Technology that helps you expand your business doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, there are many free (and free-to-try) applications for your smartphone, tablet and computer on offer that can greatly improve the level of service you provide to your customers, streamline your social media efforts and even hire new talent as your company grows. Here are our top 10 favourite freebies:
1 CardMunch: This free iPhone app turns physical business cards into digital contacts. Simply snap a photo of a card using the app and it will convert the text to contact information automatically. CardMunch will even show you LinkedIn profile info and connections you have in common with the card's owner – call it the death of the business card.
2 Evernote: Because business inspiration can come at any time, the free Evernote app lets you take notes, store documents, record audio or snap a photo on the fly, saving and synchronizing your ideas across all of your devices. For just $10 a month per user, you can upgrade to Evernote Business and gain the ability to share content with your entire team, as well as turn your ideas into professional presentations with one click.
3 Skype: An oldie but a goodie, Skype features video and voice chat as well as instant-messaging capabilities. While these are handy tools for business owners, the best thing about the service may be that 700 million people already use it – in other words, your chances of connecting to clients and colleagues without having to ask them to download anything first are good.
4 HootSuite: While social media's a must for growing businesses these days, time seems to be more at a premium than ever. Luckily, Vancouver-based HootSuite makes an app that helps you manage and measure multiple social networks from a single interface. A basic account lets you manage up to five social profiles (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WordPress and Google+) for free, but plans with many more useful business tools are also available for a price.
5 Tempo AI: This "smart" calendar is guaranteed to outdo the "Puppy of the Month" version you keep on your desk. Simply download it to your smartphone and watch as it links calendar events to relevant emails, provides directions to your next business meeting and pulls up emails and phone numbers for last-minute co-ordination with your contacts. You may miss those cute puppies a bit, but Tempo will make sure you won't miss a beat.
6 Shaw Go WiFi Finder: With thousands of new Shaw Go WiFi locations popping up all over Western Canada, this free app makes it easy to identify a nearby zone and rustle up an Internet connection on the go. Once your device is registered and hooked up to the network, you'll automatically connect every time you're in a Shaw Go WiFi zone, making it easy to hop online or catch up on emails while out of the office.
7 Brewster: This free app replaces the traditional A-to-Z Rolodex with a personalized address book that actually understands your relationships. Not only does Brewster consolidate the contacts you keep in your phone, on Facebook and through your email account, it shows you who's "trending" in your life and who you're losing touch with, sending gentle reminders when it's time to, say, follow up with a client.
8 Dropbox: This app acts as a virtual briefcase, giving you plenty of space to bring all your photos, documents and videos with you anywhere and the ability to easily share them. You can access files you save to your Dropbox from your computer, smartphone or tablet – even the Dropbox website. Sign up for free and get 2 GB of space – and remember to mark your "favourite" files for fast, offline viewing.
9 Work for Us: Created to let employers take advantage of powerful social networks, the free Work for Us app allows companies of all sizes to create customizable, social-career sites on Facebook. Use it to post jobs to your wall, and then socially broadcast them with powerful sharing features. You can even use the app to tap into your Twitter and LinkedIn networks to increase your jobs' visibility.
10 Tripit: Anyone who's had to make three connecting flights and rent a car on the same day can attest to the need for a comprehensive and simple itinerary. Tripit allows business travellers to keep track of trip arrangements in one place. The app also gathers weather updates, maps and directions to make travel a breeze.
Having a solid Internet provider can help you get the most out of every business app you download. For more details on choosing the right Internet provider to support apps for your business, read Shaw Business' new whitepaper, "Choosing the right Internet solution for your business"
