Tech Talk for Home-Based Agents
(Part II)
by Penney Rudicil

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Card scanner: If you have business cards lying around, stacks and stacks of cards from trade shows, etc., you can scan them into your computer, and they will go directly into your contacts list (Outlook, and probably others). Get organized!

External hard drive: Backing up your computer is very important. You can purchase a 80GB up to a 300GB external hard drive. These units are larger than the mini hard drive I mentioned last month, and they are generally used to back up your complete computer and data, photos, etc. Another suggestion is to keep your backup off site or in a fireproof type of cabinet or safe. After all, if you leave it plugged into your computer and a power surge destroys it, it is likely to hit the backup as well (and it’s the same problem with fire or theft).

Webcam: Some computers and laptops come with a webcam built in, but you can also purchase a stand-alone webcam. This tool could come in useful for doing conference calls with video, doing a presentation, or just seeing your loved ones when you are away on business.

Backup battery: I don’t know about other areas of the country, but here in my area, we have a lot of storms which cause the power to blink or go off for periods of time. We purchased one of these units to keep our computer (because of the online fax and other shared software that was running) from losing power. You plug into the unit and, if the power blinks or goes out, whatever is plugged in will continue to have approximately 20 minutes to an hour of use. If we lose power, I do not continue to “use” the computer, as this drains the backup faster, but I am thankful I will not lose the work I am currently doing (if, for example, I’m in the middle of writing a proposal or document).

Logitech pen: This is a new item that I have purchased recently. It’s a pen that you use with a specific notebook, and everything you write is stored in the memory of the pen. You then put it into a cradle that plugs into your USB port, and the information is transferred directly into your computer. You can save the data as an MS Word document file, send it in an email, or even transcribe it into text from your handwriting. GREAT for those who take lots of notes!

All-in-one printer, fax, copier, and scanner: Yes, everyone probably has all of these in our offices, and some may even have, over the years, gone to an all-in-one unit. But, did you know you can now get one that is wireless? The new one we just got is wireless, and therefore I do not have to worry about where in the office I “have to” put it. I can move it around based on need and not have to re-wire anything.

Scrolling name badge: Most of us have a name badge, or at least you should! But I have taken it one step beyond that: I have the electronic name badge that scrolls like a marquee. I can put in six different messages, and display whatever message I want for the occasion. A couple of mine are “OSSN is in the house,” “Ask me how you can cruise free,” and “Andrea’s Mom.” At any given time, I can change it with just a few clicks on the back side. At supplier functions I have used, “Get Out There” and “Love is All you Need!” Great conversation piece to get people to talk to you.

Electronic Photo Frame: I love photography, and I always had the hardest time choosing just the right picture to frame. This is an awesome invention. I now have a digital photo frame that I can either connect to my computer and download photos directly to the memory or put an external chip/stick into it with photos. I can display all my photos and videos and even put them to music if I choose.

GPS unit: A couple of years ago, I was struggling on what to get my husband for Father’s Day. He is not the gadget person I am (much more practical), but one day I was walking through an electronic store (who, me?) and Isaw a GPS unit on sale. I had no idea if he would like one, and I knew this was something that I didn’t need, as I can read a map and know my directions, but the salesman told me my husband would love it. Good price, new gadget – well, I bought it. And I use it ALL THE TIME! (I am not sure who likes it more.) It is great to be able to put in an address and not have to fool with maps or doing a Mapquest search (which usually does not give the easiest or quickest directions). And, if you are driving alone, having the voice tell you when and where to turn is wonderful.

Digital camera: Cameras that take 35mm photos are still wonderful and take great pictures, but I am thrilled with my five digital cameras. Yep, this gadget girl loves to take pictures! As with the laptop and cell phone, the brand of the camera may or may not be important to you – but what you need to determine is what are you going to use the camera for. Portraits, action shots, scenery, bright light or inside, etc. – there are so many variables that the camera I have may not be the right one for you. I suggest talking with someone at a reputable camera store or going online to research what you may want or need.

Digital camcorder with hard drive: Video cameras have been around for a long time, and a lot of us use them on vacation, for family functions, etc. You can now purchase them with a hard drive, so you don’t have to worry about running out of tape or transferring them from an 8mm to a VHS or DVD. It is as simple as plugging into your computer (USB port again) and downloading the file. You can then save it and edit it, copy it, or send it to anyone.

Portable DVD player: These units were first available and advertised to “keep the kids quiet on long driving trips.” But, to be honest, I have one and use it for many other situations. I can show a client a supplier video or one of my own vacation/fam videos. When I am traveling, I carry it so I can review videos to prep for meetings (or relax watching a movie). You may be meeting with other agents or a supplier, and you could use it to show a training video (not a large group obviously). For a very little investment (mine was less than $100), it is a great tool to have available

Car Baby: This is my NEWEST gadget, and I am so excited about it! Last month, I talked about the Bluetooth device to make my phone hands free. Well, this goes even another step further. How many of you know you can purchase an auto upgrade so that you can actually talk on your phone through your radio? OnStar has this feature too, but both options are costly. I found a gadget called “Car Baby.” This unit is very inexpensive (I got it for less than $50), and it clips right on to my cell phone ear piece. Then, I turn the radio to a preset station and talk! It is fabulous, and I have used it for a couple of weeks testing the quality and found it to be very good in most cases. This is the ultimate in hands free and great for conference calls or long distance driving!

Penney Rudicil serves as OSSN’s Eastern Regional Manager, and she runs her own home-based travel agency (www.thetravelplanneronline.com). You may reach her at penney@tasuccess.com.