January 24, 2010 10:31 AM PST
I was given a GPS for Christmas. I thought it was a cute but silly gift because I usually know how to get from point A to point B without a map! But I have to tell you, this thing really comes in handy. Not just for finding those few places that you are not really sure how to get to, but as a great REMINDER. When I leave a location I tap “favorites” and wha-la I usually see a number of clients listed that are within a mile or two. I tend to call ahead and ask if the owner/manager is in, if they say "yes," I say thanks and drive over. Granted this works best for those who are cool about just checking in with your advertisers, as opposed to “appointment selling.”
Hard to explain why, but this device gives me a new perspective on where to drive to next. Give it a try!
January 25, 2010 1:28 PM PST
I'm not using a GPS yet but I have used a "Google Maps" application on my older model Palm Treo with data access. Not as easy as punching up presets but it does recall maybe 20 recent locations so you don't have to keep re-typing locations.
Sounds like the GPS could become an essential tool for all outside sales folks.
Thanks for posting, Fran.
John Hingsbergen
Oldies 1480, WDJO (still legally WCIN for a little while)
Cincinnati
February 16, 2010 7:22 AM PST
I usually use a combination of my iPhone and GPS. Recently, I was on the road in a new area. While I was there, I remembered there was a client that I wanted to stop in on and drop off some information since I was nearby. I called my contact at another one of this businesses locations and asked him the location of the decision maker. He told me which location. I searched for the address on my iPhone and then plugged the address in the GPS unit. Made it much easier than asking my contact on the phone exactly where it was and how to get there from where I was -- especially since I was in an unfamiliar area.
Technology has made outside sales so much easier!
