For almost a decade, technology reps have been telling agents that notebook computers are the ultimate in professionalism. The truth is that until even two or three years ago, strong arguments could made that desktop computers, due to their faster processing and lower price, were stiff competition for the smart agent's dollar.

However, the dramatic reduction in notebook prices is making the benefits of portability extremely difficult to ignore. High quality notebooks are now available in the $1,500 to $2,500 range. With their impressive color screens, a notebook computer not only gives you organized access to all your prospect and follow-up data wherever you are, it also helps you deliver powerful, win-the-listing-every-time presentations. And, as we all know, the ability to win the listing is paramount to success.

These benefits lead us to conclude: if you are going to upgrade your computer, buy a notebook instead of a desktop.

H a v e   N o t e b o o k   W i l l   T r a v e l:

One advantage of having a notebook computer is that it enables you to be fully productive wherever you go. It doesn't matter whether you're at home, the office or an open house, you can rolodex through follow-up calls, search for a buyer and seller matches, prepare follow-up letters, you name it.

In addition, if you do have a second computer at home, or particularly if you have an assistant, you will be able to take advantage of TOP PRODUCER's Data Synchronization feature which allows you to enter data, make changes and even delegate tasks while you're out in the field. When you return to the office you can then synchronize with the other computer. When your assistant checks his or her computer, your changes and delegations will be there and vice versa.

This synchronization feature means you can log on to your MLS and prospect at home or enter new contact data at an open house without having to waste time re-entering your new data when you get back to the office. Consider the following common scenario where portability really pays off.

Suppose you finish an appointment and your next one is in the same area, but isn't for 45 minutes. The office is 15 minutes away, so it doesn't make sense to drive there and back. With a notebook you can pull over on a quiet street, roll the window down a little, and start doing your thank-you letters. Or maybe you can do some of the day's follow-up calls on your cell and apply the Follow-up circuit for maximum efficiency. Either way, a notebook will let you replace 45 minutes of "dead time" with 45 minutes of productivity. If you add up the increase in productive time over a year, you might be amazed to find that you've gained weeks of productive work!

T h e   P r o v e n   P o w e r   O f   M u l t i m e d i a
T o   E n g a g e   A n d   P e r s u a d e   P r o s p e c t s:

Perhaps the biggest advantage of owning a notebook is that it gives you the option of delivering high-impact multimedia listing presentations. Today, more and more agents are unleashing the power of multimedia to dramatically differentiate themselves from their competitors and win more listings.

Marketing research conducted at the University of Minnesota and the University of Arizona has proven that multimedia is the most effective way to capture and keep a prospect's attention. The studies have shown that the use of colorful, animated photos and graphs, full-motion videos and sound effects:

• Increases the prospect's attention to the presentation
• Increases the prospect's comprehension of the message being delivered
• Increases the prospect's retention of the message
• Causes the presenter to be perceived as being more professional
• Fosters agreement with the presenter

With all these benefits now proven scientifically, why wouldn't you use a multimedia listing presentation to make sure you leave no stone unturned in your quest to reach your financial goals?

E n h a n c e   Y o u r   C r e d i b i l i t y:

As we all know, success in real estate often follows the creation of a successful image. Notebooks not only let you be more productive everywhere you go, they also enhance your professional appearance. Increasingly, notebooks are associated with the intelligent, dynamic professional. In fact, a recent IDC survey found that 72% of consumers use PCs at work. As a result, it is reasonable to assume people are today more likely to expect that you'll use technology to sell their home.

No matter what level of computer experience your prospects have, they are sure to be impressed when you demonstrate the state-of-the-art marketing resources you'll be using on their behalf.

F r o m   T h e   F i e l d:

If you have any doubt that a notebook computer can help you work more productively, look more professional, and close more listings, consider these words from Mount Vernon Ohio agent Sam Miller, who set a personal best record in 1998 with an amazing 223 sides:

"My assistant and I especially like the DataSync feature which allows me to take my notebook computer with my entire TOP PRODUCER database with me on listing presentations. You should see the look on the seller's face when I cross reference their home with the buyers I have in my database -- closes them almost instantly."

Sure you can cross reference buyers with sellers on a desktop, but Sam Miller has proven that if you do it on your notebook in front of sellers you'll get more listings. Need we say more?

N e t w o r t h y:

TOP PRESENTER 2 will turn your notebook computer into a weapon with its stunning Madison Avenue graphics, incomparable personal promotion, downloadable comps from your MLS, mapping, and full motion video that you can use to deliver high impact testimonials right at the seller's kitchen table.

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