Why Every Small Business Owner Needs a Reliable Phone Set-up
As a small business owner, the one thing I can't live without is my phone. I mean, full disclosure, I am a partner in a phone case and accessories start-up, but that wouldn't matter. Any entrepreneur knows these powerful little computers in our pockets connect us with customers, allow us to host virtual meetings, help us solve problems, track our analytics and so much more. If you're a small business owner, you need a reliable phone set-up! And in this post, I'm going to get into all the smartphone must-haves that can remove some of the friction in your day, so you have more time to y'know... eat a decent meal or take a shower or tuck your kids in, because you're always too busy working your tail off.
Chargers
Everyone knows the dreaded noise their particular smartphone makes when it's about to die. That's the last thing you want to hear in the middle of a virtual meeting that you're hosting from your phone. While it seems like technical difficulties are just part of doing business virtually, there's a little part of you that still wishes it wasn't going this way today. You switch off your camera and frantically search around for a charger, and then, have to tell everyone that you're gonna "jump out and back in on your laptop", as you toss your phone to the side and grab your computer.
Charging Stand
If you're gonna be a small business owner you need a reliable charging set-up for your phone! For me, I love having my charging stand right next to my laptop on my desk. Not only is it easy to see the screen all day, but I can keep it at max battery capacity while I listen to some smooth jazz in the afternoon. And if I ever find myself in the dreaded battery danger zone, it's easy to find a charger, because it's right there, right on my desk.
Car Mount Charger
Maybe you need to take your entrepreneurial show on the road? Many modern cars come with built-in wireless charging, so that's usually less of an issue for folks with the latest and greatest. But, if you're like me and you've got a "more mature" vehicle, the best thing you can do is add a car mount charger! Having one in your vehicle keeps your phone ready between appointments, but also won't totally drain your battery when you use the GPS to get where you need to be.
Magnetic Wallet
New to magnetic accessories, like a detachable wallet, for phones? Let me give you an abbreviated history! A few years back, Apple was like, "Let's put magnets around the area where wireless charging is suppose to happen, and that way users' chargers will always align." This has been great for ensuring perfect charging alignment, but it also has created a nifty opportunity to add magnetic phone accessories to the back of your iPhone.
In time, Android was like, "Hey, we like this idea, but we're busy with other stuff (read: Gemini)." Because it isn't yet built right into Android phones yet, many Android users use magnetic phone cases or other work arounds, so they too can enjoy perfect charging alignment or magnetic accessories.
Whether you're super familiar with them or not, a magnetic wallet is a game changer for any small business owner. When you're constantly running around, the last thing you need is something else to keep track of. The beauty of a magnetic wallet that attaches to your phone is just that! You have a wallet attached to your phone--streamlining what you'll need to carry. Most magnetic wallets hold between 2-4 cards, so enough to have the essential ID and credit card at minimum. So, whether you've got to run to meet up with a new vendor or you want to head to the coffeeshop to do some editing, the magnetic wallet is the ultimate minimalist combination.
A Real Good Phone Case
About 10 years ago, I was meeting a work colleague to pick up some items for an event. She was helping me load them into the back of my car. And as I tried to hold onto the items along with my phone, I dropped my phone. As it hit the concrete at just the right angle and velocity, I braced myself for the worst. And if you haven't guessed it by now, I shattered my screen.
No small business owner wants to be in a situation without a fully functioning smartphone, and a reliable phone set-up includes a great phone case. Some people are purists and don't want a case, because they want to revel in the beauty of their brand's design. And that's totally their prerogative, but maybe finding a case that allows you to do both--protecting your asset and appreciating it's design--is the way to go? Beyond protection, there can be other awesome qualities that come with the right phone case, like optimized charging, compatibility with your favorite brand of accessories, the ability to prevent your magnetic accessories from sliding around or falling off, and more. I'll just leave this here.
To Sum Up
Small business owners, start-up founders, entrepreneurs, we're the type of people who bet on ourselves. We've got the passion, the work ethic, and the belief that we have something unique to add. You push the momentum of whatever project you're engaged in. So, take care of yourself. When you have a lot you need to get to, minor irritations with your technology shouldn't be one.
Jana Rokos is half of the husband and wife team behind the phone case and accessories start-up, OpenCase. They share a passion for practical design and minimalism.