Keeping pace in the business world is no easy matter. As the technology increases our ability to work faster and more effectively it becomes the individual’s responsibility to keep up. We used to be chained to a desk so that no important phone call or email was missed, not to mention having instant access to schedules, project details, contact information, proposals, etc. But with the advent of smartphones, the information that was once relegated to a PDA device has now become one with our telephones. The newest phones, smartphones, allow us to run business while no longer tethered to the office.

Business in Your Hand

Your schedule can be updated from your smartphone and synced to your desktop computer; changes can be made on the fly. You can store and view documents from anywhere. Read or send emails from the road as easily as you can from the office. Check the stock market or suggest updates to colleagues no matter where you have to be. You can operate your business right from your hand.

Thousands of third-party apps allow you to run and track business more efficiently than ever before. And though many of these apps will have specific business application, they also offer temporary diversions as well. Some of the game apps available have swept the globe with their universal appeal.

Smartphone also include multimedia so you can listen to music, watch movies or take pictures. This adds a whole new dimension to what you can to a business presentation, not to mention what you can do during a break.

What to Look For in a Smartphone

Choices and options with smartphones has expanded exponentially in the last five years. To be able to keep up you need to know what is going to best fit your needs. You will also need to know what new device will intuit the needs you will have in the near future. Whether it is Blackberry, Android or a Windows Phone, ensure you get the cutting edge of technology (which often means the cutting edge of business as well). Your phone should include the following features:

• A design that gives you great screen size and resolution while keeping the weight relatively light and manageable. You want it to be sturdy but not too heavy.
• An excellent multimedia package. A 5 megapixel camera or higher to ensure great pictures. It should be able to record both audio and video. The calendar and task list applications and documents should sync with your home and/or business computer.
• The largest cellphone reception and service area. Communication is still the key to a good cell phone and a thriving business. For that reason the phone’s features should include three-way calling, a speakerphone, voicemail, call waiting, etc.
• Display and input options that fully meet your needs and an exceptionally long battery life.
• The basic cell phone tools like clock and calculator. Also be sure you can get GPS service, a fully functional browser and the storage capacity to allow for the many business apps that will increase your efficiency.