My Favorite Productivity Tools
Since opening my own business, I have gone through extensive trial and error to find the perfect programs to help me manage and maintain my business. So, in this week’s blog, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite productivity tools. Hopefully they can help you, too!
First and foremost, Freshbooks is amazing. I have never been super organized when it comes to accounting. Definitely not my thing. But, FreshBooks is extremely easy to use. It has a well-designed and intuitive user interface that can be used for a variety of different functions such as billing, invoicing, estimates and proposals. All things I don't love to spend time doing. Further, I can invoice my clients directly, which saves me a ton of time. Also, it has a time tracker which is a life saver for me considering I do a lot of my projects on an hourly basis.
For marketing materials, Canva is my go-to. The great news? It’s free! Canva makes designing flyers and promotional materials amazingly simple. There are endless templates that help me come up with ideas that I can build upon. I use this software for the majority of the promotional materials I use for one of my clients, Dakota Eye Care.
Squarespace is what my website lives on. I was able to build my site (with the help of my amazing brother Michael) in no time. And I am so happy with how it turned out. Squarespace is super easy to navigate and update. In fact, it’s so simple, I make updates to it weekly. I also created our entire 0-48 documentary site using Squarespace, as well!
Pinterest. I definitely don't use Pinterest the way I am supposed to. I never post anything and don't have a following by any means. BUT it is a great resource to get entrepreneurial tips and tricks. Also, if I am in a creative rut or struggling to find the motivation, it gives me the inspiration I need.
Pixabay is another free website where you can find beautiful stock photos to use on your blog, website or promotional materials.
Dropbox. You’re probably already familiar with Dropbox either for personal or professional use. Their main goal is to simplify the ways you create, organize, share, and collect content – it is especially beneficial for video sharing. I also use Vimeo and Google Drive to share videos with clients depending on the platform they prefer.
Erin Condren Lifeplanner. I just have to add this to the list. No, I don't use my phone or computer to keep track of my life. Never have and probably never will. Personally, I have to (and like to) physically write EVERYTHING down. And yes, like a kindergartener, I use pretty colored markers, stickers and washi tape to brighten it up.
Google Docs/Forms is a great way to collaborate with my clients whether it’s having them fill out a questionnaire or following a production schedule. These Google apps have been an integral part of my workflow. As with many of these aids, it is free to use!
My Cricut machine might not be strictly business, but when the entrepreneurial juices are flowing, your life and business become so intertwined, they become indistinguishable. To be honest, it’s one of my favorite things about being an entrepreneur. Anyway, if you don't have a Cricut, you're missing out on the fun.
These are only a few of the tools I personally use to manage and maintain my small business. There are so many more out there that are equally if not more perfect for you and your business. It’s certainly a must to take advantage of all the amazing online and electronic tools that can help you get rid of some of the stress of running a business.
Which tools or programs do you swear by or couldn’t run your business without? I am always on the lookout for new programs and resources to try out!