iPads have proved their worth in business, adding value to countless companies globally. However, do small businesses benefit in the same way? As a small business owner, my iPad is invaluable for staying in touch with my team and prospective clients. My team praises its functionality and often suggests apps greatly benefit my business, but how good is it really? Is An iPad good for a small business?
iPads are good for small businesses because they are inexpensive devices that perform the admin tasks of a laptop. Apps like Quickbook and Trello are great for keeping up to date with financials and workflow, and MS Office allows you to work anywhere and give on-the-go presentations.
iPads offer small businesses the keys to growing their business. We’ll look at how an iPad can improve customer experience, meet the demands of a professional traveler, and make it easier to connect with potential clients. Lastly, we’ll see how iPads can benefit small international businesses.
Is An iPad Good For A Small Business?
Apple’s iPad is a potent full-fledged business tool that may boost your productivity and allow you to operate more freely. With more companies embracing the iPad and exciting business-focused applications being available every week, organizations risk missing out if they do not explore the benefits the iPad may provide.
Suppose you don’t require much computational capability. In that case, it might be the only device you need to bring on a business trip instead of a bulky laptop.
If you do a lot of presentations, you’ll be glad to know even PowerPoint-style presentations are easily accessible, modified, and shown on an iPad. In fact, the Apple Store indicates that 20 percent of the top-selling apps relate to productivity.
Furthermore, when your iPad is not in use, it makes a fantastic prop for your welcome area. It’s certainly more affordable than a gigantic saltwater fish tank, and your guests will appreciate the ingenuity!
It will almost certainly save you money on superfluous equipment purchases. If a portable iPad has the power and capability to fulfill all of the activities necessary to run your business, you might consider postponing or even canceling the laptop purchase indefinitely.
iPads Can Function As Compact Laptops
Given the growing need for mobile software products, you can now use your iPad to access a wealth of business applications. Here are a few suggestions for small businesses:
QuickBooks Is Great For Invoicing And Accounting Purposes
QuickBooks is a renowned software application among both small and large businesses. It allows you to access your business account from anywhere, process invoices, and keep track of your finances.
Trello Manages Workflow With Collaborative Remote Features
You might have some employees or contractors working remotely as a small business, in which case Trello is a fantastic supporting app. It helps you to stay on target on your iPad and includes simple project management and workflow features that make remote collaboration easier.
Microsoft Office Apps Allow You Great Flexibility
Access to an MS office suite on your iPad provides fast access to the tools you need to work or make important changes without needing to be in an office or at home if you work remotely.
It also allows you to conduct presentations right from your iPad, and apps like OneNote are great for collecting notes and aggregating multi-user collaborative work across several platforms.
An iPad Allows You To Work Unrestricted
iPads are a fantastic tool for enabling small companies to function on the go. There are tools for creating timetables, project reminders, and even graphic design programs like Sketchbook Pro if you can’t afford to slow down your productivity while traveling. Whatever your company requirements are, relevant software guarantees that your small business remains fruitful.
Assuming you need online connectivity via a wireless hotspot or high-speed cellular networks, an iPad can assist you in keeping up with incoming emails and the newest headlines or news about exciting developments.
Furthermore, an iPad is crucial for small firms communicating with colleagues across time zones and countries. iPads may also keep you updated on changing stock prices and subjects pertinent to your sector as they hit the worldwide newswires.
iPads Can Be A Cost-Effective Point-Of-Sale Device
iPads can become central to the success of small companies needing a reliable point-of-sale (POS) system. They provide a straightforward and portable method of making sales, plus they offer a lot of value to small enterprises that benefit from mobility, such as food trucks.
Of course, iPad POS technology is excellent for retail transactions since it eliminates the need for a cumbersome cash register.
iPads operate as cutting-edge POS systems that combine the finest hardware and software to deliver a card reader, cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner. Furthermore, a touch screen interface is visually appealing and generally makes it simple for customers to browse.
From a commercial standpoint, specific applications allow you to update inventory and maintain track of existing reserves when you scan a product. If you intend to take credit card payments, you may also supplement the app with a magnetic card reader.
Once payment is successful, a business may send a receipt to an email address or have it wirelessly printed to a printer if the consumer wants a paper copy. If you want more information regarding POS systems, you can check here to see what POS might be best for your business.
iPads Can Function As Portable Presentations Devices
Setting up a network of business contacts as a small firm sometimes entails meeting new clients. Given this, iPads are proficient at expediting this process and providing all the tools required for a successful presentation.
Modern iPads include USB-C and HDMI connections for connecting to other applications and devices and delivering high-quality presentations. Because of the iPad’s slim and lightweight design, you may work on and give presentations without taking your laptop to a client’s location. They are also perfect for traveling business executives who need to stay in touch with their clients.
Of course, if meeting a customer – especially a foreign client – is not a viable option, iPads may also serve as video and conference devices.
Businesses that rely on video to communicate their intention through reels, testimonials, advertising spots, product demos, and more will appreciate the device’s stunning display quality.
As a multi-function device, it can switch between slideshow presentations and draw up web traffic statistics on the go, making it an excellent all-around option for screening samples for retailers, trade partners, and prospective clients.
Conclusion
iPads are fantastic tools for small businesses looking to set up a point-of-sale (POS). You can accessorize with card readers, scanners, and even track inventory. Its portable features make it ideal for small business owners who travel because you can work on the go, stay in touch with clients, and host presentations anytime.
Resources
- https://www.apple.com/retail/business/
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/5-good-reasons-to-buy-an-ipad-for-your-business-1/
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2955-best-pos-systems.html
- https://learn.g2.com/ways-to-use-ipads-in-business
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6105-how-to-use-ipad-business.html
- https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/can-you-run-your-business-with-a-tablet-like-the-ipad-pro-1319821
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/206532
