January 24, 2012 in Mobile Apps by admin
Google’s Mistake : Something to Learn From?
Google’s recent app error has been evaluated by various analysts, media, and blog writers all over the place. Many of these, that I have seen, have ridiculed the company for, first of all, making the mistake, and secondly, how it was handled.
Google’s Mistake… Sorry Everyone
“Sorry we messed up,” was the response that Google reps gave on Twitter, shortly after they “pulled the app to fix the problem.” Is this really a bad way to handle it?
Actually, I find that Google handled the situation with humility. Besides, being in a technical, fast-paced, industry means there’s destined to be mistakes here and there. It is implausible to expect a company, regardless of the size and resources, to never mess up. Part of the technical world involves the exact element of trial & error. However, can there really be a strategy behind handling company mistakes? Absolutely!
Responding to Your Customers – Company Mishaps
Okay, so we can agree or disagree on whether or not the company can make mistakes like this. However, let’s talk about the method of handling such mistakes. Every company will eventually have to deal with it. How would you handle the “oops” moment? Google has handled this in a very human way. Rather than spending 10 days crafting a very corporate, non-offensive, perfect (bland) response, the company issued a very timely and every-day-guy comment. It was as if there was a Google tech sitting behind his computer on on his smart phone just writing a typical message. Basically, it was personable; and that, is a respectable approach. No excuses. No fluff.
What’s your company’s approach?
January 24, 2012 in Mobile Apps by admin
25 Free Mobile Apps Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know About
After installing, using, & testing several of the many Apps for business onto my Apple iPhone & iPad, I’ve compiled a list of free apps that all small business owners & entrepreneurs should know about (Keep in mind, many applications mentioned are also available for other mobile devices too, like Droid, Blackberry, etc.). These tools will really help with day-to-day operations, learning, file or project management, customer relations, website maintenance, networking, scheduling, billing, & more! Feel free to share other ideas if you’ve tried any of these or other Apps out there. “There’s an App for that,” is becoming a more valid statement every second! Here’s the “There’s a FREE App for that,” - small business edition. Enjoy!
File Access & Document Management Apps
- RDP
There’s no need to send that file to yourself from your PC! Simply, access it via your iPhone or iPad later. Gain access to, view, & interact with files or programs on your Windows (XP or Vista) Operating PC. This is one of the best windows mobile apps out there – & it’s free! - Box.net
Access, view, share, and collaborate on documents from your iPad. - DropBox
Sync and share your files online and across computers. - PlainText
Simplified file editor, syncs with Dropbox. - Genius Scan
Need a scanner on-the-go? This is your App! Scan pages via your camera, take advantage of smart page detection & correction, and instantly create PDF files from multiple image scans.
Also, if you use Google Apps & Docs, get Google Free Mobile Apps to manage those files & applications.
More Free “File Access” Apps >>
Project Management Apps
- ActionList Lite
Keep on top of upcoming tasks, integrated with your inbox & contacts, & with an integrated toolbar.
More Free “Project Management” Apps >>
Free Business Resources Apps
- SBA
As a top resource for starting or expanding your business operation, the SBA offers a free App for startup information, cost calculating, & resource locations. - Shoeboxed
Scan & save receipts for easy & instant business expense tracking. - Dragon Dictation
Speak & be amazed – watch as your spoken words becomes a text, an email, or a social networking update on Facebook or Twitter! Look ma – no hands! - Dictionaries & Translators
Simple, but useful. Get dictionaries & thesauruses for better writing on-the-go (available from Dicitonary.com & Thesaraus.com). Choose form a wide range of language translators & dictionaries. - iTalk Recorder
Record audio anytime & anywhere right from your iPhone & iPad. Meeting minutes? Done!
More Free “Business Tool” Apps >>
Scheduling, Calendars, & Appointment Apps
- Calendar
This App already comes installed on your iPhone or iPad, but you may not be realizing its capabilities. Sync your calendars from sources like Gmail & access your agenda, travel calendar, or business meeting schedule from anywhere! - Wall Calendar
Manage your schedule instantly, right on your home screen!
Finance, Taxes, & Currency Apps
- Quickbooks Connect
This app connects with your Quickbooks account, for easy on-the-go management. It’s free, but of course you need a Quickbooks Account already. You can also manage tax & accounting related accounts via popular services, such as Intuit Quickbooks, as well as tax providers like Turbotax.. - Bills Free
Keep track of monthly expenses, planned purchased, & overdue bills. Added features include file export (Excel/CSV, HTML) capabilities, privacy options. - Currency
Convert currency while making those transactions at home or abroad. This app offers a large number of currency conversions (over 100) & uses current exchange rate figures.
Website or Blog Management Apps
- WordPress
Make changes, add posts, & edit your WordPress website or blog from anywhere! This will help you to stay on top of the necessary frequent updates to the site, especially if you are using the blog for social sharing with customers or SEO boosts!
More “Website” Related Apps >>
Networking Apps
Mange your favorite social networking accounts, such as:
- Twitter – tweet on-the-go
- Facebook – manage your fan-base on-the-go
- LinkedIn – build your professional network, browse for employees, network on-the-go
- Flickr – photo management
- Feedler – simple RSS feed reader, for our favorite subscriptions
- Constant Contact Quickview, MailChimp – If you have a Constant Contact or MailChimp Email Marketing campaign, these apps will allow you to manage some features in your account, such as contacts, scheduled blasts, & social media integration. If you use another service, just try browsing for its’ App instead, as most of the popular vendors appear to have free light version apps.
- Bump – Introducing the newest & most trendy way to share your “business card” digitally. Trade contact information simply by “bumping” phone near one another.
- CardMunch – an App by LinkedIn, allows you to scan in business cards via your camera.
Random Testimonial
- ~ Portfolio stuff
" - Read more testimonials »
