5 Ways a Smartphone Can Help Creative Entrepreneurs

You knew that owning your own business would be time-consuming — even if you are doing what you love. But between managing your social networks, stocking your online shop, and keeping in contact with your customers, you might begin to feel like your computer is less like a useful tool and more like a ball and chain.

Enter the smartphone. Need to run errands, but you’re waiting for an important e-mail? Just feel like going to the beach? With a smartphone, you’re not tied to your office — your office is tied to you. (Well, not literally. Unless, of course, you’ve created a cute strappy little wristlet for your smartphone, in which case you’ve made my analogy completely problem-free, and for which I should thank you. Thanks!)

Take it from Jemellia Hilfiger, who runs the shop JemJam on Etsy.

"I get e-mails on my phone, so I am notified immediately of a sale.  If I do not print my postage at home, I can take it to the post office without wasting any paper and pull up the buyer's address right from my phone."

Here are five ways that upgrading your flip-phone to one with brains will help you with your business.

1. Shock them with superior customer service. A smartphone lets you receive “push” e-mail notifcations, so when you’ve got mail, you know right away. Then you can reply instantly, no matter what — even if you’re away from your desk.

Says Jemellia:

"I am able to reply quickly to questions about products or shipping with a phone, especially in the summer when I am out and about with my family.  I also do not have to put my shop on vacation as much since I can communicate with customers as needed."

2. Cure for the common fuzzbrain. For those moments when you’re standing in line, staring into space, and suddenly remember you have to restock something in your shop  — you can! All before it’s your turn at the Fifteen Items Or Less register.

3. Keep up with social media while you’re out and about. Updating your status from your phone takes only a minute, and periodically checking for updates keeps you looped in to what your customers and contacts are talking about, without the need for a long, time-intensive session at your desk.

4. Stay inspired. Get out to museums, metroparks, eclectic business districts downtown — and take pictures of inspiration while you’re shopping or walking. Better yet, post them online while you’re out and share your inspiration with customers and colleagues. If you had "blog post ideas" on your to-do list, you can cross it off!

5. Addicted to the health of your shop? A smartphone allows you to keep up-to-date tabs on sales, stats and shipping, even if you’re away from your studio.

So there you have it: five great reasons to put your business manager in your pocket.

Already have a smartphone? Share your productivity tips in the comments! And don’t forget to check out our list of top iPhone aps for online entrepreneurs!

Main image courtesy of Jorge Quinteros.