10 Apps entrepreneurs must have

Business apps

Turning your big idea into a profitable business takes planning, and that can present a big challenge for entrepreneurs.

StratPad, an iPad app, walks you step-by-step through the process of creating a workable strategy and business plan. StratPad generates reports — including a summary business plan and financial projections — that you can present to prospective investors, and it helps you track progress as you execute your plan.

Every business owner is competing for customers. Working initial leads (and following up on those who weren’t quite ready to commit) is one of the most important first steps of launching a successful business.

Sellingly is an email add-on that helps you keep qualified leads organized so that you can easily stay in touch with them. Automated email reminders will keep you one step ahead of the 80 percent of salespeople who forget to follow up on those potential customers.

It’s more important than ever for an entrepreneur to have a website, but finding a web designer who shares your vision can be difficult!

Plebu is a web and tablet app that enables you to get online quickly, without the expense of hiring a web designer. Websites built with Plebu look great on desktops, tablets and mobile phones — so your customers find you no matter what devices they use.

BookFresh is a scheduling app that lets customers book appointments online. It’s like having a virtual receptionist who’s available day and night — which means you won’t waste time (or risk losing customers) playing phone or email tag.

BookFresh synchronizes with your schedule, so it knows when you are available. Also, it automatically reminds your prospects and customers when they have an upcoming appointment.

If you use your mobile phone for business purposes, then you know that the standard voice mail function is not always sufficient.

YouMail greets callers professionally to make a great first impression. It instantly replies to callers with a text message and records and organizes voice mails in folders for easy access and sharing. YouMail is free, but for a small monthly fee, you can get human transcription!

When it comes to customer-relationship and project management, entrepreneurs have unique needs. Insightly works seamlessly with Gmail and Outlook 2013, two popular services for small businesses. The app provides you with an easy-to-use intuitive interface, flexible calendar and events capabilities and social integration.

As a small business owner, you’ll appreciate the ability to access customer information on the go (via iOS or Android) as you build your successful business.

Imagine arriving at an important funding meeting only to realize that your presentation is not on your laptop! GoToMyPC can instantly access any application or file on your home or office computer from your iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire or Android. Crisis averted!

This app by Citrix also enables you connect to your work computer from any location so that you can instantly access emails and files. Log in from any web browser or your favorite handheld device.

It’s not always easy to stay connected with your employees, business partners and investors. Zoom helps young businesses achieve a level of communication usually reserved for large, well-established companies.

Zoom combines web conferencing, high-definition video and mobile screen sharing so you can stay connected no matter what your location. The app allows for up to 25 “face-to-face” participants on one HD video call, so you can share and collaborate without the expense of traditional conference room meetings.

Keeping good records is important, but no one wants to drown themselves in paperwork (especially those pesky little receipts).

With Expensify, you can take photos of receipts, upload them, categorize them — and even send them to your accountant!

One of the most rewarding things about owning your own business is being able to provide a livelihood for your workers. Make sure your loyal staff is always paid on time with Payroll by Wave for iOS, which enables you to run your payroll, view past payrolls and pay stubs and receive reminder notifications — all from your iPhone!