1. Don't Be Afraid of Using Consumer Apps for Your
Business
Corporate productivity applications are critical to businesses. Many --
particularly web-based programs that can be accessed from anywhere -- allow
users to increase productivity both at home and in the office. Large companies
with a dedicated IT staff depend on enterprise-level software that adds
sophisticated tools and functionality. This level of complexity is often
necessary as businesses expand and take on increasingly diverse projects. But
not all companies are mammoth and have a need for complex and expensive
enterprise apps. For small businesses, consumer apps can provide big
benefits, often for a low price or even free.
Take, for instance, the new web application ifttt. This fascinating program
allows you to create “tasks” that operate between most popular networks. It
lets users upload tasks as “recipes” so that other users can download and use
them. What’s interesting is that the tasks take the form of a logical argument
structured as “if this, then this.” So, for example, you can structure a task to
automatically send an email when you post onTwitter by inputting, “if I post
on Twitter, then send an email to my Gmail address.” This is obviously a
simple task, but the power of the application is strong. You can automate a
majority of online activities so that much of your behind the scenes activities
are taken care of. This can alleviate the need for an assistant and free your
time to spend on more important activities.
An extremely useful tool, especially for business owners who need to
multitask (read: all of them) is AirDisplay. Now, be forewarned that you need
an iPad to use the application, but if you already have one then you are good
to go. AirDisplay lets you use your iPad as a second monitor. Anytime you
need to keep an eye on more than one web application, easily view
information online while writing a report, or keep a webinar open while doing
other things, this app is invaluable. Yes, it is possible to achieve the same
results with an actual second monitor, but the beauty of AirDisplay lies in its
portability and ease of use. After a quick initial setup, it takes just seconds to
connect the iPad to a computer. For small businesses that require portability,
this app lets you use a dual screen setup in just about any environment.
Slice provides a simple way to track anything you have ordered online in one
easy interface. Having all of your tracking information in one place can be a
godsend, particularly with everything else you have going on. Whether it is

2. office supplies, computer hardware, or any of the other purchases necessary
to make a business run, Slice can help make sure you know where it is and
when it is going to arrive. Particularly when dealing with time-sensitive
projects, this information can prove vital, especially if a shipping delay serves
as a bottleneck. With this app, you know these issues early and can plan
accordingly. Slice is currently available to Android users.
Obviously, these represent a small sampling of the applications that can give
any business owner a leg up. Yet, they serve to illustrate a point: individuals
can increase productivity while decreasing costs using applications like these.
Rather than shy away from consumer apps, businesses should see how they
can leverage them to provide benefit in the workplace. For small businesses,
every penny counts, and choices like these may represent the difference
between massive cost-sinks and ingenious savings that can improve your
bottom line. Just something to consider while you peruse the app store on
your break.
Reference Link: http://blogs.cio.com/consumer-it/17026/dont-be-afraid-
using-consumer-apps-your-business