6 Ways Smartphones Have Changed the Business Environment

Businessman using smartphone

The rapid growth of modern technology, particularly smart devices such as smartphones, has transformed the business environment in unimaginable ways. Tablets and smartphones have changed the way businesspeople execute various tasks or streamline operations in the workplace. Here are six ways smartphones have changed the way businesses across the globe conduct their activities.

Streamlined Communication

Businesses have polished their communication channels and made telephonic communication the modern way of communicating efficiently by adopting mobile technology. This means that apart from communicating via voice, businesspeople can also send text messages, access cloud services, and send emails through their smartphones without too much hassle.

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With smartphones, businesses can strike profitable business deals, hold conferences, and synchronize operations more affordably compared to outdated traditional communication channels. This means that communicating with anyone across the globe in a face-to-face like setting is possible and right on your fingertips.

Furthermore, calling plans from established phone service providers are far cheaper than the rates offered about years ago. Smartphones have made it easier for both individuals and businesses to consume media content and other types of digital information.

The ever-growing mobile technology and faster internet speeds have also had ta massive impact on how businesses operate. Undoubtedly, smartphones have enhanced productivity, interactions, and collaborations in the workplace.

Created Employment Opportunities

Currently, the era of mobile technology has created millions of lucrative job opportunities in various industries. Even in the developing world, phone service providers have created millions of job opportunities, especially for young people who tend to be more tech-savvy than their older counterparts. In Afghanistan, for instance, founder of Afghan Wireless, Ehsan Bayat, has created thousands of employment opportunities by starting a mobile phone service provider that employs over 6,000 people indirectly and has over 100,000 direct employees.

In addition, smartphone retailers and repair shops that have mushroomed in almost every corner of each town across the world are as a result of the rapid growth of mobile technology. It’s also through the growing popularity of smartphones, that smart mobile application builders have made billions of money by developing useful mobile apps that improve communications and other functions of smartphones.

Improved Response Times

A smartphone is a portable, mobile device that the owner or user can carry around, and thus be able to conduct business on-the-go. While communicating through emails is still a great and efficient way to disseminate official business information, smartphones have taken that capability to the next level. As a serious business owner, being able to respond to your emails from customers, suppliers, and other business partners in a timely manner is critical to your growth potential and business reputation.

A smartphone allows you to respond to these emails and other urgent messages instantly, rather than having to wait until you get to the office to open your emails. In other words, regardless of your location, you can still serve all your clients promptly via your smartphone.

Increased Social Media Network Presence

In today’s fast-paced business environment, building and maintaining strong business relationships through social media networking is a key component of success. Digital marketers and reputable brands have already recognized the power of using social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Snapchat in building brand awareness and online relationships.

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Millions of social media users access their social media accounts and handles through their smartphones, not desktop computers or laptops. In fact, social networking apps are increasingly becoming a leading source of word-of-mouth digital traffic.

Improved the Freelancing Environment

A decade ago, most companies would have frowned upon the idea of employing remote workers or freelancers to execute crucial tasks such as customer support. But, with the advent of devices such as smartphones and cloud computing technology, even the most established companies have started considering telecommuting.

Many businesses in Europe and North America consider outsourcing some of their business operations to remote employees and freelancers located in English-speaking Asian and African countries. This strategy has dramatically helped businesses cut down on labor overhead expenses, such as paying for sufficient office space for each of their employees.

Payments Made Easy

Mobile money transfer services have become commonplace as businesses seek to transact faster and stay ahead of the competition. There are hundreds of credible apps that are designed to facilitate secure and free mobile payments out there.

Online businesses that have embraced the technology of allowing their customers to make payments through mobile apps are gradually becoming more popular among smart online shoppers. For example, a government multi-layered project called India Stack aims to achieve a financial system that is not only paperless but also cashless. The user interface of the project is mostly through smartphones.

Mobile technology is rapidly evolving and changing the business environment. Regardless of the model of your business, embracing the use of mobile technology in all spheres of your company will help you save money and enhance collaboration.

Still think you need more than a smartphone to start a business? Here are 7 business you can start with just your smartphone.