Techblog
5 essentials for the travelling business owner
The virtual office has now become the norm for most business owners. They need to constantly focus on growing their business, no matter where they are or what time it is. Here are five tools to keep your business on track and functioning smoothly on the go.
Small business owners wear many hats, and they can often be strapped for time to complete everything they need to do in a day. Mobility and efficiency are top priorities for business owners who work all hours – even when they’re on the move or taking a holiday.
The good news is that there are thousands of software applications out there to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses when they’re travelling. These are five essential tools that every owner should consider using:
1. Online project management software
In today’s connected age, you can stay in the loop no matter where you are. With a project management software, you can stay organised and on track with every project without having to scour your inbox or contact individual team members for an update. Tools like Trello and Basecamp perform as one-stop platforms to view progress, collaborate with your team and stay on top of even the tiniest details.
2. Simple note-taking tools
Inspiration often strikes when we’re surrounded by the unfamiliar, so it’s important to document all your great ideas when you travel. You should be able to capture your thoughts quickly – whether through a series of snapshots, an audio recording or a hasty scribble – and store them for future reference. Software such as Evernote serve as comprehensive tools to clip text from a website or upload photos and store it on the cloud so you can access it at your convenience. On the other hand, there are simpler free tools like Simplenote and Box Notes if you just want the basics and no frills.
3. Cloud-based accounting software
As a business owner, it’s crucial to get real-time updates on your company’s finances in order to make quick business decisions. The ABSS Premier online solution, now exclusively offered on the cloud by Singtel myBusiness, is the ideal solution for accessing and analysing key financial information on the fly. Not only is it designed to be easy to use, but it’s also packed with every function you need on a single platform. Hosted on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, the app ensures the safety of your data while providing unlimited access anytime, anywhere.
4. Trip-planning apps
Flexibility is key for entrepreneurs who may need to quickly set up or reschedule business meetings while travelling. A trip-planning tool like Tripit helps you book flights and hotels and even create a master itinerary for you depending on your confirmed bookings whereas Tripomatic lets you add locations of key attractions from a map of your destination city to create a map-based plan for yourself. WorldMate is another such app that takes away the stress of organising an itinerary, even providing you with flight-status notifications, maps and navigation – all from your smartphone. Even better, the app has LinkedIn integration so you can connect with clients effortlessly while on the road.
5. Online file-sharing services
You never know when or where you’re going to meet a potential investor – they may be seated next to you on a flight or at Christmas dinner with your in-laws. Use an online file-sharing tool such as Dropbox or even Google Drive for work to ensure you can instantly access your latest presentation decks, in case you find yourself needing to unexpectedly pitch your business to a potential stakeholder. These apps utilise cloud storage and can be installed on multiple devices, allowing you to seamlessly access your securely stored files from any device of your choice.
With such powerful software at our disposal, the work desk for any entrepreneur is now just a tap away. By making smart use of the productivity tools available, travelling business owners can maximise the efficiency of their time by:
- managing ongoing projects and financial administration processes online with cloud-based accounting apps
- taking notes, documenting ideas for future reference and sharing data through a number of tools cloud-based services.
- Planning trips, booking flights and hotels and automating itineraries with a one-stop platform.
ABSS Premier online, presented by Singtel myBusiness, brings the power of the cloud to an accounting tool already popular among SMEs, equipping them with:
- 24/7 anytime, anywhere access and from any device or platform.
- Automatic backups with 99.5 percent SLA uptime.
- Dedicated helpdesk including phone support 6 days a week.
- Multiple device access and company profiles through a single subscription.
- An easy-to-use interface with simple terms to explain workflows.
To find out how you can enjoy the benefits of ABSS Premier online, click here.