Google Play Apps That Can Help Your Business Today

In the age where technology is practically king, and your business needs to run. We have decided to share with you, apps that can help your business today.

 

1. OfficeSuite : Free Office + PDF Editor. OfficeSuite lets you view, edit and create in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, and perform advanced PDF operations. Many find the app easy to use while on the go; however, do keep in mind that many found a need to purchase the paid version to get the best out of it. As of this post, the app rated 4.3 stars out of 5 in GooglePlay.

 

2. Slack: This app brings your team together and maintains communication a breeze. This app helps you check off your to-do list and move your projects forward by bringing your team, conversations, tools, and information you need together. The app is great for big and small business and as of right now it rated 4.4 stars out of 5.

3. Google Drive: This app can help you manage your projects, documents, and photos with ease. Better yet, you can start working on a document from your computer and continue on the go if needed. Google Drive is a safe place for all your files and puts them within reach from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Currently, is rated 4.4 stars out of 5.

4. Evernote: This is another note app but with more features! This app can help you jot down a few notes, create to-do lists, scan your hand-written notes, add images, web links and even audio. And best yet, this app can be accessed from your computer or on the phone making it extremely versatile. Rated 4.5 out of 5.

5. DocuSign: Save time, money and the environment with this app. Docusign allows you to send contracts to your clients while on the go. This app also complies with the e-sign act, the documents are encrypted and is ISO 27001 SSAE16 compliant. Rated 4.5 out of 5.

6. aCalendar: We love Google calendars but this app takes it to a new level of organization. It syncs your phone and Google calendar, has agenda and widget view, 48 colors per calendar, moon phases, mini month or graphical week overview in a day and week view. Currently rated 4.4 out of 5.

7. Google Ads: With a business, you got to market. Google is usually a good way to get started a managing your Google Ads from your phone is even easier. You can view your campaign’s performance when you are not near your computer and it’s free. Rated 4.3 out of 5.

 

8. Google Analytics: Google tools can be your friend and Google Analytics can help you learn how your website is performing. While on the go, this is a good app to have. It helps you see how your ad campaign is doing and what you can do to improve, for free. Rated 4.5 out of 5.

9. ZOOM Cloud Meetings: Growing your business can mean lots of meetings in your future. When you are not able to meet in person, ZOOM Cloud can help. This app brings video conferencing, online meetings and group messaging into one easy-to-use application. People can connect through the app or via computer. Rated 4.4 out of 5.

10. Mailchimp: Chances are, if you have a business you are doing e-mail marketing. Up your game with Mailchimp and manage your e-mail marketing efforts on the go. Rated 4.1 out of 5.

 

 

App images via Google Play

Posted in Uncategorized Tagged with: Android, Android app, apps, b2b business, boost productivity, business, calendar, evernote, google, Google Apps, google drive, google play, mailchimp, productivity, slack, zoom

Tips for Better Time Management

As your business grows, your time seems to shrink. Here are some tips that can help you manage your time better.

Create a Plan

Creating a plan will always lead to a successful day. Organization will allow you to have a much more balanced day and better quality of life while running your business. Be sure to write down all the tasks you need to get done. Having them written down will give you a better idea of how much you have to do and what needs to get done.

Have a Calendar

Along with a list of all of your tasks, a calendar will help you figure out what else is happening throughout the day. Do you have meetings to go to, people to talk? A calendar will be your best friend for better time management. It will also help you block out time to get your to-do list done.

Prioritize

Now that you have your list and your list, it is time you prioritize and figure out what needs to get done first. A common mistake is to go down your to-do list as you wrote it and that is not efficient. Figure out your “Must’s”; “Should’s” and “can wait’s” so you can get the best out of your day. You will realize that many tasks are not as important for your productivity as you might think.

Delegate

Now that you see what you must do first, do you need to do it yourself? Perhaps some tasks do not require all of your attention. That is when delegating will be your greatest ally for time management. That run to the store for supplies can be done by your employee or family (if you run your business from home).

Learn to say no

Along with running and managing a business, there will be things that, while you would love to do, are not necessary for you to do. Learn to say no in a polite way and you will find yourself more organized and meeting deadlines faster. Sure, you might have a few disappointed people at first, but they will realize that you are working on being efficient for them and you and it will add value to your service.

Track your time spent

Do you feel you are spending way too much time on a task or job? Perhaps it is time you start tracking your time. This is an excellent tool for freelancers who find themselves working day and night. Tools like TopTracker can keep you accountable and give you perspective on how much time you are truly working. It will help you learn and adjust if necessary.

Eliminate Time Wasters

There are plenty of time wasters at the office! That e-mail didn’t need to be checked so many times, and that note could have waited for later. No, you do not need to check Facebook before work. Setting boundaries will allow you to become much more productive and have more time to do tasks like this after you have completed your list.

Always plan to be early

When it comes to meetings, calls or events, always plan to arrive early, this will help you prepare for unseen events like traffic jams or car problems. Practicing this habit will help you be on time and have less stress.

Take Small Breaks

To get all of your tasks done, you must take breaks. Taking breaks will allow your mind to rest for a few minutes and can help you become a lot more productive. Be sure to use your calendar so you can schedule some break time every day.

Focus

Lastly, focus. Know that the tasks needed need to get done in a timely matter. Be sure you focus and avoid any distractions while getting it all done. Focusing will help you be done with all tasks sooner than you think.

We hope these steps can help you get more out of your day and you can be in control of your time better.

Posted in Small Business Improvement Tagged with: business, business goals, calendar, data, delegate, efficiency, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, freelancer, leaderhip, manage, plan, planner, planning, professionalism, smartphone, technique, time management, tools, track time

Cash Back Credit Cards vs. Store Credit Cards

If you want to make the most out of your shopping adventures, you need to have a credit card that helps you save money. The question is, which option is better for you? Some people automatically think about store credit cards, and others go for cash back credit cards. Before you apply for a card, assess which type of card would be more beneficial for your personal needs.

Cash Back Credit Cards

The main perk to having a cash back credit card is the fact that you can use it anywhere. It still acts as a traditional credit card. The only difference is that you get rewards from the money you spend on it. The average cash back credit card offers 1% cash back on all purchases. Some may also pay an additional 2% to 5% cash back on select purchases made with the card. Example, the Citi ThankYou Preferred Card offers 2 reward points per $1 spent on dining and entertainment. Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express offers 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and 1% on all other purchases. You could earn a great deal of your money if you choose the right cash back card and use it correctly.

The problem with cash back credit cards is that the rewards structure can sometimes be confusing. The Discover It Card features an attractive rewards program, but its 5% cash back offer changes every three months. It may be on home improvement purchases during one quarter, but during another quarter, it may be applicable on purchases at gas stations and for holiday shopping. You have to keep up with the rewards calendar to get the most out of your credit card. You also have to consider any fees associated with your credit card. Some cash back cards on the market have an annual fee, and many have a slightly higher interest rate than the average card. Review the terms of any card you are considering for so you can pick the perfect one for you.

 Store Credit Cards

Store credit cards are usually easy to apply for and just as easy to obtain. Some of them can be used like regular credit cards, and others have to be used at a specific store. For instance, the traditional Walmart credit card can only be used at Walmart, but the Walmart Discover card can be used anywhere Discover is accepted. You need to know this about your card before applying for it. Many people get a store credit card because they receive some type of introductory offer when they apply for one. You might be able to save 10-15% off your initial purchase, or you might get a certain amount of cash back after making your first purchase. These offers are designed to lure you into getting a card, even though you may never use it again. What you may not realize in the euphoria of the introductory offer is the very high interest rate you typically have on a store credit card.

When you start looking at store credit cards, consider what kind of rewards you can get and how those rewards are accumulated. Do they only come from purchases at that store, or do they come from any transaction? Are you required to use rewards in the store, or can you use them online? Does the card have an annual fee? You must go through this type of analysis before deciding if a store credit card is worth getting.

Are Cash Back Credit Cards Better Than Store Credit Cards?

In our opinion, yes. This isn’t because we’re biased towards cash back cards. We just like the idea that you can earn rewards wherever you make a transaction. You aren’t limited to one store, either in the way you spend money or the way you collect your rewards. In addition, store cards usually have a higher interest rate. With that said, there are people who benefit from store credit cards because they shop at those stores all the time. If you spend thousands of dollars a year at Lowe’s for your construction company, a Lowe’s credit card may provide substantial savings for your business.

Don’t get overly excited when you reach the checkout counter. That one-time savings on a store credit card may not be worth it in the end. Think over your shopping habits and see if a cash back credit card is more suited for your needs. If so, you have plenty of them to choose from.

Posted in Electronic Payments, Financial Services, Gift & Loyalty Card Processing, Visa MasterCard American Express Tagged with: %, accumulated, American Express, annual, assesses, average, beneficial, calendar, cash, cash back, checkout, credit cards, dining, Discover, earn, entertainment, fee, improvement, interest, lowe's, market, money, online, pay, points, preferred, purchases, quarter, rate, rewards, savings, shopping, store, traditional, transaction, walmart