Distracted by your phone? You’re not alone. In fact, a recent study showed that employees waste an average of two hours per day on their phones. As summer winds down and your slow season may be coming to a close, now’s the time to turn your greatest distraction into your greatest tool for success! Here are seven ways you can use mobile technology to boost your productivity and run your business more efficiently.
- Access files from anywhere: If you store your business data and documents in the cloud, you can access information for your customers without having to be in the office, or even in the country. You can use your smartphone to access any data you need in minutes.
- Do research: Even when you don’t need to access your own files, you can find almost any information you need right from your mobile devices. Take advantage of “down” time. While waiting to meet with a client, you can research last-minute industry trends, see what the person has posted on social media that day, or check the local news for some talking points.
- Feedback and follow-up: Save time and answer customer and client questions more efficiently by checking email, social media and review sites while you’re on the go. Clients, customers and partners are used to fast, almost instant, responses, and staying connected makes sure you don’t disappoint. Customer service today has essentially become a 24/7 endeavor.
- Cash flow: We all know cash flow is vital to all small businesses. You can accept payments instantly, instead of waiting for checks to clear, by using your smartphone and tablets. Long-term, you won’t have to worry about making major upgrades to an outdated payment system. Mobile payment setups enable you to establish multiple payment points in your stores or offices.
- Cash control: Using your mobile phone can increase your efficiency, particularly when working on accounting tasks. By downloading mobile apps from your financial institution and your accounting software of choice, you’ll be able to monitor and manage your invoices and receivables and get real-time updates on your finances. You can even access payroll functions so you can stay on top of employee wages.
- Apps: If you need an app to help you be more productive, there’s one out there to solve whatever challenge you’re facing. (Actually, there are hundreds.) You can download apps that help you better manage your time, to check traffic, to send reminders for meetings, for travel, customer service management and much more. Before downloading any apps, be sure to check reviews to see what real users have to say about it.
- Staying connected: Mobile technology can help your employees stay in touch wherever they are—you can even have face-to-face meetings with them over your tablet or smartphone. Install project management software on everyone’s devices, so you collaborate on projects, assign tasks, view progress and sign off on any documents you need to.
Disclaimer: Fundbox and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
