4 iPad Apps Reps Must Have

iPads have created quite a buzz in the sales world, with 75% of CEB Sales members surveyed (who deploy tablets) using iPads to increase sales force productivity. There is no denying that iPads have greatly benefited reps by helping manage operations more efficiently – updating and managing customer data, keeping a tab on travel details and expenses, creating and sharing sales presentations and collateral, etc. That said, sales reps have hundreds of apps to choose from, and with tens of apps releasing each month, they struggle with staying current on the apps they use.

To find out which are the most popular iPad apps, CEB Sales recently did a refresh of its compilation of peer recommended apps. Based on our research, we observed that while most sales teams continue to use popular apps such as Dropbox for remote file sharing, WebEx for virtual conferencing, and SFDC for sales enablement, they have also started using newer apps for document editing and sharing, managing work flow, and communicating remotely with internal stakeholders and customers.

Here are four peer-recommended apps for reps that made it to our list this year:

Lync: For reps mostly on-the-go or working from remote locations, instant messaging and information sharing with team members are a daily challenge. With Lync, reps can send instant messages, share screens, and connect with internal stakeholders using audio/video capabilities. What reps like most is its real-time use without setting up a third party platform.
Good Reader: This app enables reps to view, edit, store, and share files across multiple formats, reducing the need for multiple document editors. Reps love the ease with which they can add textboxes, and place sticky notes and comments on sales collateral while on the move. 
IBM Enterprise: IBM’s content management app provides reps with access to a wide-array of industry-related information, reports, and articles. Reps can use it to access data from thought leaders and subject-matter experts to generate better business insights.
Cardmunch: LinkedIn is increasingly becoming important for reps to build and maintain relationships with professional contacts. Cardmunch updates customers’ business card details with reps’ address book contacts and adds them to LinkedIn. Reps love the ease with which they can upload business cards images and add new business connections to LinkedIn.

CEB Sales Members, check out the entire list of top iPad app recommendations. Also, read our recent research brief on how companies are deploying and using iPads as a sales tool.

Do you have any favorite apps? Feel free to comment and help add to our list!