small business
Tablet
tools
Apps that turn
your tablet into an
effective business tool
By Andrew Don
SINCE THE IPAD hit the market in 2010, tablet computers have become an essential business tool for those
on the go. Freelance writer and Connection
contributor Andrew Don, a recent tablet convert, recommends
some of his favorite business apps, most of which are
free and available for Android-powered tablets and
phones and Apple devices except where noted.
MEDIABAKERY
Powered Now is designed for field-based
companies. It enables you to manage jobs
from start to finish. Powered Now’s mobile
database manages jobs, quotes, invoices and payments. Individual jobs, customer details, correspondence, notes, photographs, quotes, worksheets and
invoices are stored and created in one place. The app
enables you to send customizable invoices by text,
email or hybrid mail, a service through which the
app posts and prints invoices for you. (Available for
iPad only.)
Ignition makes it possible for you to
access your office machines remotely. It
works with LogMeIn software on your
office computers. This app is invaluable if you ever
need access to any of your programs and data, and
it enables you to troubleshoot other devices from
your tablet. (You must pay for this app.)
Can the
spam
mPowa enables you to process credit- and
debit-card transactions directly into your
existing merchant account when you’re on
the go. It features a dashboard that enables you to
view and download transactions and manage your
merchant account. You can also send receipts via
email and by text, and the app’s creators sell a
Bluetooth reader to swipe cards or to accept chip-and-PIN payments.
CloudOn provides you with a full version of
Microsoft Office programs that operates
like a virtual Windows environment. It features Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and it integrates
with cloud storage services so you can access documents stored on Dropbox, Box or Google Drive.
Mint helps you keep track of your finances
so you can see where you are spending and
where you can save. Log details from your
bank account, credit card and loans, and the app
will help you achieve financial goals that you set.
Evernote is a cloud-based service that enables you to store notes, audio, photos and
useful Web pages in subject-named “
notebooks.” It is superb for organizing your thoughts,
ideas and research. It syncs across most mobile
devices and computers, and it is searchable.
Remember the Milk is a great memory
tool that helps you list, organize and pri-oritize your jobs and sync them with an
online platform so that, wherever you are and whatever device you are using, you have your to-do list.
Dropbox allows you to access files you
need when away from the office. Drag and
drop or save a file to a folder that will be
instantly available across all machines on which the
service has been installed. You can set up shared
folders that only you and chosen colleagues or clients can access. Because info on this app is stored in
the cloud, you can have peace of mind about lost or
damaged backup media.
Zoho CRM gives you access to Web-stored
customer information and enables you to
manage sales, marketing, customer support and inventory activities. You can view, create,
edit and delete records, which will be automatically
synced to the Web. Its search function provides both
online and offline access and the ability to call contacts directly from within the app and log the calls.
To find out more and download the featured
apps, visit the iTunes app store for iPads and
iPhones, or Google Play for Android devices. C
The Costco Connection
You’ll find a selection of smartphones and tablet
computers at your local Costco warehouse and
online at Costco.com.
“SPAM” marketing sent to
clients who have not given
permission to receive it is
a constant and increasing
irritation.
Enter the Federal Trade
Commission’s Bureau of
Consumer Protection’s
( www.business.ftc.gov)
CAN-SPAM Act, a law that
sets the rules for commercial email, establishes
requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have a
business stop emailing
them and spells out tough
penalties for violations.
The CAN-SPAM Act
covers all commercial messages, which the law
defines as “any electronic
mail message the primary
purpose of which is the
commercial advertisement
or promotion of a commercial product or service,”
including email that promotes content on commercial websites. The law
makes no exception for
business-to-business email.
That means all email—for
example, a message to former customers announcing
a new product line—must
comply with the law.—AD
Andrew Don is a London-based business writer and
frequent contributor to The Costco Connection.