Hi there ... 

Everyone is throwing the word "app" around lately!  You probably have some kind of assumption as to what "app" means but do you really know what an "app" is? Here are some common descriptions: 

	They let you do things from your smart phones.
	They are usually free.
	Colorful icons that connect you to capabilities.

And ... there are some people that remain clueless,  are lost when the term is tossed around and welcome this short overview of what an "app" really is! 

The word "app" is a noun, and it’s the abreviation for “application.” Application in this use of the word refers to a software application — or as we commonly say, a software program.

An "app" is actually a special type of software program. An app typically refers to software used on a smartphone or mobile device such as the Android, iPhone, BlackBerry or iPad, as in “mobile app” or “iphone app.” Apps will usually have a single isolated purpose. 

You also very often hear the phrase “Web app” or “online app” which is used in a business setting as an abbreviation for “Web application” or “online application."  This would be software that you access and use while online, via a browser, vs the software residing on your computer (such as Microsoft Word).  Using an "online app" saves a business the cost of licensing fees required when purchasing software that is installed on employee computers. 

In this mailing, I'm referring to the "app" that is used on mobile devices. They connect you to a lot of fun things but they also play a huge role in extending the reach and productivity of your business.  You can perform all sorts of  business functions while out of the office traveling, on sales calls, making service calls, etc.  

Once you start using your mobile phones for more and more business  "functions" you will explore the world of "apps" more intensively to know where and how an "app" could help your business. 

Here are several useful ways to start using your mobile phone while doing business. Some include some very useful "apps" you might want to immediately load into your smart phones!  Enjoy! 
 

1.  Keep Photos On Your Phone Have before and after photos, or photos detailing unusual services on your phone –  A picture says a thousand words.

2.  Keep Videos On Your Phone Show what you do ... demo your product via your phone.

3.  Load Catalogs Into Your Phone Have everything you need conveniently on your phone.  You can even email selected information to the customer to print out locally on their printer, on the spot.

4.  Sales Brochures & Customer Info Similar to #3, have email marketing materials to print off right at  customer’s place of business or home

5.  Create, View & Edit Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint Docs via your phone! "Apps" such as Docs to Go and Zoho Mobile make this possible.  Allows you to deliver or change documents (such as proposals and contracts) on the fly.  Or they can check stock lists or other data maintained in spreadsheets.

6.  Fill In Forms, Sign & Return Documents From Your Mobile Device No printing or faxing.  Use this iPhone app to fill in the forms, add a digital signature and send off.  Here are a couple of "Apps": Zosh and RightSignature.

7.  Take Pictures With Camera Phone Especially useful for repair people. Can verify correct parts and availability back at the home office.

8.  Track  Packages If a customer calls to check on a shipment you can check from your phone. No more need to be at your computer.

9.  Track Inventory NEOReader is a universal scanner "App" which claims to be able to scan and read all kinds of barcodes. There is also a barcode scanner for Android by XZing.

10. QR Codes We've talked lots about QR Codes.  You want to put these on your products for the customer to know more about what you do. Once your customer scans them with a "App" scanner they can be connected to individual webpages with product info,  contact info, stories behind the product...you can even use QR Codes for connecting to online videos.

11. Give Presentations On an iPad If only two people or so in a presentation why lug around a laptop and a projector. Just get a stand for your iPad.