technology 111
Tip: When entering a new contact in your phone or updating an existing contact in your phone, take time to ensure that the contact details you’re entering are correct and fill out as many information boxes for your contact as possible (first name, surname, company name, email etc.). When entering the phone number there is usually the option to record what type of phone number it is, such as home, work, mobile, home fax and work fax. Enter in what type of phone number it is. The importance behind this is that these basic details can later be automatically added to other applications on your phone, tablet or ipad. This means less work for you and seamless integration across all of your business technology. Once the correct information is put into your phone it could be the last time you or one of your staff will have to enter the information. The details can be automatically be transferred into job files, shared with other staff and entered into accounting systems like Xero, MYOB. Entering the correct information into your phone will save you time and money so avoid taking short cuts. For example, enter my name as ‘John O’Neill’ not ‘Johnno’. Entering the information correctly and professionally is the same as building. If we take a short cut or cut a corner in the building process usually we have to fix it up later, so get the correct information in the first time and if you do not get the information correct the contact details can be edited later. Just give it a go. All these little things add up to save time and make business easier. Tip: Enter your own details into your phone as a contact and save them as a ‘favourite’ so that they’re instantly accessible. Then, when you meet a new client not only can you hand them a business card but ask if you can send them your contact details via email or text. As your details are saved as a contact in your phone you will be able to send them a virtual business card. This allows you to capture your client’s phone number or email, ensures that they receive your correct details and makes you look efficient in your business practices. One of the best resources available to you when learning how to use new technology is YouTube (www.youtube.com), type in just about any question and you’ll find a plethora of short ‘how to’ videos. If you do not know how to do this, just ask someone who does. We all have different talents and knowledge, I guarantee that you will know a lot more about building and construction than the person you ask for help so… GIVE IT A GO. JUST START! Here are some keywords/phrases that you can search in YouTube: • How to share a contact • Basic iPhone operations • Basic Samsung phone operations
ScanBizcards: For quickly recording business cards onto my phone without having to type in the details, the system works by taking a photo/scan of the business card and recognised the information. It is good not always perfect as many business cards are not clear or easily read. Google maps and maps on the IPhone: For directions from your current location to just about anywhere in the country. Google Drive: To access job folders, quote folders and operation manuals. Basically this holds most of what is stored on my office computer, which is automatically synchronised across my phone tablet computers and stored in the cloud so it is accessible everywhere from any computer. Buildersapps: For time keeping http://buildersapps.com/ Tradies: For my diary and onsite admin http://www.contractorsapps.com/ The best thing about the technology on offer nowadays is that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, by discovering the advantages of having a smart phone and piece by piece the rest will start falling into place. Don’t be afraid to ask others around you for help with technology if you need it and before long you’ll be wondering how you ever did business without it! Best wishes in your technology journey. John O’Neill, Builder info@buildersapps.com
Below are some basic apps (applications) that I use on a regular basis. I have an iPhone and access these from the iTunes store, however the same apps (or very similar) are also available in the Google Play store for those on android phones. Weather App: I use http://www.yr.no/place/Australia/ which gives me the local weather forecast. Notes: This is a basic note taking/list-making app that comes with the iPhone—combined of course with my trusty old notebook and pencil, which I still carry in my top pocket. Calendar: Both a personal calendar and business calendar that can be integrated across your phone and computer and can also be shared with others.
M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4