Ways To Use An Android Smartphone For Business

Ninety-nine percent of the world’s workforce uses mobile devices, including smartphones, to perform business tasks, according to joint research released by IBM and the Information Security Media Group this year. These are just some of the ways your Android phone can help you in your professional life.

Have Information at Your Fingertips

Your smartphone is like an entire reference library that you can put into your pocket. No matter what question you have, chances are you can probably find the answer with a quick internet search. This is ideal for businesspeople completing work out of the office. Never get stuck for an answer during a client presentation; if the client asks you a difficult question you can quickly check your corporate website or video conference with someone in the office to confirm the details. Your smartphone is also great for brushing up on a potential new client’s background before your meeting.

Maximize Your Productivity

Many people find that they spend a lot of their workday waiting. An Android phone can make sure the time you spend in the café queue or waiting for a late client isn’t wasted time. Many cafés and offices also have free Wi-Fi so you don’t even need to use your data to access files on the cloud, answer emails, video conference with clients and people in the office, and much more.

Android for Work Lets You Set Up Business Devices

With approximately 85 percent of businesses reportedly using a bring your own device (BYOD) program in 2015 and more expected to join them, RCR Wireless predicts that 2016 will be the Year of BYOD Management. Google makes it easy to manage all the smartphones people in an organization use with its Android for Work function. While it was included in earlier operating systems, Android for Work has been expanded for Android 6.0 Marshmallow, available on new smartphones like T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S7. The S7’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, paired with T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network make it a great work place companion.

The latest update allows profile and device owners to track the amount of data that work apps use. This function makes it easy for employers to reimburse their employees for data usage. IT managers can also use Android for Work to make sure certain apps receive updates or access certificates without the need for user intervention. This ensures that all devices are running the latest, most secure apps because overly cautious employees can’t accidentally deny access to vital certificates. The Marshmallow upgrade also lets administrators install or uninstall apps on employee devices, set up non-editable Wi-Fi configurations, disable and re-enable the status bar, and much more.

Google Maps Helps You Find Your Way

Business meetings often take you to unfamiliar places. If your company car doesn’t have a GPS unit, don’t worry. All Android phones come with Google Maps, which offers turn-by-turn navigation, just like any GPS unit. With a reliable internet connection, the app will even notify you of major traffic delays and suggest alternate routes so you’re never late. If you’re often using your smartphone for navigation, you may consider purchasing a car mount to easily and safely view your maps while you’re driving.

Become More Responsive

According to a survey conducted by email organization app MailTime.com, most people who send a work-related email expect a response within 12 to 24 hours. Social media users are even more demanding, with a Lithium Technologies report discovering most customers expect an answer to questions they’ve posted on Twitter within an hour, regardless of the time they tweet.

Android smartphones let you meet your customers’ expectations no matter where you are. These phones send notifications whenever you receive an email or social media message, so you can read and respond to correspondence in a more timely fashion. This is essential for maintaining customer goodwill and increasing brand loyalty. Customers say they’ll spend 21 percent more with a brand that offers them great social media service. Seventy-one percent will even recommend these brands to others. The value of responsive communication should never be underestimated.

Think of your Android phone not just as a gadget for communication, but as a powerful business tool that fits right in your pocket.