The purpose of the REALTOR® Technology Spotlight Award is to recognize individuals who push real estate to the next level through their use of & visions of technology. Want to hear from each of the tech thought leaders?
Brian Copeland is recognized as a recipient of the 2010 REALTOR® Technology Spotlight Award in the Advocate category. CRT asked a few questions and Brian shared his thoughts enthusiastically.
What is your favorite tech tool out there? What makes it so great?
As I’ve said over and over, I’m not a gadget and tool hoarder. I believe in using very few and using them extremely well. As cliché as it is, my iPhone is my must-have. I’m huge on breathing your communications, meaning that technology, social media, digital life should be as integrated and simple in your life as breathing. You CANNOT breath your digital person unless you have the correct mobile device. Currently, the iPhone is the best tech tool for me to accomplish this essential part of my daily life.
Where do you get the latest technology information to keep you ahead of the curve?
I’m a member of Apple’s app developer program; so, there’s a lot of good inside information there. I’m also friends with some pretty big geeks. They love sharing, and I’m usually their first call when they see something they love.
As a tech thought leader – what kind of information are you looking to get your hands on?
I’m rarely impressed with the daily new list of fun techy things. I don’t download apps every day. I don’t try out everything. I search for the information that leads to a bigger picture. I consider myself a translator. As a REALTOR®, daily I see my fellow agents struggling to find ways to be more efficient. The problem, however, is they get lost in “how” efficiency tools work rather than “what” they can do with the tool. I’m always searching for information that helps me translate information for others. If I can’t find that information on something complex, I love creating the parallel for those who lean on me for this information.
What is the biggest trend you see developing in real estate right now – tech or otherwise?
Social couponing. Location-based social media has opened the door for this amazing new potential. If the social couponing services can get their act together, I’m confident it will GREATLY enrich what we do already. Side note, attention deficient disorder moment: Notice, I emphasize the word “enrich.” We use the word “change” too much. Technology enriches our lives, which is another level of change. I don’t want technology to change my real life. I love my life. I just want it to help enrich what I already have.
Finally, which do you like best – iPhone; Android; WindowsMobile; Blackberry; Other? Why?
My first smarphone was a Treo. From there, I migrated to a Blackberry. Now, I use an iPhone daily. I also have the HTC EVO Android which I have learned and am comfortable using. I keep that one because almost all agents I know at all age levels are moving to either iPhone or Android platform phones. I get so many questions, I have to know both. Using and knowing both iPhone and Android, the iPhone is on an entirely superior level.
~~~ Stay tuned to this blog as we spotlight Brad Nix, Mark Flavin, and Ben Martin individually over the next few weeks.~~~~
Congratulations Brian! Very well deserved and thank you for all you do for all of us.
Brian, I’ve loving my Galaxy 5 Andriod, but the battery life is awful. Is the iPhone better on that point? What other features make you choose the iPhone?