By Mark Heidelberger

 The old way of operating is dead. In your parents’ day, one would have to go to a brick-and-mortar office to conduct their business with vendors or clients via telephone, faxes and in-person meetings. Equipment was often heavy and consumed large amounts of space. Bulky desktop computers ran at slower speeds and a robust Internet marketplace had not yet been created. Data was presented on vast reams of paper, rolodexes contained typewritten notecards and analytical tracking tools were available only to the wealthiest, most advanced corporations. 

In contrast, business owners today can and must have constant access to real time data, tools, information and applications in order to effectively compete in an ever-expanding digital world. Access must be quick, simple and mobile. Those who steadfastly remain attached to a linear, analog style of business like their parents engaged in risk becoming dinosaurs. 

One of the more fashionable tools businessmen and women have come to embrace is the iPhone. Making phone calls has become almost an afterthought as professionals seek more useful and powerful iPhone applications that can assist them in efficiently managing their businesses. And studies conducted by respected organizations like Baseline and PCWorld reveal several apps that business owners have come to find indispensable in their daily routines. 

Evernote: This free app helps users easily keep track of all aspects of their business. Functions include the ability to create and edit task lists, record voice and audio notes, search for text inside images, save and share files and “tweets,” organize notes and maintain financial records. In addition, it reduces paper clutter by allowing the user to take snapshots of business cards, labels and documents. 

iTerminal: Sales transactions can now be done anywhere and anytime with this app that allows the user to accept credit card payments right on their phone. Credit accounts are verified instantly via a 3G or Wi-Fi network, and the app is compatible with all major credit card brands. Users must incur a monthly fee and per-transaction charges though. A card swiper that plugs into the phone is sold separately. 

FlightTrack Pro: This is a must-have for frequent fliers, checking FAA airport closures, flight arrival and departure times, local temperatures and weather conditions, last-minute delays and gate changes. Over 1,400 airlines and 5,000 airports are listed, and an offline mode allows for in-flight use. The app price averages anywhere from $5 to $10 depending on the version.

Gist: Business owners can use this free all-in-one contact repository to store business profiles and emails from various inboxes, address books, social networks and other sources. It also adds and prioritizes news stories, blogs and updates about contacts, allowing the user to see information they may not have known existed. This eases one’s ability to perform due diligence and monitor the competition. 

Analytics App: For less than six bucks, website owners can easily track their real-time traffic statistics while on the go. By entering your Google account details, you can access an extensive array of Google Analytics reports, from bounce rate to page views to total unique visitors over a given period. In fact, the well-organized interface offers 47 report types, including customized ones for multiple accounts. 

AroundMe: This free app allows the user to quickly find information about his surroundings, offering a B-to-B solution for professionals who routinely find themselves in foreign places. The nearest bank, hotel, restaurant, gas station, rental car agency, shipping service or supply store can be located at the touch of a button, along with routes and distances from the user’s current location. 

LinkedIn: Millions of business professionals use this social networking site to display their resumes, solicit recommendations and network with industry contacts. Now, iPhone junkies can use the LinkedIn app to access their entire account while receiving up-to-the-minute updates. Moreover, exchanging business cards will become unnecessary since users can add each other right on the spot. 

QuickOffice Mobile Office Suite: Unfortunately, the iPhone does not interface well with Microsoft Office documents. Users can often open but not edit them. For around $15, this app permits the viewing, exchanging, creating and editing of Word and Excel documents for those on the move. A complementary app also allows for easy file sharing, emailing and transferring. 

iSchedule: A $3 one-time fee and a HotSchedules account allow managers to efficiently oversee the work shifts of their employees. App functions include the ability to create, swap and update schedules as well as respond to incoming schedule-related requests. A log book helps keep track of employee activities throughout the day. The ultra-secure app is also compatible with the iPad and iPod Touch. 

eBay Mobile: Online buyers and sellers both know the importance of anytime accessibility, and the eBay app provides that. Users can instantly place bids, check item prices and answer customer questions with fluidity. The app costs nothing, although an extra buck gets you an eBay profit calculator that determines your net gain after fees and expenses are deducted. 

Jump Desktop: This $15 app allows users to sync their iPhone to their desktop or laptop computer, be it a Mac or PC, providing secure and reliable remote access from anywhere with no network configuration needed. Easy-to-follow instructions will have users audio streaming, remote printing and accessing files in no time. Foreign language options include Chinese, Japanese, French, Russian, German and Spanish. 

ClockIn: This simple program is essential for freelancers who need to keep track of the time they spend with multiple clients or on various projects. And at just a couple dollars, it’s affordable too. Users can punch in and out, track their shift details and easily export Excel-compatible data via email. And ClockIn knows you’re punched in even if you exit out of it. 

With so many convenient and affordable apps available for your iPhone, there’s really no reason to continue operating in the dark ages. I mean, what are you waiting for? An OK from your parents?