Hello there,
Starting your own business is full-on! There are so many things to do, so much research to do. It is so easy to get overwhelmed. To make it a little easier I wanted to give you some information on the apps I am using all the time.
Toggl
This program is glorious, simply set up your clients, the tasks you may be doing for them, and hit start (play button). It will keep track of the time you’ve spent on your tasks and then you simply run a report when you’re invoicing. Even better, your clients can view the tasks and the time they took.
Canva
Free, simple and very, very fun. Canva is used for various things, creating images for your Facebook page or advertising, designing business cards or even making your own logo! Of course, you can pay for upgrades, but for most people the free version is more than adequate.
Zapier
The free version of this app allows you to automate tasks quickly and easily. It works in the background and depending on your business type, it could save you HOURS every week. Examples of tasks you can automate with Zapier include: Automatically sharing your Facebook posts to LinkedIn, Subscribe new Facebook Lead Ad leads to a MailChimp list and Save new Gmail attachments to Google Drive.
Wave
If you’re a small business just starting out, you just want to limit your expenses as much as possible. But, you also want the programs you use to be functional and easy. Wave ticks all the boxes. It is a free accounting software, suitable for small Service businesses who are not registered for GST. Very functional and easy to use.
Hubspot
Is a CRM for busy companies, but you don’t have to be a huge company to get the benefits of a Customer Relationship Management software. Hubspot has a free version, helps to keep track of your clients and leads. They also offer a lot of free training which is relevant and valuable to business owners.
Zoom
No doubt most people have heard of Zoom, it is a software application that allows for virtual meetings and conferences to occur. It is free (although you can pay to get an upgrade). You can set up meetings with clients and send them the link to your own private meeting room.
Trello
This app works like an old school pinboard, you create boards with lists of tasks on it and can follow which tasks have been completed or which need to be done. You can assign dates for tasks to be completed and add photos and checklists where required.
Slack
For team coordination and communication you can’t go past Slack, you can set up channels for various communication types, and keep in touch and up-to-date with what everyone is up to. It also helps that feeling of connection, even when you all work remotely.
As always, if you have any questions let me know
Clare