As Realtors, we should always have our camera (and now video camera) with us at all times. In the past, I usually did -- who knows if someone is going to call up to list a home - plus I do a fair amount of Broker Price Opinions (BPO) that require pics. But there were times when I hesitated - hated to keep in the car or had the fear I might miss place it. Then I embraced Video as I began to create myself as a Metro Detroit Realtor and local expert. Now I have more equipment to handle.
I chose a camera that takes decent video and bought a large memory card. Not quite satisfied, a friend game me his camcorder & tripod and then I bought a Flip video which is easier to carry around. I saw the value of having it with me during the holidays when someone told me at our Holiday party of a home down the street that had great lights synchronized to music. So, on the way home we stopped and I shot a short video--totally impromptu. Then I went by the next day and spoke with the owners and made a nice connection with e-mails and a few stories about the increased traffic. I am definitely convinced that I always want to be prepared!
I live in Michigan and it gets pretty cold so I decided I need to find a way to keep organized with my growing cache of tools -- make sure I always have everything, don't lose anything and don't leave any of my tools in the car in the cold or heat. So, off to Meijer's for my tool box. I wanted something to keep my Flip, iPod, Garmin Nuvi, camera with extra battery & charger and a laser dimension master. I finally found something with 4 pockets for everything and a mesh zipper pocket just under the cover for iPod accessories and then I threw in a small flashlight. One more tool I plan to add is a voice recorder as I create some podcasts and it will go in the mesh pocket on top. Small like a lunch box, nice handle and I carry it right along with my purse wherever I go - I never leave the house without it--and only $15.
A couple of notes about my tools: The reason and use of most are obvious. However, I particularly like having the "classic" iPod because I download my videos that I use for my blogs so that I can show people an example of what I do (have in mind) when approaching them about shooting a video for my blog. I have my camcorder and tripod for special videos that are scheduled as they are too cumbersome to carry around. However - these are for special breaking news and spontaneous events so I am not caught snoozing and losing.
Royal Oak Realtor selling Real Estate in Southeastern Michigan. TishHouse sells Houses - selling Oakland County Real Estate with RE/MAX Showcase Homes in Birmingham, Michigan. Helping People in a challenging market by specializing in Short Sales. See what my clients have to say about my extraordinary customer service. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter.
Wow what a great idea, Cathy. I now carry a big purse because I can't leave home without so many of my tools. It sure does get heavy and if small purses come back in I will be up a creek.
Thanks for the encouargement to jump to video, and sounds like podcasting is manageable once yu get through the learning curve.
Thank you Cathy, it is true that a good video will always be better than a good still photograph for many different purposes, I like the idea of "being ready" photo ready that is.
Antonio
Nice set up, and the idea of the iPod to show a preview on the spot is excellent.
It sounds like you have a nice little set up, and I like your use of the ipod.
Great tip Cathy. I also have my tool box of trade items, unfortunately it's getting larger and larger, before long I'll need a trailer to carry everything I need.
Missy: I was becoming hap hazard with all my "stuff" and sticking it in my purse etc. - this works great and always carry it with me. I was really worried about leaving it in the car in the cold or heat that had me really get organized.
Tina: I took a podcasting workshop at our MAR convention and really got how easy it can me - a bit time consuming like video - but worth it.
Antonio & Alexia: I think the best ones are the unexpected - really catching an unusual opportunity - so being prepared is key. I posted once about clip art and someone said they are always taking pics so they can use original and that got me started.
Roland & Christine: When I got my iPod, I did not want it for just music but to subscribe to podcasts to listen to when on the run. Then my newphew mentioned about putting my videos and this was the main reason I wanted to have it with me at all times.
Gabe: I feel the same - particularly with my camcorder and tripod - that's why the Flip is for the impromptu. My laptop is separate - always carry that back and forth to the office but not during the day - I am curious to see what my next phone will be. . .
Cathy, you truly are a pioneer. When I talk about video to Realtors in our area about using video, they just humor me they think I spend too much time in front of the computer anyway.
You probably already know this but, for those that don't: using video is a great way to get your website to move up the rankings by the search engines.
Most websites don't have the capacity to embed videos, so use TubeMogul.com to upload your video to most of the video sharing sites and then you only need the link on your website for visitors to view.
Using the same concept, make some of your blogs videos.
Cute carrying case, and it looks very durable. Can you name the brand and wear you got it?
Greg: I do include the "local" videos that I do on a page of my site and I know this is the freshest content and rewarded in SEO. I try to change them every time I do a video - been doing a few less in this cold weather. Since the search engines usually go by every 2 weeks or so, I like to have made changes - particularly with videos. I will check out TubeMogul.com - thanks for the vist and tip.
DeAndrea: It was purchased at Meijers and the tag inside said it was a Meijer's brand. They were in the camera section.
Thanks for the post. I definitely need to get involved with podcasts this year. I got the 3G iPhone and I really haven't used the iPod feature. Here's my opportunity to get going.
Thanks for the post. I definitely need to get involved with podcasts this year. I got the 3G iPhone and I really haven't used the iPod feature. Here's my opportunity to get going.
Wow, I'm humbled by your setup. I have my own camera 'diaper bag' now which helps to keep everything together. The cold weather really zaps the batteries and I just bought a 15 minute express charger which is great. Nice post.
Cathy-A place for everything and everything in it's place~Great idea, our car's get so filled with things for our business and it helps to be organized. Best to you~
Cathy,
Sometimes I have so much stuff, I can hardly get out of the car. But I liked the information you provided. I want to get into podcasts and video. Thanks.
Great post. I'm trying to get my handle on these same issues. You should set up an affiliate campaign ... I would of bought that bag for 15 bucks right from that link.
Thanks for the tips. I like the idea of using the ipod.
Cathy,
Great post. I have been meaning to do this for awhile. BTW, I grew up in Royal Oak, went to Marian H.S. I remember cruising Woodward on Saturday night! How's the market there?
Lisa
Catherine: Good luck in getting into podcasts. I don't have the iPhone - with Sprint and looking for ward to checking out their new phone.
Lyn: Sound like you have a system going for your camera - I definitely did not want to leave anything out in the cold - this insures I don't as I put things back right away after I use them.
Mary: I have to keep organized with this stuff, lock boxes, flash lights and so much more. I grew up in the Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids area.
Deborah: I still haven't gotten into podcasts but finally did embrace video - been too cold and haven't wanted to get out and shoot - looking forward to nicer weather.
Mike: What a great idea - always looking to make money :-)
Gita: That was what really sold me on getting an iPod among other things.
Lisa: My office partner grew up in Royal Oak and went to Marion HS as well--Mary Kay Buckley - but it was a while ago.
Sweet! I have nearly everything in the console of my car or else in my oversized purse/briefcase. Your bag keeps everything organized & together. Way to go.
Pat: I too had things in my purse and car - I got to the place where I was afraid of losing or leaving things in the cold car. It definitely has helped.