Brokers who have been in the business for a very long time may find embracing the lightning speed with which technology is racing a challenge. You might be inclined to just do things the way you’ve always done them. “If it’s not broken, why fix it,” right?

Wrong. Well, mostly.

You probably don’t have to know all there is to know about every single gadget and app that’s out there. But, there are many that you really should know so as not to be surpassed by the younger generation. The way people are doing business these days is much different than in the past. You don’t want to get left in the dust!

Here are 5 must-haves for technology-shy brokers:

1. Smartphone
It may sound obvious but it’s still No. 1 on the list. If you have an old flip phone, that’s just not going to cut it anymore. A smartphone is almost like a personal assistant nowadays. You can set reminders, manage your calendar, check/respond to emails, take phone calls, go on the Internet, download countless applications to make your life easier—and so much more—all in the palm of your hand. In an instantaneous world, you really need a device that allows you to respond to clients immediately. That’s pretty much the expectation.

Bottom line: get out of your comfort zone, ditch the old phone and get a smartphone. If you go to your local cell carrier’s location, they often offer classes where you can learn the ins and outs of the phone.

2. Tablet
This is a worthwhile investment. Think about how long it takes to boot up your laptop. It can be very awkward during presentations and meetings—that lag time. Tablets start up right away, and are small and portable. You and your clients don’t have to huddle around a laptop; instead, you can pass the tablet around the table or hold it up for the group to see. This allows for much easier collaboration. Also, you're on the move; tablets are much more portable. 

You can do some research on which kind to get (Apple vs. Android or others). Read some online reviews, talk to colleagues and friends to find out their preferences and why. Purchasing a tablet and having it at meetings is an easy way for you to look more tech savvy to prospective clients.

3. Scanner
Want a way to get all that pesky paperwork off your desk once and for all? You can clean up your work space and be more organized by getting a document scanner. You can empty those office drawers full of receipts, get all of those business cards out of your wallet and toss those folders overflowing with invoices. With a scanner, you can take all your loose papers, scan them and compile all the documents into neat folders on your computer.

Scanners are simple to use and you really can’t put a price tag on technology that can help you rid your desk of needless clutter.

4. Portable projector
You can use your tablet for smaller meetings, but because you have larger ones, too, you might consider purchasing a portable projector. It’s a handheld device that’s perfect for presentations. It’s light and small enough to fit in your shirt pocket! The device works with smartphones, laptops and digital cameras to project images on any viewing space. You don’t even need a screen. Just find a blank wall and you can display clear images and video.

Talk about looking tech savvy!

5. Mobile WiFi hotspot
Now when you’re meeting a client, you don’t have to worry about whether the location has WiFi. This small device—known as a “hotspot”—is a wireless router that allows you to access the Internet wherever you go. You can move from the conference room to another office to a location outside the office and still access the Internet. The router also allows multiple devices to have access, making it easy for more than one person to hop online. Very convenient during meetings!

Mobile WiFi hotspots are available through most wireless carriers. Check it out!

Without a doubt, technological advancements, and the warp speed with which they change, can be overwhelming. But that's no reason not to embrace some of the helpful devices and applications that can make your life easier. Try some of these out and let us know what you think!