It seems the tech world has been taken by an App Storm.
What’s an “app”? Think of it like a small piece of software, custom made for your smart phone or tablet device. Most of these uber-useful tools cost less than coffee for two at your local coffee shop. Many of these are “freemium” apps. What’s that? “Freemium” means you can start with their free version, and if you like it, you can upgrade to their paid version for more storage, features or both. Or, you can continue to use the free version.
So, what are some of the apps your business can’t possibly live without? Let’s go beyond the obvious email and note-taking apps (which I’ve discussed in the past), and on with mobile working. If you’re using apps, it’s likely on the go. Here’s a handful of my favorites, which I personally use or recommend regularly.
TimeTimer
I had heard about this little tool years ago, in the beginning of my career as a professional organizer. It was literally a clock you could buy, which has now become an app. There are a few ways you can use this, but basically your timer is a big red pie, which disappears as your time runs out.
How is this useful for business? Time your presentation, client appointment or coffee date. Still see red? You have time. Out of red? You’re out of time. Use this app, and see your productivity increase naturally.
TripCubby
We all have to keep track of mileage… or at least I hope you do. Gas is not going to get any less expensive, so take advantage of the tax benefits of tracking your mileage. TripCubby is a great looking tool, which is simple to use. Track more than one vehicle, log frequent trips and tag your entries. You can also email reports to yourself, a client or one of your staff members.
Why an app? Have you ever forgotten, misplaced or spilled coffee on your mileage tracker? Ok, then. You will likely keep your phone with you at all times, so keep your mileage in there.
Dropbox
Wouldn’t it be great to have a folder you could access anywhere, and share with people will? Wouldn’t it also be great if said folder worked like a regular folder on your computer, where you could drag and drop things into it?
Oh wait, someone has done that. Dropbox is free to start, and you can upgrade for more space and features. Once you sign up, a Dropbox folder is set up on your computer. Drag, drop and share to your heart’s content. Use the app on your smartphone, and have access to your stuff anywhere. How’s this useful for business? Ever worked on a project with a group of people and needed to share things without clogging up valuable inbox space? Give this a try!
Siri
Oh how I love a digital assistant, that understands words, and that can tell me what I need to know whenever I want. If you’ve read my other article on how to work productively from a coffee shop, you’ll know I frequent them. Between appointments, I’ll stop in and get a lil’ work done. What if you’re somewhere you’re not familiar with? Ask Siri, who uses advance voice recognition software to listen to your question and then give you information. You can also get weather updates, send out a Twitter status, find out a flight status or even set a reminder.
The possibilities are endless, and I think they are just getting started. It’s like having a digital assistant in your pocket (who doesn’t need a coffee break!). Ahh, digital assisted bliss.
HiTask
Tasks. We all have them. What if you want to remember to do something on a certain day, or wished to set a recurring task for yourself? There are lots of task apps out there, and this one is my favorite right now. I love the ability to track tasks by project, date and whatever else. It also seems small, but if I want to move a task to another day, I can simply drag and drop it to another date on the calendar (it’s the little things that make me happy.)
This app is as simple or as complex as you need it to be, and it may not matter to you, but it is also a gorgeous design. Hey, pretty and useful speaks to me. Oh, and it’s free or about the cost of a latte per month. Bring it on, task list!
If you liked this article, you may be interested in: 5 Must-Have Tech Tools for the Organized Entrepreneur (Part I) and (Part II)
