How to get the most out of your smartphone as a contractor

Matthew Fryer

Brookson

Accountant, Tax Adviser

As a modern contractor you’ll find that your smartphone quickly becomes your best friend. In a world where there is an expectation that everyone is connected, it is a vital tool in order to deliver on the job.

However, smartphone technology isn’t something any of us grew up with and no one sits you down to teach you how to use your device in the most effective way.

As a contractor you need to know how to get the most out of your smartphone in order to make your life easier and offer employers more.

1. Use it to add more hours to the day

We all know what it’s like to feel as though there are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to be completed. Consequently, you may find yourself working unhealthy hours in order to finish a project. This isn’t good for you or your employers, as you’re unlikely to produce your best work when you’re tired.

Luckily your smartphone could help you add a few hours to the day. When you’re out of the office, whether traveling or visiting a site, you can use your device to conduct business meetings and calls, send emails and, depending on the task, complete work. This means that time that would previously have been wasted can now be properly optimised.

2. Use it to support your work

We always think of smartphones as a way to stay connected while on the move, but the devices can help to enhance your job while you’re in the office too. Using a variety of apps, it is possible to improve your time management, note taking and project management. Toggl, for example, is a great app that acts as a live second-by-second timer. Once you’ve completed a task, you hit stop and a report is generated that can be used for invoicing clients. Freedcamp is a useful project management app, which has customisable permission systems, project templates and a collaborative group wall.

3. Use it to manage your contract

When you enter a contract with a business you need to ensure you’re fulfilling your obligations in terms of time spent and work done. Consequently you need a way to track your activity and your smartphone can come in useful here, as we mentioned above. Your phone can also help you deal with your finances. Brookson Connect has been developed with contractors in mind, it’s mobile friendly and makes it really easy to manage your contracts, expenses, timesheets, invoices and much more!

4. Use it to keep in touch

Sometimes when you’re working on a contract you will be taken away from family and friends. This can make you feel a bit lonely and while talking on the phone and email are great, they can’t replace seeing someone’s face.

Now your smartphone makes this possible through video conferencing apps like Facetime and Skype.

Matthew Fryer

Brookson

Accountant, Tax Adviser

I am a chartered tax advisor with a specialism in the freelance contractor sector advising contractors on how to structure their affairs and recruitment businesses and end hirers on the effective…