Pest Management Professional, December 2013

mobile matters Five free apps for your business Dean Stanbridge Contributor W hats the point of having a mobile device with no apps to make your day easier Ive compiled a short list of free apps that will help you work more efficiently Theyre designed for specific phones so Ive listed the appropriate phones for the apps at least as of press time 1 Bump This sharing app allows you to tap your phone against another user with the same app and transfer the information you placed into the app transfer location It permits you to load photos emails contact information and files to share with others It also makes syncing with your computer simple Compatibility iPhone and Android 2 Foursquare This app will make you the hero of the day with it powerful location tips No matter where you are this app will help you find restaurants entertainment and even determine whether there are coupons available to save you a few bucks Compatibility iPhone and Android 3 QR Reader Regardless of whether you understand the full functionality of QR quick response codes this is a musthave app because it turns your device into a simplified reader instead of having to find and activate your internal QR code reader QR codes hold tons of information about everything from store coupons to restaurant locations The informational possibilities included within QR codes are endless and should be embraced by users A smart businessperson takes the time to search QR codes from competitors to see what Quick Response QR codes hold tons of information The possibilities included within QR codes are endless and should be embraced by users they might be offering their clients Compatibility All phone types depending on what app sites you visit 4 Adobe Reader Like it or not Adobe has cornered the market on reading manipulating of PDF files The Adobe app allows you to view PDF documents store them in the Cloud using Adobe com and make comments on them It also permits you to sign PDF documents and fill in PDF forms just like you would on your computer This is an app no one can survive without It helps save time before returning to the office Compatibility All phone types 5 CardMunch If youre anything like me you have 5000 business cards stuffed in your top drawer at work CardMunch permits you to scan those business cards quickly and add the content to your contact files Because LinkedIn produces the app it also permits you to send that information directly to your LinkedIn connections account Its a helpful app but updates have reduced its functionality Hopefully it will be corrected soon Compatibility iPhone and Android You can easily find thousands of business apps Visit one of the recognized app sites such as Apples App Store and search free business apps Check the apps star rating make sure you read reviews and make sure there are no hidden costs and update upgrade fees that will handcuff you later PMP You can reach Stanbridge a PMP and longtime technology columnist at dean@ directlinesales com 66 December 2013 Pest Management Professional www mypmp net