We talk a lot about tech tools agents can use to grow their business. I won't lie--some of these solutions get pretty advanced. That's why we thought we'd turn the tables and look at the tech basics today.

We're taking our cue from a new video featuring Chris Smith, the founder of Curaytor and co-author of Peoplework. Smith shared his real estate expertise with the winners of HomeFinder.com's Agent Makeover Sweepstakes. The video below is a sampling of the advice he shared with the winning agents. In it, Smith recommends that agents master the following basics:

• Hardware selection
• Your calendar
• Email
• Your online reputation

Click through to the next page for details, helpful articles and app suggestions!

1. Mastering Hardware Selection

Choosing the right devices is the most important part of building a strong foundation for success. The last thing you want is a computer with all your vital data crashing and flatlining your productivity. That's why it's important to be mindful of the laptop, smartphone, tablet, and camera you choose. Here are a couple articles that can help you out:

• Five Requirements For Your Laptop
• 5 Keys to Choosing the Right Camera Equipment for Real Estate

2. Mastering Your Calendar

Ah, a real estate agent's calendar. It's your most important weapon for keeping chaos at bay. Many real estate solutions include calendars--and this is both a blessing and a curse. Working off of several different calendars opens you to the risk of missing important dates and fractures your attention. Instead, choose one calendar app and stick with it. Be sure it syncs to all of your devices, too.

If you're looking for one calendar app to rule them all, consider Tempo. It pulls information from your other apps, connecting important dates, contacts, and more in one place.

3. Mastering Your Inbox

Is your inbox out of control? If you're buried in email, that means it's time for some help. "You have to have a strategy that you apply to every single email," says Smith. "So an email should either be responded to, deleted, delegated, deferred so that everything you've ever had is still searchable, but it's not living in your inbox."

Smith recommends Boomerang to prevent being overwhelmed by email. The app lets you track messages and offers follow-up reminders.

For more on dealing with email, see the following articles:

• 4 Hacks For Using Gmail Like a Pro
• Inbox Tips and Tools for Real Estate Pros

4. Mastering Your Online Reputation

This one's the easiest of all. Smith says it best: "The best way to take care of your online reputation is to do a really great job for your clients." Focus on your customer service, and your reputation--both online and off--will take care of itself.

Don't be shy about asking a client to write a recommendation on Yelp, LinkedIn, property search portals, or any agent ratings platform you may use. Smith recommends letting clients know that online reviews are an important part of how you attract new buyers and sellers.

For more on this subject, see 7 Essential Tricks to Take Control of Your Online Reputation TODAY.

It's your turn! What other digital basics are vital to your business? Share your favorite tips, tricks, and apps in the comments section below.