A mobile phone is a powerful device these days. More than just taking and receiving phone calls and text messages, a mobile phone can run your calendar, receive and send emails, browse the internet and play movies and music. And these are just some of the more basic functions. Some people love this idea; and other people fear how much technology is encroaching on their lives.
But the fact remains that if you are running a firm it can be very useful to have access to all forms of communication in a single, portable device.
Any device that falls under the smartphone category will be able to browse the internet, run software applications and send and receive email. You can read your emails wherever you have your phone.
“Respond to important enquiries such as sales leads immediately.”
Plus a smartphone gives you the space to stay abreast of what’s happening without trying to be in multiple locations at one time. While this may sound a little expedient, it can be better to have the reassurance that a key meeting is progressing well in your absence through updates from a trusted staff member. Otherwise it may not be possible to leave the office at all!
The ability to check your work email is such a boon to firms of all sizes that it is worth encouraging your staff to upgrade to smartphones too. For example, in a serious snowstorm or flood if everyone had smartphones you could check the weather report first thing in the morning and contact everyone with a single email to let them know whether to come into the office. The alternative would be to call every person, a more expensive and time-consuming process, particularly if you cannot get hold of a team member immediately.
Many important applications have a Smartphone version so team members can access important information outside of the office. The best example is the client relationship management (CRM) database. A salesperson can use a smartphone to look up past quotes and invoices for a client while standing in the client’s office, increasing the likelihood of closing the deal on the spot rather than having to make another visit.
Plus the browser on a smartphone can be very useful for checking the address of a client you are visiting, or looking up their phone number or the spelling of their CEO’s name.
It’s important to put boundaries in place around your phone usage. Family and friends can feel like they are taking second place to work if you have an eye constantly fixed on your inbox. Make sure that when you are off work, you are not working.
