How Tablets and Apps will define your business

by Doug Gray | Oct 31, 2013 | Business, change, digital

Let’s start with some facts.  Then trends.  Then implementable solutions.

Facts:

1. Apple introduced the iPad in 2010 as a revolutionary device
2. By 2016 an estimated 650 million tablets will have been sold globally.  Pretty revolutionary, huh?
3. In a 2012 poll by CDW, tablet users averaged 2.1 hours per day and gained 1.1 hours of productivity
4. In that poll, 84% of employees said that the tablet made them better multi-taskers
5. There are over 1 million apps available for download
6. There are more mobile devices in the world than there are toilets. (What does that fact say about our needs for hygiene and connection?)

Trends:

1. Most digital natives (born after 1980) sleep with their phones
2. There are more tablets and mobile devices than desktop devices, used globally
3. Most information workers view 2-3 screens concurrently.  An example in marketing:  the television screen, the laptop screen, and the mobile third device. An example in finance:  two laptop screens and the mobile third device.
4. App usage is growing faster than web portal use, as workers apply technology to customers and clients in new ways
5. Employers tolerate a BYOD approach (bring your own device) despite concerns about security, branding, and productivity

Solutions for your business include:

1. Blended use of technology/virtual learning and direct/synchronous training.  Virtual training is less expensive, but not adopted.  Blended use of technology and direct training can increase engagement, productivity, and retention.  See one example here.  I use blended learning solutions for most action learning programs.  Imagine a team of 4-7 people in different locations who need to collaborate.  They typically do not even know one another.  Action Learning programs require that they assess the problem/case study/ client need, then share resources, then ask questions to develop solutions, then apply those solutions to save money or make money.  Recently, I have developed mobile apps that supplement business development workshops between siloed divisions.  Monthly workshops, combined with direct and virtual meetings, and action learning apps force people to work together.   
3. Smart adoption of technology will increase mobility and security.  Examples include Dropbox, a cloud storage service that syncs data can be accessed from any devices.  You no longer need a secure VPN (virtual private network) access or dial in to a server.  Your security is guaranteed.  Consequently, when I travel to a client’s location I use Dropbox to access all of my digital content and provide tremendous value to any client, in their office, in the moment.  Client delight is a reality, not a goal.
5. Collaboration tools will enable multiple workers and stakeholders to develop solutions.  One example is GoToMeeting, a web meeting tool with audio and video conferencing.  You can access from any device, using a code.  Then you can see who is talking, share screens for collaborative work, record meetings for future reference.  I use this tool when reviewing documents or developing presentation materials with clients in multiple locations.  And I use GoToMeeting for team coaching and action learning programs.

Most importantly, how are you using tablets and apps to increase your business?

If you need ideas, contact us now.  If you have a great example, contact us now.  If you want to work together, contact us now.