You can never have too many tools in the toolbox
When it comes to finding the right apps, platforms, and software to streamline your business, make your processes more time efficient, and boost productivity, there’s something for everyone and it’s just a matter of finding what works for you.
You name a problem and there will be an online tool solution somewhere. But if you’re looking for the tried and tested, we have pulled together a list of our own favourites that bring value to our business and can bring you great returns, too.
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.”
STEVE JOBS
When trying to figure out the logistics of staff, implementing individual and team projects; project and time management are imperative. Give your team the support they deserve – have a look at the following.
Trello – Manage your team’s projects from anywhere
Project management online tool features:
• Automate tasks and workflows
• Templates and blueprints to
• View your team’s projects from anywhere
• Link your favourite tools with plugins
Clockify.me / Toggl / Harvest – Keeping an eye on the time…
Time trackers:
• Clockify.me = 100% free, others have pricing plans
• Tracking time for projects
• Compatible with most devices
• Streamlines invoicing
• Ability to implement with teams
Getting teams collaborating within your own business, and scheduling meetings between your affiliates, can be a major task. CRM and following up is just as important. Check out these platforms, sites and apps.
Calendly – Allowing you ‘hassle-free’ scheduling
Business communication platform:
• Syncs with Google Calendar / iCloud / Microsoft Exchange
• Give email reminders of upcoming meetings
• Both parties can book suitable meeting times
• Phone apps available
Teamwork – Deliver projects on time and on budget
Project management software:
• Time tracking
• Resource management
• Profitability
• Template
Confluence – Accomplish more together
Team workspace where knowledge and collaboration meet:
• Page version control
• Best practice templates
• 2GB file storage
• Up to 10 users
Slack – One platform for your team and work
Communications and Networking tool:
• Collaboration with other teams outside your own organisation
• Integrated with Google Drive and Office 365
• Effective communication through channels – rather than email
• Transparency for all in the team
• Project managing and marketing
Hubspot – Create delightful customer experiences
CRM platform that integrates:
• Marketing
• Sales
• Content management
• Customer service
Centralisation of your business’ files and documents by utilising online storage space with protection, is also high on the list of priorities. Don’t forget your password protection. The following sites and apps are a sure-fire success which allow saving and sharing.
Google workspace – Connect, create, and collaborate
Collaboration and productivity tools:
• Gmail
• Calendar
• Drive storage options
• Meet / Chat
• Docs, sheets, slides, forms
One Drive / Google Drive / Drop Box – File Storage and Sharing
Business file sharing and storage platforms:
• Easily accessible through mobile tablet, computer
• File sharing and storage –
• Drive / Cloud storage options – choose the amount of space your business needs
• Offers collaboration with Microsoft Office suite
• No need to convert files – edit and store PDFs, images, MP4
• Built in protection
Last Pass – The future is ‘passwordless’
Password storage and sharing:
• Log in and go with Last Pass authenticator
• Store digital records
• Get alerts for data breaches
• Password generator
Communication, data collection and analyses can be insightful for feedback and streamlining productivity. Here are four great platforms, sites and apps.
MailChimp / Mailerlite / ConvertKit – emailing out to clients:
All in one email marketing, website builder, single /multi-step automation workflows and marketing platforms:
• Offers free trials and competitive subscription packages
• Caters to small and medium businesses
• Integration: connection to other apps
• Mail out newsletters and email campaigns to databases
• Great selection of templates to suit
Survey Monkey – An online survey platform
Survey software used for measuring and understanding feedback:
• Create customised surveys which can be shared
• Gather information and feedback data
• Analyse and export your results
• Online survey resources
• TrustedSite Certified Secure
The visual marketing aspects of your business can be done simply and effectively. Whether your budget is conservative or unlimited, the following platforms, apps and sites can assist your creation of logos, newsletters, blogs, videos, and business script, and not forgetting social media posts.
Vimeo / Video pad – Capturing real-life experiences for business
Video creation and video editing tools:
• Video marketing tool
• Supports video monetisation
• Video editing tool
• Integration to social media and websites
PDFelement – Wondershare– Expert accounting solutions
PDF editor tool:
• Multi-platform PDF editor
• Offers storage
• Edits, annotates, signs and converts documents
• Organises PDF pages
Canva – Online design and publishing tool
Online graphic design tool:
• Various pricing plans
• Team integration
• Free resources to help you
• PDF editor, logo maker, video intro maker
• Free templates or design your own
• Syncs to social media accounts
Designerr – Flipbook, eBook, Webpage designer
Flipbook and eBook tool:
• Transforms documents and PDFs into publications
• Transforms video transcription
• Utilises your blog posts and converts them into eBooks and notes
Wordtune– Enhancing your scriptwriting
AI writing tool to enhance your own script writing:
• Differentiates a variety of writing tones
• Compatible with your favourite websites
• Intuitive writing to express ideas clearly
• Gives several subscription plans
Grammarly – Communicate with impact
Online writing assistant:
• Grammar assist
• Spelling assist
• Style and tone guide
• Integrates across your online apps
Finally, if accounting isn’t your strongest point, then fear not. New Zealand’s own Xero accounting service is always on hand.
Xero – Expert accounting solutions
Online accounting software:
• Pay and file your bills
• eInvoicing
• Pricing plans to suit your needs
• Keep up-to-date accounting
Finally, if all this seems a little daunting and you’re not sure where to begin, working with a dedicated virtual assistant may help you get on top of the mountain of ‘things to do’ and could be one of the most productive solutions to getting you ahead in your business.
“Work on your business, not just in it!”
MICHAEL GERBER
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Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i
was just curious if you get a lot of spam responses?
If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you
can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is
very much appreciated.
Hi thanks for reaching out. No we dont get much spam at all. I am not sure what is done as I leave this to my website designer to take care of. Sorry i cannot be more helpful.