5 Free Business Apps You Should Know About #FiveFriday

 

With Philly Tech Week just beginning its sixth annual week-long celebration of technology and innovation, it reminds us of the great strides made in these fields. With a consistently changing society, especially in technology and business, you need to continue to adapt and remain current with technology in order for your business to succeed. Applications are an easy and resourceful way to support you and your business. So check out these five recommended “apps” to help you in the business world. Also they won’t require you to pay a cent, and who doesn’t like FREE!

 

1.        Evernote

It’s surprising with the advances we made in technology and all the resources we have right at our fingertips, people still exchange business cards. But we still do, and it can be such a hassle to try and keep track of all the cards we exchange. Also it’s a very monotonous and time-consuming task to enter all the information from the cards to your contact list. This app helps speed the process and manages your contact list with one snap of a picture. This business card reader converts business card information by taking a picture of them and adding them to your contact list. It is an easy and painless way to keep your contact list up-to-date. Also this app will go the extra-mile from other “card reader” apps by using the business card information and add the person you met as a LinkedIn connection.

 

2.      Asana

 
If you’re tired of the countless e-mails back and forth to track who in your business has what assignment and if they have already completed certain projects; then this app is the lifeline you have been looking for. Founded in 2008 by Facebook Co-Founder Dustin Moskovitz, Asana is a shared task list and project management tool for your entire team. The app lets you see who on your team has what assignment, and what projects you have been assigned while you were out of the office. Besides just keeping up with tasks, you can attach files from Dropbox and attach images to projects. Also the app syncs in real time on your phone and on a web-based version as well. With this app you will never be left out of the loop no matter where you are.

 

3.      Blue Jeans

  
Anybody who is in the business field knows the struggle of conference calls. Whether it be trying to have everyone on the same line or having them all use the same platform, it can be a hassle. With so many platforms available for video conference calls, it can be a real challenge for everyone to use the same one. Maybe it’s because some won’t download correctly or they just prefer other types. Now with this app, you will no longer have to have everyone on the same platform for video conference calls. This service lets companies conduct video conference calls with everyone using different platforms like Google Hangouts, Microsoft Lync, and many more. And it gets even better. You do not even have to be at a computer to be a part of the call since the app can work right off your iPhone.

 

4.      FoxFi

 
 
How many times have you been traveling for work and need the internet but there are no wifi spots available? FoxFi has made the solution for dead-zones. The app works by turning your mobile device into a free wifi hotspot without a tether plan required. You might think that this sounds too good to be true, might damage the phone, or be at risk of revealing your information, but this highly secure app works without breaking into your phone’s software. Also the app can support multiple connections, and can work with any tablet as well.

 

5.      Square

 

Isn’t it just a pain when you need to collect a payment, but the person does not have cash and you can’t bring your credit card machine with you? Writing down the card information can be problematic. Square is an amazing tool. After downloading the app, the company will send you a free magstripe reader. It allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to accept all major credit cards and deposit into your bank account in one or two business days. With only a 2.75% per swipe fee, Square can really help advance your business and increase profits. The best part is with so much sensitive information being processed, Square makes protection and security their number one priority.

 

See how these apps can best help you and your company, and with no cost you can at least give it a try without losing anything. Be part of the technology movement and stay up-to-date with all business apps. With today being the start for Philly Tech Week in Delaware County, check out all of the upcoming events and see what sparks your interest and join the movement.

 

"Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time." - Bill Gates

 

 

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

 

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org