using ipad for business It’s been a little more than a year since the Apple iPad was released to an anxious public. The tablet computer has wifi, tons of apps and it’s thin enough to slip into a backpack or even a purse. But while the iPad may be good for checking the weather, the latest news or for writing your next WordPress blog, many wonder if it’s good for business. Well, some large businesses have already started to integrate the iPad into their regular business operations. Once you hear what these large companies are doing, you’ll finally jump onto the iPad business bandwagon like so many of your contemporaries.

Monster.com
Monster is one of the largest online recruiting platforms in the world. The site gets thousands of hits per day, as individuals all over the world search for that perfect job. And according to Monster, many of those job seekers are already at work. That’s right, Monster claims these searches are conducted by ‘discreet seekers’, employees who are sneaking behind their bosses’ backs in order to look for alternate employment. To cater to these undercover employees, Monster released the Monster iPad app that integrates Monster accounts with GPS for more targeted job searches, access to application history and stored resume and cover letters.
Monster also figured out that job seekers don’t want to wait a day or two for employers to contact them. They want instant feedback, something they’re used to receiving in today’s digital age, and the iPad helps to deliver that immediate information perfectly.

The Marines
The United States Marine Corps is also using the iPad, mainly as a recruitment tool. The iPad allows recruiters to record the information of potential recruits at job fairs and public events. This information used to be done by hand, but specialized apps and the wifi capabilities of the iPad make the task of recruiting much easier.

Health Care, Students and Professionals
According to a recent survey, more than 30% out of 178 healthcare workers indicated that they were ‘very likely’ to buy a tablet in the coming year. In other iPad news, George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon gave incoming freshman a choice of an iPad or a MacBook, which is also made by Apple, for the 2010 and 2011 academic year.
The healthcare industry finds the iPad especially attractive. Doctors and nurses now have instant access to pharmaceutical information, diagnostics information and more. If a particular drug interacts negatively with another drug that patient is taking, the iPad can help to avoid a bad situation before it arises. And if a patient develops a peculiar rash on their abdomen, the doctor can quickly use the iPad to find out what sort of condition causes such a rash.
But professionals of every type are also bringing the iPad to work with them. The iPad, with specialized apps, makes recording inventory a breeze. Outside sales reps can use the iPad to look up client information, check inventory and record sales. Business directors can examine notes before entering a board meeting. Lawyers can read over their opening statement before delivering it to the jury. The possibilities are endless.

Don’t Be Left Behind
Apple makes a solid product, with the iPhone and iPad just two of their many technological wonders. But the iPad is much more than just a handy computer that fits in the crook of your arm. This ultra-thin tablet is completely customizable for your business, thanks to the ever-versatile iPad app. Mercedes Benz realizes this fact and is yet another one of those large companies we spoke about that has integrated the iPad into their business operations. The luxury car giant puts iPads into the hands of all of its dealership executives. With a specialized app that delivers car inventory, marketing programs for specific models, quicker turnaround time on credit applications and more, the iPad provides wireless mobility, information and flexibility, three things that are essential to any sales person on the showroom floor.

If your business hasn’t yet integrated the iPad, you might already find yourself behind your tech-savvy competitors. Regardless of the industry you’re in: medical, food, health, consultation, there is an app and a way to integrate the iPad into your business operations that’s staring you right in the face. With the ability to handle WordPress, word processors and spreadsheets, plus with all the games and news, movies and more, the iPad is here to stay and it’s ready to do business. Are you?