Survey Says: Can You Run a Business with Your Phone?

Of course you know that apps save time, and time is money. But did you know just how much time and money you could be saving by using apps on your mobile devices? Maybe even enough to take that elusive vacation this summer. Here's a closer look at some of the latest small-business surveys.

Don't Worry, Be App'y

One out of every three small businesses uses apps on a mobile device, such as an iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, to help operate or manage their businesses, according to a new study from the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, commissioned by Chase.

Saving Time and Money with Mobile Apps reports that mobile apps save small-business owners an average of 5.6 hours per week -- or 291 hours a year. Employees saved an average of 5 hours per week, or 589 employee hours a year per small business. Based on average employee pay, the study estimates that using apps saves the average small business $14,317 per year.

I've been on the road a lot the past few months, and using apps on my phone (a Droid) and tablet (a Xoom) really helps me get more done. Now if I could only manage to take a vacation.

Are You Tripping?

Unfortunately, like me, fewer than half of small-business owners (46 percent) plan to take a vacation this summer (down from a high of 67 percent in 2006). Busy work schedules (37 percent) and tight budgets (29 percent) are the top reasons they'll stay close to home, according to the eighth annual American Express OPEN Small Business Vacation Monitor.

For those who are traveling this year, it looks like they're ready to enjoy. The vast majority (79 percent) say they don't feel guilty about taking a vacation. And most are less likely than in past years to stay "plugged in" while on vacation. Just 68 percent plan to check in with the office while on vacation (down from 81 percent in 2008). And those who do check in are doing so less often: Just 18 percent say they will check their phones and e-mail "several times a day," compared to 26 percent in 2008.

The Boys (and Girls) of Summer

Planning to hire a summer intern? He or she might be around far longer than three months. In the 2011 Internship & Co-op Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the businesses reported an average of 39.1 percent of their entry-level hires from the class of 2010 came from their internship programs. In fact, companies responding to the survey said that on average, nearly 58 percent of their interns eventually become full-time hires.

Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director, says this is the highest conversion rate the organization has seen since it started tracking this measure in 2001. She thinks part of the reason is that students are wary about the tight job market and more likely to accept job offers from companies where they've interned.

I've found internships a great tool for discovering some of the best employees I've worked with. If you're not already hiring interns, now is a great time to consider doing so.

Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva and visit SmallBizDaily.com to sign up for her free TrendCast reports.