Basic Internet and Computer Hints #4
Often, when I'm describing a technique to someone or doing some troubleshooting, I get the impression that they aren't familiar with some of the basic concepts and terminology of the Windows operating system.
No. I'm not going tell you to read the manual.
Included in Windows 98 is an instructional and informative presentation called "Welcome to Windows". You'll be able to sit back and learn all sorts of useful things like what your desktop is and where to look for help when you're working with your various windows features.
Find this presentation by selecting Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Welcome to Windows.
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Windows Update
Microsoft has gotten a lot of bad publicity over the past few years about various problems with the Windows operating systems. Mostly, these complaints relate to security and stability issues and mostly, they are legitimate beefs. In defense of Microsoft (Hey! Bill Gates needs all the friends he can get.), they are addressing these issues as they become aware of them.
Microsoft does this through a procedure called Windows Update that is tightly integrated with the operating system. This is much like a vehicle manufacturer's recall system. If you don't respond to the recall, it's not Ford's fault when the wheels fall off.
In Windows 98, Windows Update is available from the Start button. It's usually at the very top of the list that displays when you click Start. If you don't see it there, you can get your updates easily enough by going to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com . Once you're there, click the 'Product Updates' link and follow the onscreen instructions.
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Visit Windows Update regularly to keep your system in tip-top shape. |
Get a Bigger Monitor - FREE!
Have I got your attention?
I'm not really giving away bigger monitors but I do have a handy trick that will give you a larger viewing area when you're on the Internet. Many realtors use a laptop and getting the most out of the smallish display can be helpful.
In Internet Explorer, up to 25% of your screen is gobbled up by "browser chrome". That's all of the menus, icons, buttons, page title and address bar stuff in the top area of your screen. Up at the top of your keyboard, you'll see a row of buttons labelled F1 to F12. Click F11 and watch your viewing area increase. Click F11 again to return to the original look.
 Normal browser window |
 Window set to full screen by pressing F11 |
Handling Email Inquiries
While all of us have plenty of experience answering prospective clients' inquiries by telephone, using email is a relatively new method of communication. There are a few basic "rules" that will make your replies to client inquiries more effective.
- Answer promptly. If you don't, the client will contact another agent who will. Check your e-mail at least 2-3 times per day and try to answer within 4-5 hours. If you need to do some more checking about their particular question, email them back and
tell them so.
- Read their inquiry with an eye for hints regarding ways to "serve" the prospect, just as you would in person. If you need more information from them, email back immediately and ask for it.
- Your reply should be a succession of paragraphs responding to each question that the person asked or concern that they expressed.
- At the end of each paragraph, try to include a URL that helps the buyer to get more information. For example, for local information, you could send them to http://www.norfolkcounty.on.ca . If you have a listing that you think they would be interested in, send them directly to the page for that listing at www.mls.ca, your corporate web site or your personal website.
- Be careful about using auto responders. Many email programs allow you to send an automatic reply to the sender. While this might impress them the first time they receive such a quick reply, subsequent messages will likely be viewed as nuisance mail. A good use for an auto responder would be to notify people that you are away on holidays and will be back on a certain date.
