Did you know it is largely possible to run an entire business with little more than a smartphone? The very idea that this is possible would have been incomprehensible even a few years ago, but with the increased sophistication of smartphone technology and a vast field of applications designed to make all areas of business easier, it is now a reality.
Because modern entrepreneurs and business professionals rely so heavily on their phones, protection for these devices is essential. Items like iPhone 7S screen protectors and cases can mean the difference between having the ability to fulfill customer expectations and losing them to the competition. Here are just some of the examples of how the typical business person these days puts their smartphone through the ringer:
Visual Branding
Those who are interested in the idea of conducting the majority of their business from their smartphone need to be especially conscious of their visual branding strategies. Fortunately, there are numerous apps available that makes editing images and video easier than ever before possible from a computer much less a phone. It is also far less expensive to get started with graphic design. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a sophisticated and complicated computer program people can buy several remarkable applications for less than a fast food meal.
With these, it is possible to put together stunning social media posts, short videos, advertisements, logos, business cards, and more. As video becomes increasingly popular as the consumable content it makes sense for entrepreneurs and small business owners to brush up on their video production skills so they can leverage the power of video for their own business. Even if all you have is an iPhone, it is still possible to make great videos for your social media fans on YouTube, Facebook Live, or Instagram Stories.
Communications
Any business person will tell you the key to their business is their ability to communicate effectively with their consumer base. In the past, business communication relied on in-person meetings, letters, and faxes. Today it is possible to fulfill almost all of one’s business communication needs from a smartphone. While this does present an extreme advantage for those who are interested in starting their own business, it is important to create clear boundaries and not spend all of one’s time working.
Email and phone calls are obvious communication methods which can be leveraged with a smartphone. These are traditional and easily understood methods of communication but with the increased reliance on smartphones throughout the world, there are many people who prefer to use messaging apps such as Viber or Whatsapp to communicate less formally. Another option is to get that face-to-face time that is so vital in establishing trust with the use of video conferencing. Initially, this was something that could only be done with a special device. Eventually, anyone with a webcam and the right software could leverage this technology. Now, it has become so ubiquitous that it is far more common to have a video chat with someone using nothing more than a free app and a smartphone.
Paperwork
Of course, starting your own business isn’t just about making everything look good, there also needs to be substance behind the pretty exterior. Fortunately, many of the major producers of standard business software and equipment have recognized the demand for a mobile version of their services and have admirably created products to fill this need. It is possible to use your favorite Intuit bookkeeping software to create professional invoices, accept payments, and manage your business expenses all from the convenience of your favorite smartphone.
Project management was once a tedious undertaking that can now be easily accomplished from a computer or smartphone with applications such as Trello or Asana. Both have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to create a structured plan for any portion of one’s business that can be shared with a team or implemented individually. Some messaging apps have been designed specifically to facilitate team communication. These can be invaluable as a business begins to grow and add independent contractors or team members who need to be kept in the loop.
If you have been considering launching a business but have been hesitant to do so due to fears surrounding start-up costs, it really is possible to launch with only a smartphone. It may take a little ingenuity and a willingness to think outside the box, but with determination, you can be on your way with only a few taps of the screen.
