Member Article

Top Android Apps for Small Business Owners

Small business owners are constantly preoccupied with growing their business. But managing a business today is more efficient than a few years back. Today there are various productivity tools such as desk top computers and laptops, tablets and even mobile phones that can be utilized as business tools for people on the go. Various apps, free and paid, are available to improve productivity and efficiency in managing a business. Here are some apps for Android smartphones and tablets that can be very helpful for small business owners, especially when they have to do a lot of traveling.

1. Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word)

If you are used to working with Microsoft Office Suite, you’ll be very familiar with their mobile app versions. They are downsized versions, free to download and install on Android tablets and smartphones. They work in the same manner as the desktop versions and have been optimized for use with touchscreen phones and tablets.

2. Google Docs, etc.

If you are more familiar with the productivity tools from Google, these apps – Google Docs, Sheets and Slides work like Microsoft’s Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The apps have cleaner interface and have more tools to facilitate working with images, charts and tables. These apps are also compatible with MS Office files.

3. Square Register

Even without a point-of-sale system that processes payments by cash, credit or debit card, there’s no need to worry. The Square Register is a free app that you can use to accept credit/debit cards and other forms of payment. You can download the app and sign up so you can get the credit card reader dongle in the mail for free. When plugged into the headphone jack of your Android smartphone or tablet, you can processes payments, with credit card information manually entered or swiped through the card reader. Square, Inc. takes a cut from every credit card purchase, which is a small price to pay than not being able to accept credit cards.

4. AirDroid

The desktop and a smartphone are constant companions of almost everyone, but more so for small business owners who are busy monitoring their business as well as messages and calls from clients. Constantly getting interrupted by text messages and phone calls can break your concentration. The Airdroid app is a free program that you can install on your Android smartphone. You also install the desktop client on your PC or laptop and you’ll be able to read and reply to phone messages as well as view call logs on your computer, allowing you to continue working using one device. It also allows you to add or delete files from your phone’s internal memory. It keeps you in contact with clients while getting more work done.

5. Skype

Surely you know that Skype has a version for mobile phones. It’s a free app and one of the fastest means to have a video chat, online meeting or even exchange text messages. You can use the front-facing camera on your Android smartphone for video calls. This is a great way to keep in touch even when you’re away from your office.

6. aCalendar

This is another free Android app that’s very useful for busy business owners is aCalendar, which allows you to record your appointments and view them by day, week, month or full year. It’s very user friendly and even has a function to schedule meetings and invite attendees as well.

Most people have an Android or iPhone smartphone. If you’re looking to improve your business management through mobile phone apps, the list above will be a great help. With the right tools at your fingertips, managing and keeping track of your business will be a breeze, whether you’re physically present in the office or away on a business trip.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sean Patrick Hopwood .