If you’re a small business owner, you already know your smartphone is much more than a personal device. It’s a key business tool that fuels your productivity, an on-the-go mobile office packed with crucial contacts and sensitive financial data. It’s far too easy to damage your phone in the hustle and bustle of a busy event, whether that’s a trade show or a networking conference. Maximize your opportunities and minimize the risk with this quick guide.
Pre-Event Prep
Before diving into a busy conference, it’s worth taking the time to do a little prep to ensure you’re not vulnerable to a security breach. After all, safeguarding your phone is as much about the digital as it is physical.
- Data Backups: Maintaining a regular backup cycle can make all the difference if you’re looking to protect your phone and its data. You should regularly back up all your crucial business data to a secure, external storage location. This could be:
- A physical external hard disk that stores more data at the expense of long-term data integrity.
- Or a cloud storage service like Google Drive or iCloud that offers strong encryption in exchange for a monthly fee.
- A physical external hard disk that stores more data at the expense of long-term data integrity.
If you end up choosing a cloud storage service, make sure to protect your account with a strong, unique password. You should also enable two-factor authentication linked to your email or phone.
- Device Security: The worst-case scenario rarely happens, but it always pays to be prepared for it. Before leaving for any business event, download and install reliable anti-theft apps. Apple devices already come with Find My iPhone; if you have an iPhone, all you need to do is log in.
Take the time to understand how to use these apps and familiarize yourself with their features. If the worst happens and you lose your phone, you’ll need to know how to wipe it remotely. - Data Recovery: Having a solid plan to recover your data is as important as backing it up to the cloud. Create a contingency plan outlining how to recover essential business data in case your phone gets damaged. Many business owners prefer to keep a second phone to house crucial client contacts and other details, but an offline storage solution is almost always safer.
Physical Protection
Now that you have your digital security measures under control, all you need to do is protect your phone from bumps, scratches, and falls. If you’re attending a busy networking event, you’ll probably be pulling your phone out to exchange contact details all the time, and even a bump can cause you to drop your phone. Let’s take a closer look at how you can protect your device from those nasty falls.
- Cases: A robust protective case is always the first line of defense against accidental damage. Avoid flimsy silicone cases that offer minimal protection. Instead, consider opting for a durable polycarbonate/graphene-reinforced case with sufficient shock absorption. These cases typically come with bumpers to protect your phone from all angles if it falls.
Image URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-white-iphone-11-xEmU60HhkPk
If you’re familiar with how wireless charging works, you’ll be happy to learn that some of the most durable cases also support MagSafe charging. If you’re a power user, consider getting a wireless charging-compatible case for additional convenience.
- Screen Protectors: Even the most rigid reinforced phone case will struggle to protect your phone’s surface from scratches and cracks. That’s why investing in a reliable screen protector is essential to shield your phone’s screen. Tempered glass is a safe bet here, and the latest screen protectors also offer additional features like blue light filtering and privacy screens.
- Lanyard: This is more of an optional accessory than a ‘must-have,’ but it can be incredibly helpful at networking events. If you’re attending an event anticipating a lot of movement, consider getting a wrist strap or lanyard to attach your phone with. This way, you won’t have to keep pulling your phone out of your pocket and risking a fall.
During The Event
The better you prepare beforehand, the easier it will be to protect your phone during the actual event. Now that you’re equipped with a reliable backup and a durable phone case, all you need to do is keep your wits about you at busy events.
Avoid leaving your phone on tables where it can easily be snatched. If you’re in a conference room with low 5G connectivity, you should avoid connecting to public Wi-FI networks unless you absolutely need to. These networks can easily be infiltrated and used to siphon confidential information. If you need to use a public Wi-Fi network, consider using a VPN to encrypt your data and protect it from malicious third parties.
Stay Busy, Stay Safe
Keeping your phone safe at a busy event is easier than you might think. A little bit of pre-event prep and the right protective case goes a long way. Find the right case for your phone and network your way to the top in style.