{"id":660,"date":"2013-04-26T14:14:49","date_gmt":"2013-04-26T14:14:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/?p=660"},"modified":"2013-04-26T14:14:49","modified_gmt":"2013-04-26T14:14:49","slug":"how-to-keep-your-small-business-mobile-devices-under-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/how-to-keep-your-small-business-mobile-devices-under-control\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep your small business mobile devices under control"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"smb-tech-trends\"<\/a>Is it taking you longer and longer to shut down your electronic devices when the flight attendant asks that you do?\u00a0 A survey <\/a>from Juniper Networks last year indicated that mobile users worldwide own an average of three Internet-connected devices, while nearly one in five people own five or more devices for work and home use.<\/p>\n

Small Business Trends<\/i> recently interviewed me about ways small business owners can avoid mobile device overload. As convenient as mobile devices are for running your small business anywhere and anytime, managing them can be time consuming.\u00a0 As your mobile arsenal grows to include a laptop, tablet, smartphone and a Bluetooth headset (<\/a>not to mention a possible device for playing your favorite tunes) so do the number of chargers, adapters, carrying cases and other accessories you need to have on hand. Ironically it may take more time to sort out the mobile devices you need for a trip, than it takes to pack your clothes. To keep devices under control; I recommend these tips:<\/p>\n

Keep mobile devices under control<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make wise choices: As alluring as some of the new devices are, do you really need all <\/i>of them? (A friend of mine has never used the small printer she bought just to print out photos stored on her computer.)\u00a0 Ask yourself if you have time to learn all the features of a new gadget and how much use you\u2019ll get. Many of the gadgets you already have may already provide the baseline features you need to be productive away from the office.<\/p>\n

\"laptop,<\/a>Keep things straight:\u00a0 Put device cords and accessories in one place \u2013 a drawer in your desk or cabinet \u2013 so you know where everything is when you need them. It also helps to use masking tape or a small adhesive tag to label things so you know what goes with what.<\/p>\n

Only take what you need on the go: Less can be more or more than enough especially when you are out of the office. Your smartphone may be all you need to stay\u00a0 connected while you are gone. After all not only can you make and receive calls on your smartphone;\u00a0 you can check email and even launch a video chat if face time with your team or customer is necessary.<\/p>\n

You can read the rest of my tips at\u00a0 \u201cHow to Avoid Mobile Devices Overload.”<\/a><\/p>\n

Should planes be a no work zone? <\/strong><\/p>\n

And about the flight attendant asking you to shut down your electronic devices, BusinessWeek suggests<\/a> that you keep them off and avoid work during the duration of the flight. Among their reasons:<\/p>\n