With faster speeds, robust gadgets, and more work being done online, working from smartphones has become a reality for many organizations. From software applications to the latest hardware and networking advances, professionals can now operate their businesses remotely and on the go. When used correctly, mobile phones can help any business owner and aspiring entrepreneurs continue running their operations whenever—and wherever.
With that in mind, here are proven tips that can help you run your business through smartphones.
Set Communication Guidelines
No device can top smartphones when it comes to managing communication lines within an organization or business. After all, mobile phones let you instantly reach your contact lists and get access to conventional calling, text messaging, and sending emails, and social media communications. All these allow business owners and entrepreneurs to communicate with individuals within their company, existing clients, and potential customers from anywhere at any time.
This flexibility in communications enhances a business owner’s or entrepreneur’s ability to lead their team members, manage problems customers may have, and introduce potential consumers to products or services with ease. However, keep in mind to outline policies for contacting you, so you don’t get overwhelmed by different communication channels. For an ad agency operating in any city, you can use Slack for quick and efficient communication. This will help you plan all of your marketing campaigns and get quick updates from all your team members for free.
Ask For a Separate Work Phone
Separating your personal and ‘work’ devices can help you keep priorities in line while negating several security concerns caused by accessing business information on a personal smartphone—and vice versa. Plus, having different phones can reduce distractions, keeping ‘personal’ applications and calls away when you’re working.
So, though most people would choose to have a single phone for professional and personal use, it can lead to too many distractions and security risks. That’s why it’s best to stay proactive and have separate devices for your different priorities.
Download Mobile Apps
There are numerous ‘office staples’ with mobile versions of their applications, including Google G-Suite and Office 365, alongside collaboration apps like Zoom and Slack. Their mobile-friendly options enable you to work and communicate on the go while seeing the changes in their desktop counterparts. These apps let you stay on track with your operations from both your phones and computers.
Take Advantage of Apps
Several apps can help business owners and entrepreneurs perform tasks needed to be accomplished when running a business. These are often available for everyday management tasks such as tracking your income and expenses or writing business plans when you’re first getting started. Additionally, project management apps can help users carry new aspects of their business through each stage, beginning from a simple idea to a finished product.
Business owners and entrepreneurs may even build an app specifically created for their needs or address common issues within the company, adding value to clients and workers.
Keep Setup Simple
Several productivity apps offer different ways to improve workflow. However, it’s wise to keep your phone’s setup simple and straightforward, know what you need and refrain from downloading more than that. Although most executives want to install plenty of mobile apps to solve different issues, doing this can make working on your phone challenging and downright confusing. That’s why it’s best to keep it to a minimum. After all, fewer apps mean fewer distractions and more space for essential information.
Know Your Boundaries — And Don’t Go Over Them
Although smartphones make it easier for business owners and entrepreneurs to contact their teams and customers, they can also make it easier to overload the user. That’s why it’s best to know your boundaries and know when to turn off your phone to maintain an excellent work-life balance. Additionally, keep in mind that it’s all right to take phone breaks when working. That’s because continuously working can cause burnout, decreasing productivity and overall energy.
Be Secure
Finally, to ensure you run operations safely and securely, make sure to incorporate all the different security features that most smartphones today and see what works best for you. These include multi-factor authentication that lets you confirm your log-ins through mobile phone confirmation, simple anti-virus software, and regularly updating your smartphones. It’s best if you avoid the crossover between personal and work account devices. Plus, always be wary of storing sensitive customer or business information on these devices.
Thanks to technological advancements, mobile app technology has grown so advanced that solo entrepreneurs and small business owners can run most of their operations through their phones—and the tips mentioned can help you get the most out of it.