Tablets have taken off in a big way since Apple introduced the iPad in 2010. Until recently they were in demand as a great alternative to a laptop for browsing the Internet and playing games, but now, they are becoming the most wanted item for businesses who want to keep up with the times and improve efficiency.
So, if you have a small business, why should you invest in a tablet?
Can be used as a portable point of sale
In the past, the only way to sell goods and services was by directing the customer over to a till where they could pay using card, cash or cheque. Now, you can bring the till to the customer in the form of a tablet and app. This is fantastic for those who run a small business and attend trade shows or fairs where there is not a till facility, or for businesses on the move.
Point of sale software is easy to obtain, does not need to be expensive and can be loaded on the tablet in the form of an app. ย PayPal have recently launched PayPal Here which allows businesses to accept card payments through their smartphone and tablet, it will launch in the UK in summer 2013, but there are already many other payment apps such as Intuit and Huddlebuy available.
Perfect for presentations
There is now no need to lug a heavy laptop around with you when you go to client meetings. Just pop your tablet in your bag or briefcase and you have everything you need with you.
The iPad especially comes into its own when it comes to presentations with superb software allowing you to create extremely professional presentations in a matter of a few minutes. It also means it is no hardship to take it to every meeting you have, just in case you feel there is a need for a presentation or if you meet an unexpected potential client in passing, your tablet is on hand to show what you can do.
A digital portfolio tool
Portfolios are a great way to show clients your previous work. In past decades this would involve creating a physical folder of images which would need updating regularly when images became tatty or faded. They can also became bigger and heavier the more work you add to them. With a tablet, you can store every work example on them and show potential customers with the touch of a button. It also makes you appear more professional and up to date with technology, all of which helps secure sales.
You can also arrange your work into different categories and present the most suitable portfolio for the client you are meeting. It also allows you to have all your documents to hand should you face any questions which need answering with imagery or examples.
Working on the go
There is nothing worse than carting a heavy laptop around, just so you can finish a presentation while on the train. With a tablet you can easily carry on working out of the office without the feeling of having to take your office around with you. From checking e-mails, research on the net and working on projects and documents, a tablet allows you to do all these things without the hassle of a large computer. Many devices also have built in 3G meaning you can use the internet when there isnโt a WiFi zone.
Access to apps
There are many apps out there now which are designed purely for business use and can improve productivity and efficiency hugely. From allowing you to go paperless and move all your accounting and records online to managing inventories and working on presentations, your tablet can be a one-stop shop for almost everything. A computer is very limited when it comes to downloading and accessing software like this quickly and easily and is one of the main reasons tablets have become so popular.
About the author: Kirsten works for Voucher Cloud. They offer a range of deals for their customers including Cafe Rouge Vouchers and Debenhams Discounts. Senior members of staff own tablets in order to be accessible on the move and they are invaluable for meetings; Kirsten relies on her tablet for her presentations.
