Can you run a business from your smartphone?

Working from a smartphone is now a reality, thanks to faster processing speeds, energy-efficient devices, and more and more business operations are being done in the cloud. Hardware upgrades, software innovations, and the evolution of networking infrastructure are allowing professionals, including remote workers and the moving business workforce, to stay constantly in touch and get things done more efficiently, even when they are on the go.

Just like any other modern-day technology this highly accessible technology also has a price. Smartphones are considered one of the leading causes of distractions due to the presence of games or social media apps, which can be a major barrier to productivity. On the security front accessing office information on a personal device or vice versa can also cause security risks.

Despite these negative sides, when utilized correctly, smartphones can help professionals work more efficiently, especially those smaller tasks, that could potentially boost productivity over time. Here we have compiled 7 tips from professionals who are already working from their smartphone:

1. Use a separate phone for office work

It is a good idea to separate personal and office tasks into two phones. That way you can neutralize security concerns like accessing company documents on your devices that might potentially be connected to an unsecured network or infected due to using public websites and apps, and vice versa. Two devices can also help with the organization by keeping non-work apps and personal calls away while you’re working.

2. Choose apps that can be used across platforms

Several essential business applications have smartphone versions of their apps, including Office 365, Google’s G Suite, and business process automation tools like CloudApper. These cross-platform apps allow you to work on the go and see the changes automatically reflected on desktop or web applications. It is even more useful when it comes to collaboration apps, it can keep you connected and available 24/7 and from any part of the world. . So, if you are planning to choose an application for your business, consider the ones that have both desktop and mobile versions, so that you can access notes or documents across platforms and devices.

3. Don’t get into too many applications

In any app marketplace, you will find so many different kinds of business apps that offer ways to improve your workflow and efficiency, but it is best to keep your choice limited to only a few good ones, that go well with your business process. It is also important to notice if these apps have data sharing or integration among themselves, that will make your work even easier. If you choose to go for separate apps for each of your problems, it will just make your life even more difficult and confusing. Try CloudApper, a no-code business app development platform, that lets you create custom applications as per your needs within a single platform and all the applications share data between them. CloudApper is also capable of integrating with most ERP solutions available in the market, which will make your work even easier and secure when you are on the field.

4. Set communication channels

Use different channels for different types of massages, so that you can prioritize and don’t feel overwhelmed by massages from multiple communication channels. That way you can set the frequency of checking or responding to different messages in a more organized way. For example, you can use Slack for non-urgent messages, email for official requests, texts for quick responses, and calls for the most important issues.

5. Utilize voice assistant

If you have Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa, use it to automate smaller tasks. For example, use voice dictation to respond to emails, set up meetings with your challenger, or look something up on the internet. The use of a voice assistant can save a lot of time and help you to do more from using your smartphone.

7. Use accessories and tools

Additional accessories and tools can help make it more beneficial to use a smartphone, potentially making it even easier for you to perform certain tasks without even touching your phone. For example, a smartwatch or Bluetooth earphone can help respond to calls or quickly respond to a text message.

While working from your smartphone certainly makes it easier to be more responsive and stay in contact, they can also overload you quite quickly. Know when to switch between web and mobile apps for looking up all the info required for proper decision making and turn off your work phone to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Thinking of adding some mobility to your business? Check out CloudApper, a no-code business app development platform that allows you to create a wide range of apps for your business processes. From facility management and maintenance to OSHA and HIPAA compliance management, fleet management to CRM or Salesforce management or employee monitoring, you can use predeveloped apps or create custom ones without any coding knowledge at all and run the business from a smartphone.