Business as usual is no longer business as usual. Things have changed and a lot of it has to do with the smartphone. According to mobiThinking, there are over one billion smartphones in use around the world. This means there are even more apps in the Play Store and the App Store and on these one billion devices. For entrepreneurs and business owners, business has become more mobile and more fast. Entrepreneurs use apps to accept payments, scan business cards and more.
Rescue a CEO asked some entrepreneurs what phone apps they use that are best for their business.
#1 – Networkd
We’re loving the newly launched mobile Bluetooth professional networking app called Networkd, which makes IRL connections for people looking for networking opportunities. The way that people currently network at both small and large events is a disaster. I've attended hundreds of events all over the world and no one knows who's who. As a speaker, you have no idea who is in the audience. As an attendee, you have no idea who is sitting next to you and the networking opportunities are never that fruitful. Networkd allows attendees to make real life connections at events when someone within their interest (whether it be an investor, a developer or simply just for a networking opportunity) is within Bluetooth radius (30 feet). It’s like LinkedIn but in the real world.
Thanks to Lori Cheek, Cheekd!
App: Networkd
#2 – Evernote
My favorite productivity app is Evernote. It's the ultimate for jotting down moments that inspire without forgetting about it later, which I feel often happens if I write something quickly into my iPhone's notes section. If I'm out and about and see something that sparks a lightbulb moment within me, I'll make the note in Evernote and know that it will be accessible – and impossible to forget! – whether I'm on my phone, tablet, or laptop.
Thanks to Deborah Sweeney, MyCorporation.com!
App: Evernote
#3 – Slack
We have discovered an app called SLACK. I am in love with this app because it cuts down on emails, allows you to share real time docs, images, videos and allows you to search by topic (if needed) to locate conversations and files.
Thanks to Teana McDonald, 3E Connections!
App: Slack
#4 – Canva
My favorite phone app for my business is Canva. It is the perfect design tool to create social media graphics, e-books, and other creative assets effectively and quickly while on the go. Most of the graphics on my site Clever Me were created in Canva.
Thanks to Jennifer Frye, Clever Me !
App: Canva
#5 – Weebly App
My favorite app on my phone is actually the Weebly app. My website is hosted through Weebly, so this allows me to make changes, update HTML, write posts, etc. on the go. I do a lot of traveling, so when things come up I don't always have access to a laptop or desktop, and the mobile version of Weebly is pretty clunky. It's nice having something streamlined that will allow me to quickly and easily make changes.
Thanks to James Pollard, TheAdvisorCoach.com!
App: Weebly
#6 – Asana
My favorite phone app for my growing business is Asana. Asana is a web and mobile application designed to help teams track their work. Asana works as a live cloud based to-do list. If you are a successful entrepreneur like myself and are bombarded with emails Asana is a fantastic way to manage all those emails. You can forward emails to your own Asana or to your teams Asana account. With Asana, I can turn my overwhelming email into an income generator. I can send tasks to my employees by simply emailing their Asana account. Once the project is completed I receive an update on my iPhone. Asana has been a lifesaver because I can make sure all projects are completed timely for my clients and my employees have a current list of all outstanding items to work on. The app lets me prioritize projects as well as add notes and attachments. Another great aspect of Asana is that you can forward emails directly to your Asana. The best part is that the App is free.
Thanks to Shayne Neuwirth, Shayne R. Neuwirth CPA!
App: Asana
#7 – MileIQ
MileIQ – easiest way to track Biz Miles! As a small business owner I wear a lot of hats so when I decided I needed help tracking my business miles in my car I looked for some help. I found the App MileIQ it is easy to use and helps me track important data for tax and income purposes and it was something I was previously ignoring.
Thanks to Ethan Herber, Eh! Advertising!
App: MileIQ
#8 – Homebase
As an owner, it’s nice to be able to check on my restaurant even when I am not there. Through the Homebase mobile app, I get up-to-the-minute updates, seeing who has clocked in, and ensuring that all my shifts are covered.
Thanks to Marko Sotto, Barzotto!
App: Homebase
#9 – Todoist
Todoist is my go-to business app. It is a clean, non-distracting to do list that manages tasks. Through it, I can add things to my own task list, or to teams' lists or individual employee's lists. It is an easy way to keep track of the progression of tasks and projects, and we all appreciate the satisfaction of being able to cross things off our lists. It is far simpler to remember responsibilities that need to be completed once they are entered into Todoist.
Thanks to Fiyyaz Pirani, Medology.com!
App: Todoist
#10 – Receipt Bank
As the CEO of a DIY app builder company, I’m sure you can imagine that I eat, breathe and sleep apps. So it’s tough for me to pinpoint one app I use for our business that I can consider to be my ‘favourite’. However, I’ll give it a shot! For me – apps are about making life easier, whether that’s business, finding a place to eat or even something like paying for parking. When I think about it like that, the app that makes things easiest for me is probably receipt bank. It makes expenses a lot easier, as you can easily scan receipts and the app takes care of the rest of it. Rather than keeping a wad of receipts in my wallet (which inevitably get lost or damaged) I can just snap a picture and no longer worry about it. It’s made life easier for me, and it definitely has made life easier for our accounts team!
Thanks to Ian Naylor, App Institute!
App: Receipt Bank
#11 – Evernote
Evernote is hands down my favorite business app. I use it to save web articles, screenshots, audio recordings, checklists and photos that are useful to my business. I add notes to each piece of information I save as well as calendar reminders. The info I save is organized into folders and is searchable, allowing me to find what I need, fast. Plus, everything syncs to my phone and desktop. Evernote allows me to run my business more efficiently and effectively by helping me keep track of everything that's on my mind.
Thanks to Liat Tzoubari, Sevensmith!
App: Evernote
#12 – Mention
Mention is my favorite phone app for my business. Having the ability to get instant updates of when people are talking about your company, brand or service is really helpful in keeping a pulse on things and being super reactive to the needs of your clients.
Thanks to Jesse Lakes, Geniuslink!
App: Mention
#13 – Freshbooks
FreshBooks is a great app for small business owners who want to keep track of the accounting end and financials of their operation while on the go. It allows you to manage your invoices, it has an automatic billing feature, and you can take payments with your smartphone as well. You can manage business expenses and create a variety of reports as well. Pricing starts at just $12.95 per month and it has a free trial as well.
Thanks to Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers!
App: Freshbooks
#14 – Fiverr & My App
I am Sophia Casey, an international award-winning inspirational speaker, corporate trainer and executive coach. My favorite apps are my own, the Sophia Casey app and Fiverr. I love my app because besides offering inspiration, actionable steps to take to have a life that you desire, stress relieving tips, and access to my radio show, it gives me the opportunity to stay connected with my audience. I love the Fiverr app because it allows me to quickly tap into virtual assistance, graphic artists, and writers to get quick just-in-time support. As a small business owner, it is extremely helpful to get it quick, quality, low-cost support.
Thanks to Sophia Casey, Sophia Casey Enterprises, LLC
App: Sophia Casey App & Fiverr!
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