6 Awesome Phone Apps That Will Change the Way You Do Business
I remember the first time I saw a smartphone in person. I was in high school and a friend of mine had just bought the very first iPhone. I definitely was NOT what you'd call an early adopter. I remember thinking there was no way this whole "smartphone fad" would catch on.
But, I'm happy to admit – just like Steve Harvey announcing the Miss Universe winner – I was very wrong. Today, people can do just about anything from that little pocket computer, including run a more efficient and professional business.
I'm going to give you a glimpse behind the curtain to see some of the apps I rely on everyday to keep things running as smoothly as possible.
1. Google Voice
Free Business Phone Service:
If you want an affordable way to keep your business and personal calls separate, this is it. It's a business phone built into your personal phone with all the bells and whistles you need – for FREE.
WHY IT'S AWESOME: Make calls and send texts with your custom business number. Set up a custom business voicemail message. Have your voicemails transcribed and emailed to you. And, if that's not enough, if you have a personal number from out of town, choose a Google Voice number with your local area code to help people see you as a local business. All kinds of wins there!
2. CamCard
Business Card Database:
Time for some transparency – for the longest time, I kept all the business cards I received from countless networking events and various meetings in a mug on my desk. I mean, it's a large mug, but when they started to pile all over my desk, I knew I had to find another option.
WHY IT'S AWESOME: Scan any business card with your phone's camera and it automatically fills in the fields and saves it in a searchable database that's aways with you. Be sure to double check the fields, because depending on the card, it might miss something. But, even with the occasional typo, it sure beats my mug-filing method.
3. MileIQ
Milage Tracking:
There are countless ways for a business owner to save money on taxes. Milage deductions are by far one of the easiest and often one of the most neglected.
WHY IT'S AWESOME: Automatically record every trip you take. It's set up so you can easily designate which ones were for business and which were personal. You can also save notes about the trips to remember who you met with or what it was for. And, if saving hundreds on your taxes isn’t enough, keep in mind that your CPA will love you.
4. Google My Business
I know, I know. Number four and we already have TWO Google apps?! Yes.
WHY IT'S AWESOME: Post upcoming events, sales and workshops to your Google business page. Easily check in on your business' insights and analytics. Read and respond to your customer's Google review instantly. Quickly update holiday hours and add photos of your business or products.
5. Square
Credit/Debit Card Processing:
If your business takes any in-person sales, you need some form of credit card reader. Regardless of which option you choose, there will be some kind of fees associated with this (typically around 3%), but requiring cash will guarantee you occasionally miss out on sales.
WHY IT'S AWESOME: Take a payment anywhere on your phone, even if you don't have phone service. Square will send you a free card reader to swipe cards or you can purchase a NFC reader for chip cards. You can also set up common products in your account for quicker transactions. I mean, it's almost 2018 people, time to embrace the 21st century.
6. Hootsuite
Social Media Management:
Regardless of the type of business you're in, odds are some kind of social media presence is a good idea. It gets you in front of your audience and allows you to listen to what they want so you can engage and build your following.
WHY IT'S AWESOME: Schedule your social media posts all at once and long in advance for tons of different platforms. Connect as many accounts as you need (or up to 3 for the free plan). And my favorite – write one post and send it out through every avenue in just one click.