How Has Investing in a GPS System Revolutionized Your Business Operations?

[wadesgirl]

What is the best investment you've made for your business that wasn't product/PC related? Big or small? Just thought it would be fun to share.

Until this year I would have told you it was the fold up table I have in my trunk. You don't know how many times people wanted me to set up on tv trays or coffee tables. That table has come in handy so many times.

But this year I invested in a GPS system. Never thought I needed one, figured I wouldn't use it. Even after I bought it I figured that I would possibly use it a few times and then forget about it. I love that thing! It's so handy. No more printing maps, turning on wrong roads, etc!

 

[etteluap70PC]

I think it is going to be my iphone. I'm still getting used to it but it is AWESOME!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I was going to say my laptop but I do thing the GPS tops that.

 

[mountainmama74]

My laptop. And Tasty Tidbits! I've only just subscribed but I've gotten quite a few sales out of the emails I send out!

 

[NooraK]

Well, the GPS was a prize DH won at work, so that's not really an investment...

I think the greatest thing for me is my phone, a Palm Pre. I didn't buy it specifically for my business, but I picked it with my business in mind. I tired the business in a binder thing, and it just didn't work for me: too many papers, too bulky, too passive. With the Pre, I can set reminders in the calendar for calling contacts, I have lists in the notes of the names of my recruit and show leads, the contacts infromation is very extensive, and I can export all new contacts out of P3 and import them into my Gmail contacts, and my Pre syncs with that. I can type notes right into the phone, or if I'm at home access the online version on my laptop. I can receive emails at any time of the day (external email is blocked at work). It has put my business at my fingertips, which eliminates a lot of the excuses I've had about making my contacts.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Have to agree with the laptop, and the GPS.

 

[pkd09]

GPS and TT for sure!

 

[pamperedpals]

My DH got my me laptop for Christmas a three years ago and my GPS two years ago. They are the absolute best and I would be lost without them.

For what I have actually spent $'s on I would say my newsletter service with TT. However, my Tammy Stanley CD's are inching their way to the top.

 

[chef131doreen]

GPS has now not stopped me from traveling anywhere in Ct

 

[pampchefsarah]

I have GPS on my phone, and I love it!! My husband bought me a new laptop case for Christmas, and when I first opened it I thought "Aww, how sweet of him to think of my business, but I already have one." Turns out he knows me alot better than I thought. This case is awesome, with lots of pockets, and roomy, and slots for credit card and driver's license, and room for my phone and calculator! When I go to shows, I only have to carry this, no more purse PLUS the laptop case.

 

[raebates]

GPS has now not stopped me from traveling anywhere in Ct

I'm sorry, but I can't figure out what you mean.

 

[raebates]

My first thought was attending National Conference, but then I realized you said not related to PC. I think I'd have to list my phone (which I probably wouldn't have gotten if I wasn't doing PC); my fold-up, rolling table; and my print-at-home subscription to http://www.designhergals.com (which allows me to print all kinds of things with my weird little woman with flippy, red hair graphic). I don't trust GPS for finding addresses out here in the boonies. Everyone who uses it to try to find my house gets lost. I know it's a blessing to those who live out there with all the real people, though.

 

[cookingwithdot]

good ideas - I have been wanting a gps, laptop and iphone!!!!

 

[millthayer]

My lifetime subscription to chef success!!!! What would i do without you!!!

 

[Chefgirl2]

Well, the GPS was a prize DH won at work, so that's not really an investment...

I think the greatest thing for me is my phone, a Palm Pre. I didn't buy it specifically for my business, but I picked it with my business in mind. I tired the business in a binder thing, and it just didn't work for me: too many papers, too bulky, too passive. With the Pre, I can set reminders in the calendar for calling contacts, I have lists in the notes of the names of my recruit and show leads, the contacts infromation is very extensive, and I can export all new contacts out of P3 and import them into my Gmail contacts, and my Pre syncs with that. I can type notes right into the phone, or if I'm at home access the online version on my laptop. I can receive emails at any time of the day (external email is blocked at work). It has put my business at my fingertips, which eliminates a lot of the excuses I've had about making my contacts.

I was going to say my laptop, but now I'm wondering...I had no clue I could do all of that with my Palm Pre...except the email...

 

[lorilynn95]

I think the greatest thing for me is my phone, a Palm Pre. I didn't buy it specifically for my business, but I picked it with my business in mind. I tired the business in a binder thing, and it just didn't work for me: too many papers, too bulky, too passive. With the Pre, I can set reminders in the calendar for calling contacts, I have lists in the notes of the names of my recruit and show leads, the contacts infromation is very extensive, and I can export all new contacts out of P3 and import them into my Gmail contacts, and my Pre syncs with that. I can type notes right into the phone, or if I'm at home access the online version on my laptop. I can receive emails at any time of the day (external email is blocked at work). It has put my business at my fingertips, which eliminates a lot of the excuses I've had about making my contacts.

what is a Palm Pre?

 

[wadesgirl]

I've considered making the jump into a more high tech phone. Right now mine is just a basic cell phone. What cost is associated with having internet/email access, etc? Right now I pay about $60-70 a month for 1000 any time minutes, free call me minutes, free nights and weekend, texting, etc.

 

[NooraK]

what is a Palm Pre?

It's a fabulous SmartPhone!

http://www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pre-family.html?CID=GSI_G_PalmPreControl_PalmPre&002=2271364&004=1312270049&005=4676619423&006=4745436329&007=search&008=

I sound like a commercial when I talk about it, but I just love mine. It's got some absolutely fabulous features, but unfortunately hasn't gotten the best press. I got mine through Sprint, but they are now available through Verizon as well, and an AT&T launch is imminent, though a date hasn't been announced.

The reason I love the syncing abilities with Google (and the backup on Palm's on profile) is that it not only allows me to update information on a computer, but if my phone dies, I don't lose my data.

As for our plan, we got the Any Time, Any Mobile with Everything Data Family Plan. The cost is $129/month for the two SmartPhone lines with 1500 minutes, free mobile-to-mobile on ANY network, unlimited text, picture, video and data/email/web. PC offers an 18% discount, but we get a 23% discount from our 9-5 employer, bringing the bill to about $110 with all the taxes.

 

[littlemaisyPC]

I want the Palm Pre so bad I can't wait until I can get a phone upgrade. Which isn't until November.

I would definitely say a GPS.

 

[esavvymom]

I WISH I could say my cell phone...but I can't use it at home- where I'd make most of my business calls. I use the cell phone for my business line, but when I call from home, it drops my calls after 1-2 minutes!! SO IRRITATING (and I have full-strength signal!). (Verizon)

So I'd say my MacBook Pro. I got it used from a friend fortunately...it was "too big" for him- he traveled alot. I love it!

 

[flemings99]

Laptop I got for x-mas to myself LOVE IT! Love the wifi too!

GPS DH got me for by b-day last year. Thought it was a little over the top at the time, now can't live without it!!

6" folding tables for fairs + my canopy for outdoor fairs in the fall.

Large storage cabinet that I have in the garage to store all my "extra" PC stuff that doesn't fit in the kitchen.

 

[pampchefsarah]

I'm sorry, but I can't figure out what you mean.

Rae, I think what she means is that, because she has GPS, she is not stopped from traveling anywhere in CT (not afraid of getting lost).

 

[raebates]

Gotcha. Thanks.

 

[flemings99]

I have to add I-contact! I use it to send out my newsletter with a touch of a button.

You can track who opens, clicks, forwards and more.

Yesterday, I called through everyone who'd clicked on links but not ordered. I got over $200 in orders. One lady said it must be ment for her to order since she was thinking about it a few days ago and then I "happened" to call

 

[Chef Kearns]

Definitely my 10x10 pop up. I use that thing all the time. So many booths are outdoors here in TX and I am always hauling that sucker out! Best $100 we spent!!

So glad I have a laptop to take to my shows!! Brilliant!

 

[Melissa78]

Definitely my 10x10 pop up. I use that thing all the time. So many booths are outdoors here in TX and I am always hauling that sucker out! Best $100 we spent!!

So glad I have a laptop to take to my shows!! Brilliant!

So glad to hear that one as I just had one waiting for me on my door step that I earned in the Outdoor promotion for Recruiting. Its not exactly light but excited to use it!