In days gone by, a business would require a whole heap of different equipment for its successful running. These days, you can do a huge percentage of your regular business activities using just your smartphone. However, if this a realistic plan that you are going to put into action, you need to make sure that you are using your phone as efficiently and as effectively as possible. With this in mind, here are some of the things that you need to do in order to run a business using your smartphone.
Use a Separate Work Phone
First and foremost, you should separate your work and personal lives by using different smartphones for the two activities. This way, you can make a clear distinction between your free time and your working time. Otherwise, you could end up getting a videocall from your Mum right at the moment you are about to send an email confirming a successful pitch! While work and home lives are more blurred than ever before, you still want to make the distinction in any way that you can.
Make Sure That Your Phone is Secure
While most people fully protect their desktop computer, a lot fewer think about mobile security. However, if you are trying to run a business from your smartphone, there is every chance that hackers are going to access your files from here as well. So, you need to think about all the regular features that you would need such as a firewall and antivirus software. Also, install all of the regular updates that your phone tells you to as these offer new features, as well as an enhanced level of protection. You should also use all of the physical security systems that your phone wants you to put in place such as fingerprint and face scanning tech. In case it should get lost, it is always going to be useful to have a ‘find my phone’ program installed on your device. At the same time, you also want to use cloud-based storage systems. This way, you are able to access your files from any device, and you also know that they are going to be there waiting for you should your phone ever suffer a serious fault.
Download a Range of Working Apps
There are plenty of apps that are designed solely for working use. Just think of the range that you get from Office 365 or G Suite. These operate at a much speedier rate than their desktop counterparts, and you can certainly save yourself some valuable time here. Also, you should think about the apps that you can use in a collaborative manner as well. Try to stick to just work apps on your smartphone and avoid anything that is going to consume time such as social media programs.
Use the Full Range of Features on Your Phone
Many people own a smartphone but do not really use it to its full potential. Make sure that you reverse this trend by learning the full range of features on your smartphone and putting them into practice as and when you need them. Not only this, but you should also arrange everything in a way that works well for you. Put the apps together than make sense. You can also get other upgrades that can help you to work such as a Bluetooth keyboard, headphones, a smartphone stand, etc.
Use Voice Technology
In days gone by, voice technology would be more of a hinderance than a help when it comes to using your phone for work purposes. However, it has advanced a lot in the intervening years. Not only can you use it for making calls and searching on search engines, but you could even use it to dictate emails. This can make your life a lot easier when you are in the middle of other tasks. You can also use the voice-activated system as a virtual assistant, allowing you to set reminders on your phone and manage your full calendar of events.
Keep Boundaries
When you are running a big percentage of your business activities through your phone, there is a big temptation to be tethered to it all of the time. However, you are better off setting some clear boundaries for yourself. You also want to have some time for rest too. Do not just switch from your work phone to your personal phone either. Everybody is better off with some time away from screens entirely in order to rest and recharge.
Running a business from your smartphone obviously comes along with a whole heap of challenges. However, these are some of the ways that you can make it an effective and successful endeavour, as well as one that presents you with a great deal of satisfaction.
