Apps make life easier

Internet speeds on cellphones are now allowing us to use these devices on a daily basis as tools for business.

Often I'm asked about ways to make business life easier.

Improving processes are always a good start for those who want to sharpen their business practices to save time.

These days people have more cellphones than toothbrushes, apparently.

And while I'm yet to see a cellphone capable of brushing my teeth the processing power and internet speeds on cellphones are now allowing us to use these devices on a daily basis as tools for business.

Here are some software mentions and mobile apps that might be useful.

Google Docs - for collaboration and sharing: There are some great things about Google docs - it tracks and saves changes in the cloud as you work, so in the event of a power outage you will have the most recent copy available. You can also collaborate with others on the same document. This is great for involving clients in the forecasting or planning process.

Xero - for accounting and finance: A favourite among SMEs for real-time accounting, Xero also has a mobile app to connect you to your business' finances. With the mobile app you can code and reconcile expenses, capture and upload receipts and invoices.

Receiptbank - for uploading invoices to xero: This is truly a time saver if you receive a lot of invoices from suppliers and need to load them into your Xero program. Receipt bank takes a picture or the pdf information of bills received and uploads them into Xero.

Facebook and LinkedIn: Branding, networking, marketing and sharing information are where these apps can be useful for your business. Facebook is a great way to show people at a snap what you're up to to remind them your business is there.

Hiveapp.co.nz: If you're new to self employment or looking to fill some time with some jobs then check out Hiveapp.co.nz. This app lets people post jobs and find jobs via web.

- Jeremy Tauri is an associate at Plus Chartered Accountants.