Your smartphone has come a long way through the decades. It may even be possible to ditch your office landline and laptop entirely, and leverage the power of a mobile device to keep your business running smoothly. If you’re thinking of going down this path, you’re not alone, but there are a few considerations.
1. Document productivity
With wireless, email and Bluetooth, it’s easy enough to transfer documents to and from your phone, but what’s the best way to edit them?
Well-known business stalwarts including Office 365, and Google’s G Suite have mobile apps which let you work on the go.
If you’re after an iPhone editor you can also use to view documents on your Apple Watch, then Documents (Office Docs) is the best choice.
2. Engage with customers in a timely fashion
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. If you aren’t using them, start thinking about which will be the most useful platforms for engaging with your customers.
Management of social media becomes much easier with the right mobile tools. A logical choice is Facebook Pages Manager App, which allows you to manage up to 50 separate Facebook business pages from a smart device and keep your audience updated wherever you are.
Another great tool is Fastory, which helps you create branded content for Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook stories. Beyond images, Fastory also allows you to create nifty games, quizzes, videos and surveys.
Instant access to your social media profile on mobile, allows you to engage with customers, promote products or services and track feedback. A timely response to messages and queries can make a customer feel valued and help increase goodwill for your brand.
3. Collaborate, easily
While it’s tempting to install many apps to solve a variety of problems, this can sometimes make working from your phone difficult, distracting and reduce storage space. Keep in mind that you only want apps which make you more productive.
That’s where collaboration tools like Slack come in handy. Slack lets you send and receive information related to distinct projects all in one place. The big benefit is that you can share projects and information from within Slack with staff and outside contractors, to keep everyone on the same page.
There are also several Slack alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, Flock, or Fleep. Check a few out to see which offers the best features and workflow for your business.
4. Use voice technology
Most of us talk a lot faster than we type. That’s why using a mobile with Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, or another voice assistant, can accomplish tasks a lot quicker than typing away on a laptop.
Voice assistants are powerful hands-free computing tools, but many of us don’t take full advantage. Think about using voice commands to open apps, respond to emails, or type short documents. Use voice technology to send calls and messages to save time and be productive without touching a handset.
5. Be secure
Relying on a mobile device to conduct business means you’ll be holding or accessing sometimes sensitive company information on it. Security features vary depending on the operating system, so look at device security features, and see what offers the best protection for you.
Use a different phone for business and personal activity to prevent crossover between personal and work accounts and information. Reduce the storage of sensitive information where possible.
6. Get a landline number for your mobile
An important aspect of your mobile workflow to consider is getting a virtual national or local landline number that diverts calls straight to your mobile.
There are two aspects to think about.
If your business is based in a particular city, or if you have customers there, a 01/02 local number may be best. Customers ring your local landline number and the call is diverted to your mobile phone wherever you are. Your customer won’t know the difference
Or if you service nationally and want to give your business a professional look, then choosing a dedicated 0330 national telephone number may be your best option.
Choosing a landline number over a mobile one has many benefits, worth considering.
7. Try physical tools
Mobiles are great at many things, but typing quickly and accurately is not one of them.
If you’ll be frequently using your mobile to type and edit documents or emails, think about investing in a Bluetooth keyboard. They’re a simple, cost-effective and productive peripheral.
Additional tools such as Bluetooth speakers can also help make it more efficient to use a smartphone, making you more willing to perform certain tasks on your mobile instead of waiting to get back to the laptop.
8. Know when to switch off
While technology makes it easy to stay in contact with colleagues and customers, it can also lead to addiction and burnout. It’s important to know when your workday begins and ends to maintain a good work-life balance.
Many big companies are encouraging cut-off points where staff are no longer expected to check work emails and phone calls. You should also resist the urge to check your smartphone every second and take phone breaks during the workday. Too much phone checking can also decrease productivity and distract from big-picture items.
100% mobile?
The question is, has app technology advanced to where an entrepreneur can run 100% of their business on mobile? Increasingly, it’s becoming clear many do that.
Owners of small businesses and start-ups can not only easily run their businesses from a mobile device, but can actually benefit from doing so, making them the ideal candidates to go mobile-only.