One of the things that I am thankful for each day is the technology that allow me to do more than I would have thought possible (even three years ago I didn’t see technology being this big a part of my life). This post is about the technology that I use to stay on top of things (or at least to attempt to : ).

  1. HP TC1100 tablet pc with a Cingular Edge cellular modem and Microsoft Outlook 2007- This is the biggest advantage that I have. It lets me connect to my email, my schedule, and my dealers from almost anywhere! Due to the form factor, I can even be productive in those necessary, long, informative, wonderful meetings that we all know and love! When paired with my cell phone (3) this combination gives me control of almost all of the “after hours” dealer applications that are submitted. The only drawback is my wife tends to flip out about dealers calling me at 8:30 PM to work a deal.

  2. TCI & RouteOne- Our online loan processing and decisioning provider (TCI) and our indirect lending internet application provider. IMHO, being able to offer 24/7 PERSONAL SERVICE is the best way to grow your loan portfolio and your relationship with your dealers. TCI lets me do that and compete with “big boys” (GMAC, FMCC, Chase, etc.). I have mentioned before, but I will say it again. TCI and RouteOne let us go from being #2 or #3 in our market to #1!

  3. My cell phone- not a whole lot to say, but when you team it with Jott (4) and my tablet pc (1), I have a great way to capture those ideas and  ”to do’s” when I don’t have access to my tablet pc.
  4. Jott- A free service for emailing yourself reminders from your cell phone. You call Jott’s number. Tell the system who you want to email. Give your message and it does the speech to text transcription and sends an email or text message for you for you. Very helpful and FREE! 

  5. MindManager- a great visualization and planning tool. I use Outlook for the day to day scheduling and MindManager for the mid to long range planning. MindManager is a great way to get processes out on paper. If I have to do training or a presentation, I use it to get my thoughts out and then organize them into a logical sequence. Take a look at it if you need help in planning, breaking down processes, etc.

  6. ResultsManager- This pairs with MindManager and pulls information out of the maps that you create for scheduling. Very handy for projects that have due dates. One of my goals for the next year is to upgrade from the Standard edition to the Professional edition. The Professional edition allows synching with Outlook (which will let me use the program more effectively). I use it for weekly/monthly planning. I am planning to build a map with all of my dealerships and the last date visited so that I can do a better job of face to face contact. Great product that I haven’t even scratched below surface on yet.

  7. GyroQ- Built by the same company as ResultsManager. A great way to capture thoughts, ideas, etc. when you are working at your computer and to hold them in a safe place. (Full disclosure and a blatant plug, if you look at the bottom right “Technology” Links section you will see a “GyroQ Invitations” link. Clicking on this will give you an invitation to purchase GyroQ. A few of these and I will be able to upgrade to the ResultsManager Professional Edition!)

Because of this technology (even though it sometime feels like in spite of it ; ), I have been able to increase my personal productivity, my departments productivity, and the satisfaction of our members and business partners (dealerships).

If you have any technology that enables you to be more productive or less stressed (I am always looking for less stress), feel free to comment!