Gemini 101: Getting Started with Your New AI Assistant

Krunal Patel from Suitebriar, our Google Workspace Premier Partner, joined us to equip Redwood with the essential skills to use Gemini across its ecosystem, focusing on the highest-impact features for immediate productivity gains in real estate.

Gemini offers three powerful tools to enhance your productivity: Integrated within Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Docs for high-speed tasks; the Conversational Gemini App (gemini.google.com) for creative content and general problem-solving; and NotebookLM for specialized, expert knowledge management based exclusively on your own private documents.

High-Speed Productivity in Google Workspace

In Gmail, use the "Help me write" feature to instantly draft professional emails, such as following up with a client after a property showing.

In Google Docs, highlight text and use the "Refine" feature to instantly adjust the tone - for example, by choosing "Formalize" or "Shorten" a property description.

The universal Gemini Side Bar acts as your command center; in Google Drive, you can use it to ask, "Find the market analysis from last quarter" and then "Summarize this document for me," all without opening the file.

In Sheets, utilize "Help me organize" to create structured tables, like a lead tracking sheet, from a simple text prompt.

Finally, in Slides, you can use the built-in image generator to create relevant visuals, such as a "professional headshot of a real estate agent in a modern office setting," to quickly finalize your presentations.

The Gemini App & Creative Content

Remember the core principle: Better Prompts = Better Results, meaning context is key. Rather than a simple instruction, provide Gemini with a role and specific details—for example, "Act as a marketing expert for c21redwood.com. Generate 3 engaging social media post captions for a new listing at [address]. Highlight its open-concept kitchen, backyard, and proximity to local parks. Include relevant hashtags."

For recurring tasks, create Gems, which are personalized versions of Gemini. You can build a Gem like the "Tenant Escalation Manager" to consistently handle maintenance and damage issues with a standardized, professional approach.

NotebookLM: Become an Instant Expert

NotebookLM is the most powerful tool for leveraging your internal knowledge. This AI only uses the documents you provide, ensuring accuracy and relevance from your own data. To use it, create a Notebook (e.g., "Pine Valley Neighborhood"), upload your relevant sources (market reports, sales lists, school district guides), and then ask source-based questions. For instance, you could ask, "Generate a bulleted list of the top 5 selling points for this neighborhood using only the information I've provided." NotebookLM will instantly produce a perfectly summarized, source-verified list, turning your documents into instant, shareable expertise for clients.