There’s an App For That…
As our working lives get busier and we are constantly on the move there is a greater need than ever for your mobile device to be able to support your working needs. We have taken a look at how an app can help business efficiency and picked our top 5 to keep you connected, on track and most importantly making money.
1. Dropbox – Free
Available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and desktop. This free app allows you to share documents, videos, photos and presentations easily wherever you are. Once you have accessed your files you can save them to your Dropbox from your computer, iPhone, iPad and the Dropbox website. As with the desktop version this service is free for the first 2GB of space. The great thing we think about this app is that everything is saved on Dropbox, so if you lose your phone or laptop, everything is saved on its website, so there is no need to worry about lost documents.
2. Basecamp – Free
This is a widely known project management tool – but did you know there was an app for this! Well there is and it’s a good one (as well as being free!). Available on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. If you are part of a Basecamp project (or multiple projects) Basecamp app is now listed right below your other Basecamp accounts, so you can keep connected all the time. This app allows you to check into projects from anywhere, and shows you the latest updates on each project. You can add your thoughts and post comments, as well as complete to dos and upload files.
3. LinkedIn – Free
When you are on the go it is often hard to stay in touch with that ever important network. In business contacts are everything so we recommend that you have the LinkedIn app on your phone. Again this is free and is really user friendly. The interface is designed with you in mind and how you use LinkedIn (smart!) so it allows you to access the information you need quickly and easily. The app allows you to do everything that the website does – stay connected with your network, read your feed, receive messages and updates as well as update your own profile if needed. Available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android and Blackberry.
4. Trello – Free
This app is an organisation app, not that dissimilar to Basecamp, but from our point of view it is a much better personal organisation app that allows you to keep on top of all the things you need to do. It is really simple to use and very flexible. Like Dropbox everything is backed up and saved to Trello.com meaning you will never have to worry about losing that all important list of actions. The online desktop version is great for when you are in the office, but the app gives you the flexibility to add and remove tasks whilst you are on the move. Available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android.
5. Intuit Pay – Free
If your business is one that isn’t office or shop based and is often out and about ‘on-site’ this app is for you. Intuit Pay allows you to accept credit cards on your mobile device and get paid instantly on the spot. You can also text or email yourself a receipt so you can keep up to date with all your records. The app is free, but to be able to accept payments on the go you will also need to purchase the Chip & PIN reader which costs £49 ex VAT. The app is available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android.