15 Tips to run your Small Business / Startup from your Smart-Phone

“With stronger compute power, Smart-Phones & Tablets are becoming a more adept enterprise tool. Here’s how to leverage the power of a Mobile device to keep your business running smoothly”

Startup Topics: separate Phones, simple Setup, Guidelines, Email, Voice Tech, Remote Desktop, Boundries, Security, Control Access, Protect it, Break it, Apps.

Advantages: With faster speeds, more powerful devices, and more work being done in the cloud, working from a Smart-Phone is now a reality for many businesses. HW, SW & NW advances allow professionals, including remote workers, founders and other business travelers, to stay in contact and get more done while on the go. But easy access can have a price. A Smart-Phone can also lead to distractions from games or social media, reducing productivity. Accessing work information on a personal phone can also cause security issues, and accessing personal accounts on a work phone can lead to the same problems. However, when utilized correctly, mobile phones can help professionals knock out work, especially smaller tasks, which could potentially boost productivity. Here are 15 tips from professionals for working from your Smart-Phone.

  1. Have a separate Work Phone. Separating personal &work into 2 phones or a Tablet, can negate security concerns caused by accessing company documents on personal devices, & vice versa. Two devices can also reduce distractions by keeping non-work Apps and personal calls away while you’re working. While many people have chosen to use a single phone for business & personal use, it opens the door for too many distractions, which you will have enough of anyway working on the go.
  2. Keep your Setup Simple. There are a slew of productivity Apps and others that offer ways to improve your workflow, but it is best to keep your phone simple. Know exactly what you need, and don’t download more than that (except for a Trial of one that may be useful) Most Founders want to install a variety of Apps to solve all their problems. Pick the ones that you will use the most. Fewer Apps also means fewer distractions, more storage space & fast speed.
  3. Set Communications Guidelines. Outline policies for contacting you so you don’t feel attacked from multiple communication channels.  Use Slack for non-urgent messages, Email for formal requests, Texts for quick responses, & live Calls for urgent issues.
  4. Link your Business Email to your phone. This can help you answer quick Emails during downtime, as well as keep your Inbox clear. I know it can be annoying at times, but having your Email keeps you present and on top of what’s going on in your business.
  5. Utilize Voice technology. Whether you have Siri or another Voice Assistant, use it to accomplish small tasks. For example, use VA to respond to emails.VA’s can also help pull numbers or complete other tasks – that may be easier on a Laptop – allowing you to continue working from your Smart-Phone without switching devices. You can also use them to set up reminders.
  6. Check out a Remote Desktop App. There’s bound to be a situation where you absolutely need access to a desktop. For those times, try a remote desktop App like LogMein. Having access to your desktop could help reduce the number of times you push something off simply because you are missing a file.
  7. Know your Boundaries. While Smart-Phones make it easier to stay in contact, they can also make it easier to overload yourself. Know when to turn off your work phone to maintain a good work-life balance. It’s OK to take phone breaks during the workday. Too much work could cause burnout, which may decrease your productivity. Resist the urge to check your Smart-Phone all the time. Give yourself time to think big-picture thoughts.
  8. Try out some additional Tools, which can help make it more comfortable to use a Smart-Phone, potentially making you more willing to perform certain tasks there instead of waiting to get back to the office.
  9. Keep Security in mind, when holding or accessing company information on it. Look up different security features, figure out what works best for you, then implement it on your device. Prevent crossover between personal & work accounts with 2 devices. Always be wary of storing sensitive information on a device.
  10. Use Passwords, not just for Apps, but for your phone itself, and make sure everyone in your Team – who uses a business App on their phone – also uses a password-protected device. Use harder-to-break passwords, simple to hack ones.
  11. Control Access:Make sure that you, as the Founder, controls who can access your data, and when an employee leaves, be sure to turn off their access.
  12. Protect your Devices:Since your business is now based on your phone, protect it. Keep an eye on it, and treat it carefully. You should get a Backup service, just in case.
  13. Turn it off:You’re never leaving the office if you’re carrying your business in your pocket. But you need down time. So set aside “device-free time”every day.
  14. Download Apps you can use across multi-Platforms. Several office programs have Smart-Phone versions of their Apps, including Office 365, G Suite, Slack, etc). The mobile-friendly options could allow you to work on the go and see the changes automatically reflected on desktop versions. When downloading Apps that you don’t already use, look for ones that have a desktop version so you can access notes or documents across platforms.
  15. Choose Reputable companies. With so many new Apps coming out, it’s possible the App you choose today could be gone tomorrow. Tend to go with providers who’ve been around for a long time. They’re more likely to both be there tomorrow and to have the resources for high-quality security.

14 useful App Categories

I’ve spent time checking out some of the most useful Apps for running your business on the go. Search for these at either the App Store or Google, download, and get to work wherever you go.

Comments: Do you know any other Advantages for running part of your Business from your Phone or Tablet?

from Tech Republic & USA Today. Enhanced 8/18 by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

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