Collaborating On The Go: Top Apps to Help Road Warriors Stay In Touch
The corporate office has changed drastically in the last decade. While many individuals still drive to work every day, work is increasingly mobile, and being on the road means staying in touch can be more challenging.
Collaboration is the key to success in any business endeavour, so how can a business keep all its team members in touch whilst everyone is travelling? Fortunately, there are many apps available now that can help keep team members connected on the go.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a program that can be used on your computer, your app-friendly smart phone, and your tablet. It’s a great collaboration tool that allows many people to submit, share, and compile documents. If you’ve got a lot of files to share and you can’t share the volume or size you need via email, for instance, you can upload them to the Dropbox.
While not technically a cloud technology system, it acts a bit like the cloud in that you can send things to it from multiple locations and by multiple users, and then work with that information as you see fit from that point on. Because Blackberry is becoming less friendly to apps like Dropbox, which are becoming so popular, many sites like Music Magpie are seeing an increase of Blackberries being recycled in favour of phones that can support apps like those listed here.
Asana
Asana is a system much like Dropbox where users can send, compile, share, and discuss documents. Asana is a bit more comprehensive in that it serves as more of a mobile office instead of simply a place to drop files. Of course, the design of Dropbox is intentionally simplistic, and some might find it to be the perfect fit. But if you’re looking for a place to meet, collaborate, give feedback, set tasks and goals, and so forth, Asana might be just the thing you’re looking for.
Basecamp
Basecamp is another great all-in-one, comprehensive app that can be used both online and on the go to stay connected to team members and ensure that projects are on schedule. Files can be shared instantly, and any discussions, feedback, and decisions are made central so you’re instantly up to date on important happenings when you first log in.
All of your “to do” items are kept in one place, so you never miss a deadline, and the platform provides a secure location for all files, documents, videos, pictures, and so on. Everything you’ve ever done in Basecamp, from a concept to a full document, remains there until you delete it, so it’s the most secure spot for everything pertaining to a project. Chats and discussions inspire teamwork and productivity, as well, and Basecamp is always coming out with new apps and features to keep you in the loop.
With so many apps and technologies coming forth that are designed to help entrepreneurs and on-the-go business professionals keep in touch and stay productive, the future of business is very bright. Since most of the apps are free or inexpensive, it’s also putting more power in the hands of entrepreneurs on a limited budget, and enables virtual commutes, which can allow entrepreneurs without a building or physical office to hire workers in other locations, as well.
Mason Williamson has used tons of business technology. He often blogs about his experiences and and how apps and software can help productivity.
