How Smart is Your Smart Phone?

Posted by on October 5, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

By: Shawn Rowell

Oh how far we have come in cellular technology! It seems like just yesterday that my dad proudly boasted to his employees, “My new phone even has caller ID!” Not long ago, simple features like free caller ID and voicemail were huge leaps in wireless technology. Now, his phone has a two megapixel camera, Bluetooth, MP3 player, internet connection, navigation system, GPS and yes, even caller ID.

More important than any of these features, smartphones have progressed to the point that they are creating a mobile office scenario, allowing mobile business professionals to set up shop just about anywhere. Long gone are the days when one had run back to the office to check voicemail, faxes and emails. These days, there is little need to carry a big heavy day timer or even keep a business card folder. Cellular phones have progressed into smart phones and now have enough functionality to operate similar to a wireless desktop computer.

Calendars

The calendar function is the most utilized program by today’s smartphone owners. What non-smartphone users haven’t yet realized is the convenience and ease-of-use these effective time management tools offer. More advanced users have actually taken their calendar functionality to the next level in a couple of ways. First, users are actuallye color coding their entries based on the activity they are conducting. Networking is blue, sales calls are green, planning meetings are yellow, follow up is purple etc. This process helps to manage time by increasing or decreasing focus on certain categories. I have also seen follow up systems built into the calendar by using non-timed (the entry doesn’t have a specific time of day) reminders. For example, you have six clients that you would like to speak with once per month. Enter these clients into your calendar and establish a reminder frequency based on time (every 30 days) or day (every 3rd Thursday of the month). Wouldn’t you agree that this function begins to make traditional day timers seem a bit obsolete and less effective?

Contact Management

How many of us are still relying on business card folders to organize your client’s contact information? If you are, it is time to consider a smartphone. The most productive use of the contact management abilities lies with the convergence of the programs usually reserved for computers. With the right phone, you can enter your contacts complete information including multiple email addresses, multiple contact numbers, their family members names, the type of pet they have, birthdays, anniversaries, and even their favorite sport teams or hobbies. Why is this important information to have on your phone? Simply put, you are not at your desk 80 percent of the work day! Imagine going into a restaurant and noticing someone you met two years ago. Like most people, you might remember the face but not the name. If you had the full contact information you might search your phone using something you do remember about them.. Maybe you remember their company’s name or that they have a red corvette–the possibilities are endless if you have the right tools.

Another useful function for keeping you on track while out of the office is your smartphone’s ability to connect to the internet. Business owners are using smartphones as navigation devices, for order entry in the field, mobile POS systems and last but not least, email connection. All of these internet based functions are designed to improve time management and increase workforce efficiency. I think you’ll agree that saving yourself from getting lost or having to go back to the office can save hours on each employee’s work day.

These are a few features that are found on most smartphones. I am completely amazed at the technology that arrives daily. I recommend everyone take the opportunity to research smartphones and see how you can improve the way your conduct your business.

Filed under Technology