A while ago, I created a post called the “8 ways to use technology to be more efficient“.  Since then I have taken some time to outline the first three items on that list.  The number 4 item on the list is definitely one of my favorites(as I’m sure you’ve read).  It is the topic of mobile communications.

photo credit: gailjadehamilton

What do you mean?

A couple of decades ago it was bag phones and the brick.

photo credit: MRBECK

Today, our mobile phones are very little like the phones of the past.  Most of them provide a connection to the world that wasn’t even possible on PCs just a 5 or 6 years ago. The big players in this field are releasing new versions and new capabilities it seems like almost every day.  This field is rapidly expanding and I think that if you just focus on these devices can do for you, you will find a lot of options for gaining efficiency.

How does it help?

1. Accessibility

The mobile devices of today provide accessibility to you for your clients and employees in a way not imaginable just a decade ago.  You can receive simple text messages, emails, faxes, phone calls, and even have video conference calls.  These devices can truly bring the power of the Internet pretty much wherever you have a signal.

2. Ability to act

By providing this type of accessibility it also provides you with the ability to act while you’re not at your desk.  You can make decisions and broadcast them from anywhere at anytime.  This provides you the ability to act really anytime, anywhere.

3. Access to resources

Because of this type of accessibility and ability to act, you will need access to resources.  By using the capabilities that these devices provide you can access files, conversations, images, etc. from anywhere that a signal exists.  This will allow you to review documents and other resources when you need them.

4. Freedom from the desk

Many of the tasks that required you to be in the office are now able to be done from the mobile device in your hand.  This removes the old leash that used to exist to your computer on your desk.  You can now do many of the things that you used to do at your desk from anywhere.

The downsides

I am sure that some of you reading this will say “Yeah… but” and then tell me about the downsides of this type of accessibility.  It doesn’t allow you take a vacation.  You don’t feel like you’re ever away from work.  I will definitely agree with you that there are downsides to this level of ability.  Sometimes as a business owner you will have to take the good with the bad.  There has to come a point where you just turn the device off.  I agree.

That said, when you need something like this, it serves an amazing function for you.  It can disconnect you from the desk so you can spend more time doing the things you like to do without losing connection.

Take a step

Are you currently using mobile communication to help you be more efficient?  Would it help you to be able to accept emails on your Blackberry?  Or schedule appointments on your Pre?  What about accept credit cards on your iPhone?  Think about the potential options….