts regularly, and Chrome and Gmail (but not for business).We used to use Blogger as our blogging platform until we saw the WP light, and we also used Google Reader for our RSS feeds, but now use a FireFox plug-in called Feedly, which I believe is integrated somewhat with Reader.
We'll look forward to your post about the "new feature", too!
Missy,what an ecperience for you. I haven't used Gppgle but your so excited I'm going on there to see what all they have. This is a great post glad you shared with us.
Missy,what an ecperience for you. I haven't used Gppgle but your so excited I'm going on there to see what all they have. This is a great post glad you shared with us.
Missy,what an ecperience for you. I haven't used Gppgle but your so excited I'm going on there to see what all they have. This is a great post glad you shared with us.
Hi Missy, what a fun lunch!
I use Google Alerts, very important to me, and I love Gmail as a secondary email, but I am thinking of changing everything business over to Gmail - so easy to access from anywhere.
Gotta check out Google Docs, thanks!
I'm jealous. It sounds like a great opportunity to learn some of the great stuff that Google offers. Good for you!
Hi Missy, I use many including google docs but have many more to look into. Thaniks for the post. BTW I enjoyed listening to you on blog radio. It is nice to match the voice and face.
Missy,
Congrats on the feature and on your time with Google. I am really envious!
Missy, sounds like an awesome visit you had (lucky!). I use Google Trends to see which keywords people are searching for. This helps me know which keywords to target. I also use Analytics for all of the websites we maintain.
Missy!!!! That sounds like so much FUN!!! You are such a cool lady - can i stalk you???!!!! lol - have a great weekend!!
Hi Missy - what a great opportunity for you that lunch was! I use Picassa, which I LOVE, and google alerts, and not much else. I have to admit, I know nothing about most of those things although I have heard plenty of others talk about them.
While at NAR in Orlando, I learned a little about google sites, and I've only tinkered about with it very slightly. It doesn't seem as easy to use as it was presented in the session sat in on. I hate learning curves, but will continue to fiddle around with this one to see if I'm missing something. I'd like to learn to use google maps, I think that's a pretty cool tool when I see it used on various sites. And analytics is something I'd like to look into as well. I have a gmail account but don't use it for much.
Ann
WOW - I wish I could have come to :)
Hey Bryant - Could you share detail on this?
I have also been using Google docs like a madman. Mostly their online forms. Those are the best things since sliced bread. I have captured about 40 buyer leads in the last 30 days from all the different forms I have out here.
I am confused how Doc can help there, sounds fantastic!
That sounds like a great time! I've read a lot about Google's environment & would love a chance to see their offices!!
Best, Dan
Wow I envy Googles awesomeness! I am sure there are many I am not using since I didnt even know about Google docs! will have to try that today.
Wow if Google reads Active Rain they must be feeling pretty good by now. I'll just add my praise for Google Analytics and Google Docs and Google Alerts. How can you set up the Alerts to go to RSS? That's a good idea. I would add my vote for a killer contact manager. Congratulations Missy!
Lucky duck you, what a treat. I'm learning about all of the great tools google has, now I've got to implement them.
Good for you my friend. You are now rubbing elbows "With the big Boys"! Have a great weekend.
Holy moly ! This is very cool ! You rock Missy ! I am trying to catch up on the tech front... this is an inspiration ! I am happy learning something new each week. We like the google analytics to monitor the traffic and to know where the traffic is coming from. Have much more to do as we have been using google docs.
Hi there from Lovely Wisconsin!@
D- money here! I wish I could have you visit here, and tutor me for a weekend! love KW btw....I work with 3 realtors here in our area from KW!
Thank you very much for the information! How many houses a month are you selling??
D
Hi Missy,
Thank you for the timely info. I'll do my best to implement as much as possible. As one who uses Google Alerts, I'm a believer.
Nice to hear they are listening/learning from someone "in the trenches" when it comes to r.e. And Missy and Cyndee two if the best in the U.S.!
That is awesome. I love Google and I use load of their tools. Let see if I can remember them all.
The Google iPhone app(with voice search), maps for mobile, calendar, Outllook sync, docs, reader, gmail, iGoogle, search wiki, maps, dodgeball, groups, local, analytics, YouTube, Google Video, Picasa, and notebook. I also use Google Chrome (actually using it to make this post).
Missy - Thanks for the update. As you already know, i use Igoogle with googletalk,gmail,todo list, google calender, and rss feeds form several publications. I use google alerts for the neighborhoods I farm electronically, as well as my name, websites. and blogs. I have used googledocs, but not the way you do. I may start soon, I like the concept.
Missy, I just set up Igoogle for my home page per your recommendation. So far I really like it. I would like to have a window with all my favorite websites but have not figured out how to do that yet. I see I can pay someone $10 to do it for me but I'm going to check and see if I can do it myself before I pay someone
Hi Missy,
Ironically I posted earlier today how we were using some of the new Google Labs functions, Tasks, Calendar, and Canned Responses which is slowly but surely making Google Apps a replacement for TP and other CRM packages.
Great Post.
All the Best,
Glenn Sanford
I've said it before and I'll say it again: When I grow up I want to be just like you.
Missy, thanks so much for the Google update and I bet you had tons of fun!
VERY KOOL info -- Very KOOL post -- I am going to start using the Google Doc's JE
Missy,
I am in love with Google Docs. I use it to jot notes of ideas I have, things I want to look into, so that I can access them from any computer.
I use Google Docs for my blog posts as a back up. I also use it as a very HTML editor.
I use the calendar to schedule both client appointments and my children's activities so I can be on top of things. I use it to block off time slots so I don't overextend myself too much.
I recently used the export feature to convert my proposal into a PDF and maintain a backup.
Missy, looks like you are taking full advantage of some great programs to enhance your business. What a great experience to go through Google and get some hands-on.
I'd love to have that advantage so kudos to you! Thanks for sharing and hopefully we can all get up to speed!
I've been avoiding google docs, but it looks like I may need to start considering it!
There are too many people to comment back to so I will limit my answers to those that asked. Yes I sent this post over to Steve and asked him about the Contact Manager. He sent me this link if you need any help in setting up your apps. These are the 3rd party vendors that they recommend.
http://www.google.com/enterprise/marketplace/search?categoryId=7&orderBy=rating
Mark, there are posts on here about using Google Doc's. So put it in the search bar and you can read them all. The easiest way is to just go to your Google account, settings and go to Google Document and sign in. Then you can upload doc's, create docs or spread sheets, do questionairres for people, I use these to poll my team.
To subscribe to your Google Alerts in RSS, when you sign up for them there is a drop down box at the top where you can say email or RSS, I had not noticed it either.
I definitely use Google Alerts. Even though there are tons of other "Donna Harris" es in the world, it's cool to see what they're doing, but it's also good to see when someone references me in their blog or online article. I've found myself being mentioned many places.
I have a lot of integrating to do of new applications, GOOGLE included, of course, that I've learned about, mostly from the DOMUS webinar...I'm using GOOGLE reader and PICASA that I love, love, love! What a wonderful encounter you were able to have with the top dogs. I'm a bit of a lonesome pine here in Lee County, but trust this area will be pulled into all this soon enough, and I'll have more local steam for the GOOGLE train.
Missy - What a cool experience. I don't know what I would do without Google. I use Google alert, Google reader, Gmail, Google docs, Google maps, Picasso etc.
Missy - Google sounds a bit like Electronic Arts on steroids! They have basketball courts and fitness centers, but Google out paces them by a mile.
I use gmail, iGoogle, Reader, Google Alerts and Picasa. Frank absolutely loves Google Maps, especially Street View. Definitely want to check into some of the other apps. Thanks for writing about this!
Missy, I don't know HOW this post got by me but I might have been out of the rain that day...WOW, how wonderful and exciting that is to hear--I loved reading about it.
I use google alerts like most but haven't used the calander yet...I also am on EBlogger (I believe that's where I first started blogging :)
Missy-this is awesome..and I hope you picked their brains..I would love that opportunity and to think the building looks like lots of fun and oh the luxuries! Can't wait to read what you learned...I love everything google...but I think my favorite tools....google alerts and I love love love those google docs.
In truth its just recent that I have been using all of their services..can't help it...I'm still a yahoo fan too!
Hi Missy! How cool is that?! I would just LOVE to be there among the progressive group of forward thinking folks. I'm with you too, that most members here are WELL ahead of other agents. Congrats on the little gold star too!
Missy - I just came across you in AR. Interesting to hear your take on your visit at Google. Also, 350,000 points? Wow.
That is so neat! Thanks for sharing as much as you could.
Google alerts in the RSS? I'll have to check into that... it makes sense... I just haven't tried it yet... thanks Missy!
Hi Missy - What a great post... I have been using gmail for about a year and love the way that it works; ditto for Calendar. With two businesses, I can overlap those respective schedules as well as my personal schedule. Google Maps is a great asset as well. I only discovered G-Docs a few days ago and can already see how much I can use it and keep things more steamlined.
Here's to Google Apps for keeping 2009 organized and increasingly productive.
Happy Holidays!
Missy,
Sounds like you had a great time at Google. l love the fac that cared enough about what their customers think to reach out to you like that. No wonder they dominate.
Michelle
Missy, Great post. Is there anyway to get a video tutorial like Jeff Turner does for the GoogleDocs? I use ReLay as my transaction management system and I think maybe GoogleDocs could do the same thing, I just don't know how to make it happen and can['t visualize it. Could you get with Jeff and show him what you do and maybe he could put it in video instruction? What do you think?
What an interesting post. I like to use Google Earth to help clients appreciate the locations of homes on the market. I use Google Alertts and I'm going to move them to an RSS feed too. I have yet to explore Google Docs. Thanks!
Come to think of it, I also use GMail and Analytics.
Very cool. I saw the 'Google' Building downtown when I was there last summer. Now I know a bit of what's inside!
Google reminds me a lot about when I worked at Nike back in the early 90's. They had restaurants, child care, a retail store, barber shop, basketball court and sports club all on the campus, along with a lake and outdoor events like thirst Thursday. Each Thursday, all employees could go out by the lake and enjoy free snacks and beer.
The really cool part was you would see and be able to talk to Phil Knight (Co-Founder of Nike), and other athletes who happened to be on campus, like Pete Sampras (former Tennis Pro) and members of the Portland Trailblazers.
Each building was named after a professional athlete, like the Bo Jackson fitness center. It was truly an amazing place to work, considering that is how Nike was over 16 years ago.
Troy that sounds fun. At Google each room is named after a town in MIchigan.
I think I need to explore google docs.