Going Mobile

What can't you do with your mobile device these days?  In my experience, not much. 

I've been laid up with a hip injury recently (another blog post entirely); as a result, I've done almost all of my holiday shopping online...and not just via my computer.  This year, I've spent more time and money via my mobile devices, namely my iPhone and iPad.

No longer tethered by the boundaries of an office, a home or even a network hot spot, I've turned to my mobile devices as a primary source of...well, everything.  I'd argue that I'm a walking billboard for the untethered:  I buy coffee (thanks Starbucks mobile card); watch movies and TV shows (Fringe!); read books and check flight information.  I talk on the phone (although seriously AT&T?  What's up with the dropped calls?), play games and read proposals.  All from - you guessed it - my mobile device.

And it's clear, I'm not alone.  80.5 million smart phones were sold worldwide in the third quarter of this year, according to Gartner.  And Google is activating 300,000 Android devices per day (AppleInsider).  But let's not forget the apps market.  Those of us who download and consume apps by the dozen are fueling the staggering growth rate:  Apple alone boasts 300,000 (and counting) for the iPhone. 

Fortunately, many retailers have sensed my (and others') need to do as much as possible via a mobile device.  This year, Amazon introduced Windowshop for iPad and Price Check for iPhone, both incredibly useful apps that allow you to browse Amazon's vast selection of products and scan & compare prices, respectively.

But consumer brands aren't the only ones taking advantage of mobile technology.  My company, Quaero has developed an iPad app to help our sales and account managers share customer success stories, send relevant resources easily and have engaging one-on-one conversations with prospects and customers via an intuitive touch-enabled device.  Pretty cool.

I think the overarching message is clear to both B2C and B2B marketers:  Brands take note.  The key to winning and keeping your customers' business is to understand how they want to interact with you. 

Personally, I expect you to continue to wow me with newer and better ways to engage...all the while taking into account my need to remain untethered.  And while I fully expect to be out shopping the brick & mortars again, I do believe this injury has permanently altered the way I shop, interact, communicate and consume content and entertainment.  In a good way. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on mobile technology, so please feel free to comment away.  Or, if you'd prefer to get in touch with me, you can always email me using the link in my profile, but where would the fun in that be?  Instead, use your smart phone's QReader to scan my QR Code below.  Look forward to hearing from you.