Written By TheCubicleChick.com Contributor, MsPrina
By now, you may have discovered that there is a mobile app for everything. It seems like a new one is created everyday to make your life easier. In this day and age, you can turn your side hustle into a full time cash cow and more and more entrepreneurs are starting businesses and managing them on the go. In order to keep track of all of your business needs, help may be needed via technology. Here is a list of 6 essential apps that can take your small business out of the dark ages and into Generation Z. This list is compiled from business blogs and app store reviews.
1. Evernote
This is probably the most talked about app in the business world. It is a note-taking tool that can be used to collect business cards from events or conventions. Use your camera to directly add notes and it can directly record audio. It has a desktop application, as well as a browser plugin, that allows you to access notes you may have written on a home PC.
2. Intuit GoPayment
You want to make money right? So after you have all your connections and ideas together, you need to create payment options. When I stayed in New York a couple years ago, I hated that street vendors only took cash. You will get double the traffic, if customers don’t have to find an ATM. The app and the swipe plug-in are free. Your customers can sign for the receipt on screen and have it emailed to them.
3. Genius Scan
This is a scanner in your pocket. Every office across the US has a copier room. You can quickly scan documents and send them through email or fax as PDF files. You can also upload it to Evernote, Drop Box or any other type of cloud service already on your phone. This comes in handy when you need to keep important tax documents or business pamphlets in order.
4. Google Voice
With Google Voice, you will receive a unique number, therefore you don’t have to have your personal cell phone number public. You get visual voice-mail, voice-mail-to-text service, free conference calls and more.
5. Drop Box
This app is essential simply because it is a backup system. It’s like having a server for your files. Accidents happen, phones get lost and computers catch viruses, at least you will not have to worry about all your important documents and pictures being erased. Drop Box is a cloud service that stores everything for you.
6. Contxt
This app is your electronic business card. Save a tree and send a text message instead. Beam your contact info directly to a recipients phone or you can choose your own “company name” and set up a message that says anything you want. This one is my favorite I use it just for fun. Ex: Text “PRINA” to the number “50500″.
All these apps are available on all mobile platforms. Now, of course you can’t run your whole business on these six apps. But they can help you run an efficient and effective business. Paired with social media pages and a website, there is no limit to your success.
What mobile applications do you use to help you run your business?
I have heard so many great things about Drop Box and Goggle Voice — I’m definitely going to have to give those 2 a try.