I am celebrating my 1st anniversary with my iPhone. Sound a little quirky? I promise you it is not the norm for me to celebrate relationships with inanimate objects, but this is different. My iPhone has changed the way I work and live, including how I relate to people. I have grown and changed more personal practices this year as a result of having an iPhone than any other I period that can remember.
Experts say the explosion of apps and smart phones in this past year are the mark of us moving into a truly mobile age. Apps are a disruptive technology - a breakthrough innovation that improves our lives in a way that the market didn't anticipate. Like the advent of the automobile or the internet.
Over the past year I have downloaded and evaluated at least 100 apps. Many are free, and now I've even gotten my son and husband addicted. Here are some of the apps that have changed how I work and live:
- Linked-In, FaceBook and Twitter
- TED
- Mint
- Math flash cards for Jr.
- Voice recorder
- NJ transit
- Google Maps
- Kindle reader
- idial u drive
- Urban spoon
- My Christmas Lists
At this point, there is so much productivity to be gained from smart phones, if you are a business leader you can't afford not to use one. Your customers, competition and employees are getting more adept at using them every day. In addition, you need to be involved with this trend to truly understand and be able to use the technology in the future. If you don't have a smart phone, go get one. NOW! If you have one, and haven't explored and adopted some killer apps that are relevant for you... now is the time- check out the Fast Company list below. Contact me if you need some guidance.
I would love to hear your comments, as well as how smart phones and your favorite apps have changed the way you do work.
More resources:
Fast Company Slide Show: 25 Must Have iPhone Apps