Can you live without your phone? According to a smartphone addiction report from Bank my Cell, the average smartphone user checks their phone 47 times a day. The report goes on to state that 80% of users check their phone within one hour of going to sleep or waking up, too.
We’re not here to discuss whether or not smartphones are too popular or too addictive. Instead, we’re here to answer a simple question: can you use your smartphone addiction to run your business?
For many small business owners, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s how you can stay connected to your business using your smartphone.
1) Get a separate phone
While you might not check your business phone as often as you check your personal device, you shouldn’t take risks for convenience’s sake. If you store business information on your personal smartphone, your chance of data leakage, hacking, or losing valuable information goes up dramatically.
Instead, designating a “work” smartphone can help you manage your business better. By only installing productivity apps and retaining necessary data, you don’t have to worry about your business information being compromised. As an added bonus, your work smartphone will most likely run more efficiently — as it doesn’t have to process your favorite games.
2) Look for apps with cross-functionality
Mobile usage has become an important topic in software development. There are many apps that pride themselves on running on desktop, tablets, and smartphones. One prominent example is the team collaboration app, Asana. You can assign tasks and due dates to your team members with a few simple taps and swipes, from wherever you are.
ERP and WMS programs have also hopped aboard the mobile usage train. When you’re purchasing an ERP or WMS, ask your contact whether or not you can have dashboards and reports integrated with your smartphone. If so, you’ll be able to check pertinent data on your company with an app.
3) Use voice technology
Do you find it difficult to type on a smartphone? With crammed keyboards, you may find yourself making spelling slipups. One way business owners skip the tedium of typing is by using voice programs. Most people can speak faster than they can type, and as voice technology involves, there are fewer transcription mistakes.
Using the integrated voice function with your smartphone, whether it’s Siri or Google, can help you spend less time looking at your device — and more time working on what matters.
Vodigy Networks helps small businesses use technology to step into the future. If you need help maximizing your digital assets, contact us today!
