7 Tips for Smartphones as Communication Tools for Business

Communication tools for business continue to evolve. Here are seven ways you can use your smartphone to work more efficiently.

Big tech news this week! For all you gadget aficionados and early adopters of tech, Apple unveiled two new iPhone designs and a watch that communicates directly with your iPhone. (The watch won’t be available until 2015, but the new iPhones go on sale on September 19^th, which means that eager Apple fans will start camping outside of Apple stores any day now.)

People love their technology.

Whether you are a loyal Apple user or prefer a different brand, smartphones are not just for entertainment. If used appropriately, they can be effective communication tools for business.

Join the BYOD movement to work more efficiently.

Chances are that your personal electronic devices are better than what you have at the office. So, if you’re allowed, why not bring your smartphone (or tablet) to work? Many organizations have joined the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend and may have no problem with you using personal devices for business purposes, especially if those devices make you more efficient.

According to the HBR article “Are Smartphones in Business Indispensible?,” the following are just a few ways you can use your smartphone for business:

1. Read, forward and reply to emails quickly
2. Follow conversations on Facebook and Twitter and interact with your followers.
3. Take photos at events and post them online without having to wait until you get to a computer or laptop.
4. Chat with colleagues and clients with apps, manage your blogs, moderate comments, publish new posts and see your traffic statistics.
5. Find your way around using Google Maps.
6. Book air tickets and hotel rooms.
7. Take notes, and review and edit your appointments, contacts and documents, all while you’re on the move.

BONUS TIP: Send a video message instead of a text.

Can’t get your message to someone in person? Pull out your smartphone and send them a personal video. Why a video instead of a text? Because video increases your chances of being understood by your recipient.

Text-based messages often get misunderstood because they lack non-verbal cues like tone of voice and facial expressions. Videos are an excellent way to personalize your messages and increase understanding. And they’re easy to make! Just make sure you’re recording the right way with your device. Our short tutorial video has a few tips for you on this very subject.

Want some more tips on going digital at work? Take a look at our free checklist.

Download FREE Digital Checklist