As a small business owner, using smart-phone or tablet technology to simplify, organize, and prioritize your company's day-to-day obligations is expected. However, those good intentions can plummet into the black hole of "e-clutter": digital overkill that results in further complicating what you were seeking to streamline in the first place. With such a great deal of software and products readily available at a business owner's fingertips, research shows that more than 100 billion commerce and entrepreneurial apps were downloaded last year alone. For that reason, we have consolidated and narrowed down the list to the top five apps we recommend every business owner can benefit from.
5. For owners with too many filing cabinets: OneReceipt
If your accountant wields a violent facepalm when you hand him your grocery bag of scribbled-on receipts, this is the app for you. Using cloud technology, OneReceipt keeps both paper and computerized receipts organized, so you can classify each business expense; indexed, so you can easily search for a particular purchase; and secure, so you can have peace of mind.
4. For owners on the go: Free Wifi Finder
Many startup founders and small business owners often find themselves out of the office to network, consult, and make sales. When you are, Free Wifi Finder makes it easy to quickly find internet access anywhere in the world and filter your results based on cost, location, providers, and it works on- and off-line. For those crucial moments when you need to answer an email, pull up a document, or reply to an invoice, this app brings your office desk with you.
3. For owners that need a credit card reader: Square
Since its launch in 2009, Square has taken over the concept of quick transactions. This app allows you to receive mobile payments from anywhere directly to your smartphone. The card reader is free and funds are deposited in your bank the next day.
2. For owners with no time for social media: HootSuite
"Automation" is the vogue trend for business owners and everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. Hootsuite's app helps you manage, analyze, monitor, and schedule all of your social media posts from one place. Plus, the app's package tiers cater to small businesses and then expand as your company grows.
And finally,
1. For owners that constantly need to be plugged in: DropBox
DropBox is a free cloud-based service that allows you to securely share files, documents, photos, videos - you name it - from any device anywhere instantly with your coworkers, employees, clients, and customers. The app's free trial allows you to get acquainted with the interface and then helps you scale your pricing with the number of employees you have.
It's no small task to run your small business. As you prioritize and modify timelines, systems, social media, and deadlines, incorporating these technologies can mean the difference between stress and achievement. Having the capital to acquire these and other assets to grow your company are vital. Advance Funds Network specializes in making it easy to obtain financing that helps small businesses expand and grow with apps, software, and other technology that are essential for every owner.
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