10 Reasons the iPad is the Perfect Tool for Small Business

In January of 2010, Apple introduced the iPad — a device that made the lives of small businesses significantly easier. Using an iPad for business is now second nature. If you’re not aware, go ahead and take a look at its benefits.

Years later, the iPad has indeed changed the world, and it is the perfect tool for small business. Here are 10 reasons why the iPad rocks:

1. The iPad does practically everything under the sun

Using an iPad for small business is a life saver. From taking notes, shooting high resolution photos and videos, sending and receiving emails, holding real-time video chats, collecting signatures and managing documents, tracking inventory, and beyond – as the saying goes, “there’s an app for that.”

2. The iPad is light and portable

Imagine having access to contracts, customer files, inventory, reports, correspondence, and other vital business data without having to lug a heavy laptop around or struggle to view the data on a tiny screen. An iPad can do that, and so much more, for your business. It even fits beautifully in a briefcase or purse, and doesn’t wear you down.

3. The iPad is affordable

For just a few hundred dollars, you have a versatile business tool that can be used at your office, at your clients’ location, at home, at city hall, in the warehouse, and virtually anywhere else you may be.

4. The iPad integrates seamlessly with other devices

If your business uses Mac computers, you’ll love how well the iPad works with its Apple siblings. Still using Microsoft Windows? Using cloud services such as Dropbox makes it easy to share documents and data across the different platforms. See what we’re getting at? Using an iPad for your small business equal hours back in your day!

5. The iPad is great for sales presentations

With its gorgeous display and touchscreen controls, the iPad is the perfect mobile presentation tool. Simply launch your presentation, hand the iPad to your client, and let the sales magic begin. Whether your presentation is a straightforward PowerPoint, a video, or an interactive multimedia production, the iPad can handle it elegantly.

6. The iPad is ideal for professional development

Need to improve your time management skills? Want access to the latest skills training? Need to keep up with the latest industry developments? The iPad can help. Calendars, task management, and productivity apps abound, helping you to stay organized and get things done. With a simple Wi-Fi connection, you can participate in a variety of online training programs. For example, the Open University has hundreds of free online courses, and you can access them using an iPad.

7. The iPad is a fantastic tool for taking and storing notes

Whether meeting with a client, attending a training session, visiting a trade show, or planning your next project, the iPad is the perfect notebook or sketch pad. Use a stylus to capture your handwriting, just like taking notes with paper and pencil. With just a tap, you can add audio notes. With a swipe or two, you can drag and drop images into your notes — and your notes are easily stored and shared. Some note-taking apps will even synchronize the audio recording with your handwriting, allowing you to later click on a word to jump to that point in the recording.

8. The iPad is intuitive and easy to use

The iPad is highly visual and intuitive, making it easy to learn and and use. Not only is its user-friendliness important to you, if you intend on equipping your employees with iPads at your business, it’s crucial from a training perspective. With a shallow learning curve, your team can spend less time trying to figure out how to work with the technology and more time leveraging it.

SEE ALSO: Ultimate Guide to Choosing a POS System

9. The iPad can serve as part of your business’s video surveillance security system

Many business security systems support the iPad, making it possible to view live security feeds or even control individual cameras from your iPad. This means that you can check in on your business when you’re away or use the iPad as an additional security monitor when working at your store.

10. The iPad can serve as a point of sale system

Point of sale system developers such as ShopKeep have created comprehensive POS systems designed for the Apple iPad. These systems take full advantage of the iPad’s ease of use, touch screen display, mobility, and other features, allowing cashiers and servers to take orders and process transactions virtually anywhere in your establishment. Meanwhile, you can manage inventory, view reports, reconcile transactions, and more from anywhere.

So if you’re considering investing in new technology to help manage your business and simplify your everyday tasks, then you may not need to search much further than an iPad.

Paul Nugent

Paul Nugent is a small business advocate who uses his background in the startup space, along with his POS system expertise, to allow small business owners to make informed decisions within their specific budgets.