5 Apps To Help Your Company Keep Its New Year's Resolutions | HuffPost

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The New Year is here, and it's a chance for Canadian business owners to make resolutions that bolster their businesses and increase productivity in the workplace. With 66 per cent of Canadians owning a smartphone, the easiest way to find efficiencies and optimize your business processes is through mobile apps..

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David Borrelli is GM of Commercial Sales for Salesforce Canada, the Customer Success Platform and world’s #1 CRM.

David Borrelli is GM of Commercial Sales for Salesforce Canada, the Customer Success Platform and world’s #1 CRM.

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The New Year is here, and it's a chance for Canadian business owners to make resolutions that bolster their businesses and increase productivity in the workplace. With 66 per cent of Canadians owning a smartphone, the easiest way to find efficiencies and optimize your business processes is through mobile applications.

In my work life, I couldn't conduct business from my phone while on the go, keep in sync with my team and stay as productive as possible without our own mobile app and the many other business-related apps from our AppExchange. Make 2016 the year you harness the power of today's technology with these five business apps you'll definitely want to start using out of the gate:

1. Google Hangouts

Video in the workplace has become the new norm and it's becoming easier and more cost-effective than ever to use it. There's no longer a need for expensive video conferencing equipment that can also be complicated to use. In a time when companies are working harder than ever to keep team members engaged and connected, video is one of the most powerful tools to humanize business interactions and remove some of the ambiguity of email.

If you're in sales like I am, you know that getting a contract signed can take a lot longer than it should. Cut out the scanners, the envelopes and the couriers with the DocuSign app. It allows you to prepare and send documents for signing, complete in-person signing and get instant visibility into your document status, right from your phone.

Are you on conference calls most of the day? Are you also taking them on the go? Then MobileDay is just the app for you. Its one-touch dialing feature syncs with your calendar, notifies you of your upcoming calls and allows you to bypass typing in the conference details. All you have to do is talk.

The last thing you want to be fumbling around with when you're on the go is a stack of papers. Scanner Pro allows you to turn your iPhone into a portable scanner so you can instantly upload important documents to your phone and take them with you wherever you go. You can manipulate the image so you can have flawless PDFs that you can share easily with your network.

Almost everything requires a password. I don't know about you, but keeping track of them can be challenging, especially if you're mobile and trying to access them from your phone or tablet. LastPass not only remembers all your passwords, but acts as a password generator. It can also automatically fill in forms and login details when surfing the Internet.

Your employees, customers and all other important stakeholders deserve the best from your business in 2016. With a little bit of organization -- and automation -- you'll have your company running as smooth as ever in 2016. That's a resolution worth keeping.

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B.C. Small Business Owners' 2015 Resolutions

Vancouver Tumblebus, Port Coquitlam(01 of130)

"My resolution for 2015 is to grow my business in Metro Vancouver, enter the Prince George and Vancouver Island markets. I also plan on increasing our social media and traditional media presence. With collaboration, networking and a great team, our goals are within reach." — Trish Mandewo, owner and president (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Vancouver Tumblebus is a gym on wheels, providing bars, beams, trampolines, and more to daycares, schools, and special events. (credit:Vancouver Tumblebus Facebook)

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Growing City, Vancouver(07 of130)

"My main goal for myself and my team is just to be 2% better every day. It sounds small, but those consistent daily micro-improvements add up to big results by the end of the year! It's an easy and empowering goal that anyone can use to create massive improvement in their team and business." — Lisa von Sturmer, founder and CEO (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Growing City offers organics recycling tools and programs for offices. (credit:Growing City Facebook)

505-Junk, Richmond(09 of130)

"Our goal for 2015 is to create a franchise model, so we can create opportunities for small business owners across Canada." — Barry Hartman, co-founder (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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505-Junk is a junk removal and recycling company. (credit:505-Junk Facebook)

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Bamboletta Dolls, Cowichan Valley(14 of130)

"In this new year, I will be passing off more responsibilities to my staff. I think for my business to grow I need to get out of the way, so fresh perspectives and unloading certain work on my end will make this happen." — Christina Platt, founder (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Bamboletta Dolls are all one-of-a-kind and are made of natural materials. (credit:Bamboletta Dolls Facebook)

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Benchmark Law Corporation, Vancouver(30 of130)

"In 2015, I am going to take any opportunity I can to host, sponsor or speak at industry events. It’s a great way to give back to the small business community.” — Dana Gordon, ownerBenchmark is a law firm providing services to small businesses. (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

Bombay Brow Bar, Vancouver(31 of130)

"To stay focused on my dream of changing the world with love-by achieving my goals while staying grounded to my roots." — Ravy Minhas-Mehroke, co-founder and CEO (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Bombay is a beauty and eyebrow-shaping facility. (credit:Bombay Facebook)

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Hunky Haulers, Vancouver(39 of130)

"Hunky Haulers core value is ‘Creating Fresh Starts’ and with the New Year around the corner I look forward to putting our core value into action by starting fresh with my personal goals and vision. I will get out of comfort zones to grow more as an individual and will be adding personal development to this too." — Anthony Jones, founder and CEO (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Hunky Haulers is a "clutter cleanup" company. (credit:Hunky Haulers Facebook)

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Mancakes, Vancouver(44 of130)

"Our resolution for the year is to take action in the moment! By continuing to develop the company into consistently being able to reproduce the great experiences, our customers will be able get these great experience at our next locations. We are committed to expanding our marketing reach and take our business to the next level!" — Jeremy Wong, president (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Mancakes is a bakery geared towards men. (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Launch Academy, Vancouver(64 of130)

"My New Year's resolution as an entrepreneur is to first think big, stop, take a minute...and then think bigger. Explore new partnerships and new innovations around the world." — Rray Walia, executive director (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Launch Academy is a facility offering services to those looking to get a business idea off the ground. (credit:Launch Academy Facebook)

Manatee Holdings, Courtenay(66 of130)

"In the New Year, slow down. We need not pace with the increasing demands and complexities of society. Delegate effectively without abdicating responsibilities; Amidst head-on challenges, there is nothing more “rewarding” than trusting our inner nature — that unique ability and natural gift — while enjoying the constant flow of natural resources from the earth." — Lourdes Gant, presidentManatee Holdings promotes and spearheads sustainable aquaculture projects. (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

Mason Industries, Vancouver(67 of130)

"Being an entrepreneur is a challenge. My advice in the new year would be to stick to your business plan and know your business. Starting off you will get a lot of "no's" and disinterest and that's fine. Learn to take "Yes" for an answer. I mean that, I had to learn to recognize taking "yes" for answer." — Jason Mason, owner and creatorMason provides workwear with weather protection. (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

Mealshare, Vancouver(68 of130)

"In 2015, Mealshare is going to meaningfully connect our customers closer to our cause in several ways, and add at least 180 of Canada's best restaurants to our program! We can't wait to get started." — Andrew Hall, co-founder (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Mealshare partners with restaurants so that every time you buy a meal at a designated establishment, a meal is donated to someone in need. (credit:Mealshare Facebook)

Men In Kilts, Vancouver(70 of130)

"My New Year's resolution is to increase our profit margin by tightly monitoring spending against our budget. Additionally to increase our engagement with our Facebook and Twitter followers." — Nicholas Brand, founder (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Men In Kilts workers clean gutters an wash windows...in kilts. (credit:Men In Kilts Facebook)

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Red Five Design, Burnaby(79 of130)

"To budget specific time each day for strategic planning. I get so engaged in day-to-day activities of branding and design that I neglect the big picture '30,000 foot view' of where I want to take my business. This long term planning is essential. It inspires me and provides a goal." — Michael Marsland-Root, owner and creative director (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Red Five is a design, consulting, and branding firm. (credit:Red Five Design Facebook)

Sole Girls, Vancouver(81 of130)

"This year, we will continue to create a strong community of girls helping girls. And just have fun being a small business in this beautiful city!" — Ashley Wiles, founder (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Sole Girls promotes confidence and self-expression in girls aged eight to 12 through running and other activities. (credit:Sole Girls Facebook)

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The Juice Truck, Vancouver(90 of130)

"Our New Year's resolution as a small business is to create structure and framework in our business so we can continue to impact our community, while ensuring our growth continues to align itself with our values and goals." — Ryan Slater, co-owner (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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The Juice Truck makes healthy cold-pressed juices. (credit:Juice Truck Facebook)

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Vij's, Vancouver and My Shanti, Surrey(105 of130)

"My resolution by age 50 was to have five ventures under my belt; I turn 50 in a few days. So far I have: Vij’s, Rangoli, My Shanti, Vij’s At Home frozen foods and in 2015 I’ll open the new Vij’s, so it will be a landmark year for me." — Vikram Vij, owner (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Vij's and My Shanti are Indian restaurants. (credit:Vij's Facebook)

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Wooden Spoon, White Rock(109 of130)

“In 2015, our goal is to host a monthly Sunday Night Family-style diner. We want to make our entire community feel like family.” — Peter Raptis, owner (credit:Courtesy Small Business BC)

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Wooden Spoon is a bistro. (credit:Wooden Spoon Facebook)

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Örling & Wu, Vancouver(118 of130)

"Develop strategies to adopt to new market trends. Diversify product offerings as well as to increase profit margin. Rebrand and rethink our overall focus for 2015 and onwards." — Fredrik Örling and Julie Wu, owners

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Örling & Wu is a home decor store. (credit:Örling & Wu Facebook)

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Northern Divine, Sechelt(124 of130)

“To become recognized worldwide for our commitment to sustainable farming and crafting world class certified organic caviar.” — Justin Henry, general manager (credit:Northern Divine Facebook)

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Northern Divine offers sustainable, natural caviar. (credit:Northern Divine Facebook)

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