Working on the Go? There’s an App for That

For small business owners, apps have become important tools for staying productive while on the go. Like a loyal personal assistant, apps can efficiently upload your receipts from business trips, organize business contacts and much more.
This list of popular apps can help you manage everything from business cards and travel expenses to Microsoft Office documents and webinars with your smartphone.
Take charge of receipts and expenses
Expensify (www.expensify.com) makes capturing receipts and submitting your expenses as easy as taking a picture. With this free app, you can snap a picture of your receipts, and they are uploaded to your account and filed. You can track mileage expenses or organize receipts by project or trip, plus Expensify can be integrated with any accounting and payroll package.
Organize that pile of business cards
Take pictures of business cards and then store information from them with Cam Card (www.camcard.com). Cam Card also reads QR Codes and lets you batch scan multiple cards. It’s a great way to eliminate business card clutter!
Manage conference calls and webinars anywhere
WebEx mobile (www.webex.com/products/web-conferencing/mobile.html) helps you conduct conference calls and webinars via your mobile phone. You can host or attend a meeting, see shared files and zoom in on the details. WebEx Mobile is one of the most popular business apps on iTunes and is listed as one of the “Top 5 Apps for Business” by CNN Money.
Stay productive with mobile Microsoft Office
Quickoffice (www.quickoffice.com) is Google’s mobile version of Microsoft Office that allows you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as view PDF files. It includes a built-in virtual laser pointer for presentations, plus it’s compatible with the cloud, so you can access your files anywhere.
Collaborate, store and share your content online
If you need to store, access and share your content online, try Box (www.box.com). It gives you the flexibility to use folders for shared online workspaces. You can invite others to view, edit and upload files as well as post comments. Box gives you the ability to create, share and edit Google Docs and Spreadsheets.
Find the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot
With WiFi Finder, you can find free or paid Wi-Fi when you travel with the JiWire Wi-Fi Finder (www.jiwire.com/iphone) for the iPhone and iPod Touch. By using the GPS on your iPhone, the Wi-Fi finder shows you where the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot is, and gives you directions. The app is available on iTunes.
Manage your finances
An easy way to start managing your finances is to download your financial institution’s mobile banking app. Most mobile banking apps are free and allow you to track account activity, balances and make transfers.
As you develop strategies and plans for your business, remember to contact your local community bank. When you work with your community banker, you have the advantage of working with someone who can provide you with programs and resources based on your needs.