We’ve all heard people talk about how smartphones, social media and mobile technology are changing the world in which we live. The ability to connect with others anywhere anytime is a pretty profound thing, especially for those of us who knew about life long before the Internet and the cell phone existed. Yet, the speed at which things are changing and the overwhelming number of advancements can keep us from maximizing the value these technological devices. If you’re thinking that an iPad is all about surfing the web or strictly for your kids, think again.
Former Apple CEO and respected innovator Steve Jobs once said, “These technologies can make life easier, can let us touch people we might not otherwise.” No one knows better than those of you in the field just how important it is to find meaningful ways to connect with clients, build trust and create lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial. Today, you have the opportunity to do this in an innovative new way through the use of tablet and app technology.
SMALLER, LIGHTER, SIMPLER
According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 19% of adults now own a tablet computer, the most of popular of which is Apple’s iPad. At roughly 10 inches in length and weighing 1.5 pounds, iPads are smaller and lighter than traditional laptops. These characteristics lend them to being more portable, and they typically offer longer battery life of up to 10 hours, too. On the other hand, they provide enhanced readability and accessibility over using mobile technology on most smartphones.
If you’re a fan of using a “yellow pad” to discuss concepts and ideas with clients, think of your iPad as an electronic version of a notebook and pen. This and many other tablet PCs allow you to use a stylus pen to take notes, jot down ideas and record your thoughts. Your handwriting can even be converted into text if you need to turn your notes into an electronic format that you can archive or transmit to a client. Plus, the form factor and convertible design characteristic of tablets can simplify interaction with others. You can set your iPad on any flat surface (think desk, kitchen table or even a lap), slide it in front of clients, and help them navigate information from where you’re sitting as long as you can see and touch the screen. In this way, these devices can eliminate barriers that might exist otherwise with a laptop, desktop or other communication device.
If you travel frequently to see clients or work out of multiple offices, an iPad is great way to have your materials available at all times. It also provides you with a great way to simplify a presentation or client meeting. Rather than shuffling through paperwork or digging through data, you can easily display a presentation that is concise and easy to follow while focusing on the client’s reactions, body language and verbal communication. Clients who enjoy “hands on” learning experiences will enjoy the interactivity that you can build into your presentations simply by having them touch the screen to move through the information you’ve collected.
SMARTER, BETTER, QUICKER
Once you make the decision to purchase an iPad (or maybe you’ve received one as a gift), consider tapping into the apps that are available for download to maximize the value of the device. Mobile apps refer to software applications that can be accessed on your tablet that don’t reside on your computer (like software such as Microsoft Word does). These apps can extend the reach of your business and enhance your productivity through their simplicity and ease of use. According to the 2012 Mobile Future in Focus whitepaper from comScore, nearly half of the total mobile audience was using apps at the end of 2011. This number is only expected to increase as companies continue to develop more efficient and tailored apps for their respective markets.
In order to work smarter and more effectively with these apps, consider some of the categories that might have the most positive impact on your business.
- Industry Apps: A number of insurance carriers are now offering branded apps that give you the ability to write a policy on the spot using your iPad. Others are creating apps that house consumer materials for reference, provide easy access to quoting engines or allow you to quickly run illustrations.
- “Point-of-Sale” Apps: If you’re creating a presentation or presenting a “yellow pad” idea, there are a number of apps that can provide you with better interactive options for working with your clients. You can even access health statistics and other important data with a few quick taps on your tablet.
- Communication Apps: For those of you who connect with clients from a distance, there are apps such as FaceTime and Skype that allow you to video conference with others with a just a Wi-Fi connection.
- Office Productivity Apps: From information storage and security to file creation and editing, the app options are endless. For example, download an app that allows you to record your voice and automatically turn it into written notes. No matter what challenges you face, there is a way to streamline your work and boost your bottom line.
In the second half of 2011, we showcased a series of articles in Creative Edge based around digital marketing techniques and how these strategies can be used specifically within your practice. However, we think it’s imperative that you recognize how technology currently available to you may change not only your marketing, but how you streamline your business and connect with clients on a broader scale. To access a list of applications Creative Marketing has tested and recommends, visit www.creativemarketing.net/apps. And remember, that “children’s gadget” could revolutionize your success moving forward!