5 business apps every entrepreneur should have

(Editor’s note: Shannon Suetos is a writer who specializes in business security systems. She submitted this story to VentureBeat.)

By now, we’ve all heard the phrase “there’s an app for that”. The problem is: There’s an app for virtually everything. Figuring out what’s truly useful for you can be an incredibly frustrating affair. 

You already know your smartphone can double as a virtual assistant. And if you’re shoestringing a startup or between funding rounds, using it in this capacity can be a great moneysaver. But first, you’ll need the right apps. Here are five that no entrepreneur should be without.

Google VoiceNeed to keep your telecom costs down? Google Voice can help. This Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) program, like its slightly better-known competitor Skype, transfers conversations over the Internet instead of phone lines. It won’t eliminate your monthly bill to AT&T, of course, but it will ensure you don’t run over on your minutes.

Among the free app’s other benefits are:

  • call forwarding from your personal phone number
  • Voicemails can be rendered to text and sent to your email account
  • Conference calling abilities
  • Call blocking
  • Anyone associated with your account can send and receive text messages for free

Scan2PDF MobileThis is a lifesaver when you need a PDF file in a hurry.  This app allows you to scan a document and convert it to the popular Adobe format.  It’s currently available for iPhone, Android and Windows Mobile users and offers a free trial, but it will cost you $14.99 for the full version.

TextPlusThis app allows you to text up to 100 people at a time from your iPhone or iPad – and it’s completely free.  INC. Magazine recently named it one of the best apps for business.

EvernoteThis app seems to make just about any app list these days—but it should.  It’s a good way to keep organized and allows you to take notes and pictures as well. Another potentially useful benefit of this free app is the ability to archive your tweets. For frequent travelers, this is a great way to keep everything organized and in one spot.

SurePayroll Mobile PayrollNeed some help crunching numbers? This app can calculate wages and deductions, manage payroll taxes, issue checks or direct deposit funds to your employees, provide 24/7 online access to files, send alerts, and provide labor law information. It can also be integrated with other payroll programs such as QuickBooks, Peachtree and MYOB.  The cost varies depending on the size of your company and your payroll needs.

  • http://www.denisbaranov.com Denis

    Uhm. How exactly do you make 100% free calls with Google Voice? There is no software client right now for voice calls. Voicemail & SMS are indeed free as they can be managed through the website. However, in order to make & receive calls with your Google Voice number, you have to have a voice connection & another number through another provider. The cheapest option is SkypeIn & web-panel, but it's not free.

  • http://www.drewolanoff.com drewolanoff

    Thank you for the textPlus mention! We're seeing some really cool uses of our group texting technology and Communities feature. More to come ;) WAY more.

  • Chris Stewart

    Almost all carriers let you create a small list of numbers for unlimited calls, usually for family or friends, and if you add your Google Voice number to that list you get unlimited calls to ANYONE as long as you call from voice. If you set your account to display your Google # as callerID when someone calls you that will make incoming calls free too, but you won't know who's calling. ;)

  • Textkillscom

    Please see http://www.smsreplier.com and explain why you for got to mention there app. There is nothing that compares to saving lifes and child safety Driven by Iconosys Inc. Dedicated to protecting your children and saving lives in the road.

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