A Smart Phone The Answer to Work/Life Balance?
A recent survey from Staples found small business owners spent 60 percent more time holding their mobile devices than holding the hand of a significant other. Yes, smart phones really have allowed work to invade every minute of our day. But that’s not all bad. Actually for small businesses who are embracing the new technology, it is bringing more balance to their lives.
Smart phones are basically small computers, and they are changing the way many small businesses do business today. A smart phone can do virtually anything your computer can do. Of course, for those of us over a certain age, reading glasses are necessary, but nonetheless the capability is there.
In my opinion, the smart phone is the new virtual office. It allows you to easily stay connected and do business from anywhere. So if you want to duck out of the office to head over to your child’s soccer game, you can do it. It is the ultimate multitasking tool.
If you aren’t up to speed with everything that phone in your hand can do, let me hit some of the highlights. All of these options can help you run your business smarter, better and faster.
Bookkeeping. There are applications which allow businesses to use their smart phone to track income and expenses and sync everything in real time with their accounting software programs. This increases your productivity and accuracy. Because I travel a lot, I use it for keeping track of expenses on the road. As a result, I don’t forget to write things down or submit expense reports. Without a doubt, it has saved me a significant amount of money.
Credit card processing. Applications are now available which allow small businesses to accept credit card payments through their smart phones. It is a quicker and easier way of payment processing.
Inventory & Time Management Real time inventory management tools provide a method for small businesses to track their inventory much like a large company -- leveling the playing field. For service companies that bill by the hour, there are time tracking tools which means no more paper time sheets.
Marketing More companies are using mobile text messaging for marketing. Incorporating text numbers into television, radio or print ads makes it easier for customers to make quick purchases. And let’s not forget social media. The smart phone allows you to manage all you social media which enhances productivity. Facebook says more than 200 million users access through their mobile devices. What's more, those who use Facebook on the go are "twice as active on Facebook than non-mobile users. Personally, I manage everything from my phone so when people say they don't have time to utilize this marketing tool -- I simply direct them to their smart phone.
Could the smart phone be the answer to the work/life balance? It certainly helps when you can hold your entire business in your hand. Bottom line - As a small business owner, consider investing time in educating yourself about the mobile applications that can help you grow your business.
