The small business owner is a busy person these days. Many are utilizing Android devices to do more without being stuck in front of the computer all day. Many of the applications available out there are wildly helpful, it just takes some digging to find them.
The list here will give you a good intro into the possibilities in the business category in the Android Market.
1. UPS Mobile
The UPS mobile application will help you track your packages from the day they ship to the time they reach the doorstep. When you are expecting delivery, you can track the prothengress right from your Android. You can also see the estimated shipping costs.
2. USPS MOBILE
Many times the Good old US Postal service will be the best route to sent your package. That being said the USPS Mobile app is ideal for finding the nearest US Post Office, search for a zip code, track letters or packages, find the nearest drop boxes.
3. Private SMS & call
Sometimes you just don’t want to talk to someone. Be it a pesky vendor trying to get your business or a wrong number that keeps calling. If you use Private SMS and call, you can block those calls or text messages from coming to your phone.
4. Square
Many people, including myself, use Square to take payments while mobile. While Square limits the amount of money you can take and what they will deposit into your account each month, it is a great option for the low volume user. The reader is free and the per transaction fee is pretty cheap.
5. Intuit GoPayment
Quickbooks users will really like GoPayment because you can link it to your Quickbooks account. There are options for both low usage of $1250.00 a week and a package for a higher volume user. The per swipe rates are also lower for the higher volume package option.
6. GoToMeeting
Many businesses are seeing the value in attending webinars and other web conferences. Being able to attend but not be tethered to your computer while watching is ideal. You don’t need to wake up 2 hours early to attend a webinar that’s at 9 AM EST and you are in a different time zone.
7.Fill and Sign PDF Forms
More and more people are using PDFs with AcroFields (the sections of the PDF that you can input your information). If you deal with a lot of these forms, you may want to get this application for your Android. This way, you do not need to wait until you get back to the office just to add your signature to a contract.
8. Cisco WebEx Meetings
Some of the webinars are not Citrix based so you may need a different application to join into your webinar. That’s where Cisco WebEx Meetings comes in. It is the same type of application, just a different system.
9. CardSharing
One way to save some money is to go digital with your contact information. CardSharing lets you create a business card with all of your relevant information. The card is shared through email, text or a QR code displayed on your phone.
10. QuickBooks Mobile
Lots of businesses are moving all of their accounting to the cloud. Quickbooks online is the choice for many. Because of this, you can access things like invoices and sales receipts and your customer list on the go. Easily create a receipt on the spot for a cash transaction.
11. QR Droid
QR Droid is my QR reader of choice. The reason is, it is more than a reader. You can also create a QR code for different things and share right away. Some of the QR codes you can create are: a pre-formatted email to a specific person, URL, geo-location, SMS, contact and a business card.
12. Android Time Card Free
Tracking your time as a freelancer or consultant is very important. Using this time card application, you can punch in and out for each job or task you are billing the client for.
Conclusion
While you may not like to manage your whole business from your Android device, there are a lot of occasions where one or more of these applications will come in handy. Depending on your business, some of these applications may allow you more time away from the office and more time on the golf course.
What applications do you use to manage your business on the go?
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Trevor is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from the Android OS to free web and desktop applications. When he is not writing about mobile productivity, He is coaching and playing the world’s greatest game… Soccer.
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