How Mobile Apps Can Help Streamline Your Business
Nowadays, there’s practically an app for everything – including apps for running a small business. And more and more people are using them. Research by Google’s Our Mobile Planet indicates that most people have at least 25 apps on their mobile devices.
These apps, however, shouldn’t be restricted to the latest games or music stations. Small business owners can take advantage of apps that help them stay connected to customers, control finances or even get tasks done on the go.
1. OfficeTime: OfficeTime is an app that helps businesses track billable hours and manage project budgets as well as view cross-team reports. Reports can be exported to spreadsheets, which can be shared with the customer or internal team members. Invoices can also be sent from this app.
2. Uber: For small business owners constantly on the go, finding a cab in a busy city may be a challenge. With Uber, someone can request a ride and pay directly from the app. It gives approximate wait times, and also allows users to rate drivers.
3. QuickBooks: QuickBooks is still the most-used small business accounting software, and the app lets users view their accounts on the go. Businesses can use the app to both create and send estimates to their clients.
4. Dropbox: This mobile app offers both free and premium storage options. The main advantage of an online, cloud storage system is that businesses can access files no matter where a particular person is located.
5. Waze: For those who can’t afford to be late to their next meeting, Waze is a must-download. Waze is similar to Google Maps and other routing apps, but it uses its community to provide real-time traffic and road alerts. Then, it routes the driver around these congestion points.
6. Evernote: Since its release a few years back, Evernote has become a favorite amongst business users. This handy app allows users to perform a number of tasks ranging from writing down notes, saving audio files or web clips, and sharing ideas with other people.
7. Google Drive: Many businesses have come to realize the benefits of Google Docs, Gmail and other Google products. The Google Drive app lets users access their documents from any mobile or tablet device.
8. WebEx: Sometimes simple conference calls aren’t enough. People may need to share files with the rest of the group or give presentations. WebEx is a free video conferencing software program that allows users to schedule, host and attend meetings from nearly anywhere in the world.
9. Desk.com: Good customer support is a business must – even if the business owner isn’t in the office. Desk.com provides a platform to view and communicate with customers. It sends alerts when customers need support. Plus, users can speak with their customers via a variety of platforms, including via chats, social media or even phone.
Apps help businesses stay connected with required tasks, customers and even employees and contractors. Using the above apps can assist with keeping the business on track and growing.
Sound off about your favorite mobile apps in the comments!
