Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
With the busy season upon us, I was wondering how most of us handle scheduling. For me it has been easy with only doing about 10 a month before March. In March alone to this point I’ve done twenty and I’m starting to get a little nervous with my first spring rush coming. I want to maintain the momentum I have and keep the same level of service, but I have a feeling I need some more organization with scheduling. Does anyone have a favorite method they would like to share with me…Thanks Chuck
Originally Posted By: dbush This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Chuck, to expand on Jeff’s statement, Gary Johnson and I are finalizing a NACHI Members deal with PALM this week for some very good pricing on PALM Pilot PDAs or better.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Chuck,
I have a great system that has never lets me down, actually it is in 2 parts, firstly a good diary (1 day per page) secondly a wall mounted monthly planner, (with both work and social events on it), it works for me.
Originally Posted By: Chris Morrell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
As much of a hi-tech fan as I am, I have to say that a giant dry-erase calendar has been one of the most effective methods I’ve seen. Just hang it on your office wall.
Now if you schedule inspections outside of your office (on your cell phone perhaps) you might want to consider a PDA. If you link it up to your office desktop you can handle scheduling quite well.
Originally Posted By: slanicek This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I couldn’t agree more with the dry eraser board. I love a nice big calender that you can see from across the room, glance at when you’re on the phone making appts., etc… Always keeps me in line. I was, however, given a nice little gizmo for x-mas that I keep with me thru the day too. Other companys probably have similar things but I have a Palm ‘Zire’ that is basically a very scaled down inexpensive Palm Pilot. If you’re just wanting something that keeps your schedule, phone #'s, addresses, e-mails, and a bunch of other basic things…it’s terrific. Links up with your PC and everything. I love it because I’m not always worried that I’m going to break the thing and be out several hundred dollars. You can get them retail for about $50 these days or off e-bay sometimes for around $20.
Originally Posted By: rwills This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Chuck, I agree with Jeff! Since I do all of my own scheduling, I use a Palm pilot. I can schedule an appointment at my desktop or in my truck then later that night I just Hot Sync the two units together. Better yet, it has all the names and numbers I need at my fingertips, along with a Memo, Notepad, and a To Do list if I need it.
Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Wow, I need to check out the Palm deal. I’m not real high tech so I need to educate myself on the Palm. I like the idea of a big calendar eraser board. Thanks guys, thinks are really getting busy now that the snow has melted…
Originally Posted By: cmccann This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Does it have maps and GPS? Now that would be cool. Gettting to the homes is half the battle. I need to store addresses better and organize the trips from job to job.
Originally Posted By: slanicek This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Having some free time on my hands today I thought I would toy around with some of my gadgets just for fun. As I mentioned in a previous note above, one of my toys is a Palm Zire (m150). Well I thought I would give the thing a thorough test drive in regards to Home Inspections PDA software capabilities. Not holding my breath because of the low price of the thing, I was expecting to find zero compatibility with software out there. NOT TRUE! This little baby is capable of running some nice software apps out there that I was impressed with.
Now, keep in mind that while the Palm Zire models are inexpensive, unfortunately software packages are not. But I thought it was worth while noting (especially to new inspectors on a very tight budget) why go out and buy a high price PDA (granted, they have more bells and whistles) when you can get a very functional one for a very low cost (under $100 retail, under $50 on e-bay) that still has the power and memory to run a quality home inspection software package.
Originally Posted By: rpasquier This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Well, considering my Outside sales past life, I have always used and have been very happy with my Act2000.
Had to create a whole new database of course for it, for my home inspection business, but it works wonderful.
It also has a nice little side program for your PDA so that if you make an appointment or whatever with the PDA, it will sync that night and load and upload all changes.
I payed enough for the fricking program when I was selling electronics, I thought that I might as well keep using it since I have it.
It works great also for the marketing via E-mail, general letters, etc.
It's a GREAT marketing tool, and I mean wonderful!!
