Over the course of November, I commenced a 30-day/30-blog challenge on my website, Tech Coach HQ. The aim initially was to write purely on how I could run my business purely from a mobile device, my iPad, as I don’t currently own a smartphone.
I was already using the iPad as my primary device when working with clients and at conferences, the challenge was to use it all the time, not just some of the time.
Here the lessons I learned during the month.
1. Always bring cables and battery packs for your devices
2. One app, just won’t do!
There is no single app that will do everything. More often than not, it comes down to a ‘workflow’ or steps that are taken to achieve an outcome. You need to find apps that can import data and also export data. This could be done via social media, cloud based apps such as Evernote, Google Drive or Dropbox or just email.
3. Watch your data usage
Relying solely on a mobile device everywhere I went ended up using a lot of data with my iPad. I rely on WiFi at home and only use my cellular data when out with clients or on the train traveling into Melbourne CBD.
4. Keep your apps tidy
Try to keep your apps tidy in folders (this can be done on both Android and iOS) and this will help when trying to find the apps you love to use most. I do this on a regular basis and move folders according to what projects I am working on.
5. Research apps
There are app directories out there such as Appolicious (for both Android and iOS) which review apps in various categories. I have researched over 700 + apps since March this year and have a system when I am reviewing apps for my blog and for other websites.
6. Presenting from the palm of your hand
I have developed my own process for delivering presentations on a mobile device. During my 30 day challenge I prepared several presentations which I delivered via my iPad. I am an Evernote specialist in Australia and this has been vital for delivering Evernote training, and it came in handy for presentations during the challenge.
7. Use cloud storage
I use a mixture of Google Drive, Evernote and Dropbox to manage my files and photos on my iPad. This gives me the ability to edit Microsoft Office Documents (via Cloud On or Quick Office Pro HD), edit PDF documents and add photos to my blog with ease.
8. Work smarter, not harder
Find ways to make your life easier with receipt-scanning apps like Expensify and Shoeboxed so that your accountant will really appreciate you come tax or BAS time. Use voice recording applications such as Evernote or even voice to text recordings when possible (Dragon Dictation). Another option is handwriting recognition apps. Here is the link to the blog posts from Tech Coach HQ. And I would love feedback on ‘How do you use your mobile device for personal or professional use?’
Technology Coach and “IT” girl Megan Iemma is a thought leader in the world of technology and its uses. An educator and technogeek, Megan combined her passions for education and technology and founded Tech Coach HQ working with businesses and their teams to improve processes and embrace the productivity technology has to offer.
