I often get asked, what are the top small business tools that I use that make my life easier? I am thrilled to share these with you and encourage you to take advantage of the free offers available below if you’re not using these yet.
All the software listed below save me hours every week and I would be lost without them. Previously a number of these functions in my business were done manually on paper, through spreadsheets or not done at all…. Those were the days! I understand that you may not have the budget right now, but can I ask you, what is the cost of setting this up and doing this manually now? Get clear about that, I know I certainly wasn’t!
1. Infusionsoft
The Royals Royce of an integrated small business system – What isn’t this software?!?!
I know I might be biased as I’m extensively trained in this software. However, this is really a very sophisticated tool. It provides email marketing, customer relationship management, affiliate management, product management, ordering, shopping cart, eCommercee and so much more. This is an all in the one system that saves time on managing contacts in multiple systems, captures all critical information in the one place and also minimizes the need for other system integrations where these core business functions were previously done in other systems. Infusionsoft is going places with many apps and plug-ins that can leverage other functionality from appointment scheduling to sophisticated landing pages. If you’re serious about growing your business, this is a tool you must consider. I’m getting access to an exclusive demo video that I’ll share shortly. However, in the meantime, click for a free Infusionsoft consultation.
2. Xero
Accounting system in the cloud – what more can I say?
I used to try and “save money” by maintaining a spreadsheet with all my incomings and outgoings. Not anymore! With automatic bank feed, that’s right, you don’t need to re-enter ANYTHING! All you need to do is categorise what type of expense it is. Also, you can create and automatically email clients invoices directly from the platform. You can upload your expense receipt images onto this tool and have your accountant have access to real-time information. This has saved me probably at least two days work every month. Click for more information on a free Xero trial.
3. OptimizePress
OptimizePress 2.0 is an easy to use opt-in webpage plug-in.
This can be a theme or plug-in for your WordPress site and it integrates with Infusionsoft and many other major CRMs. They have templates you can use for landing pages, membership pages, event registrations and more. The designs are easy to edit, fully customizable and look incredibly professional and do I say sexy as well?! This saves time and money as I don’t need to engage a website developer or design for nice looking optin pages, I can easily pick a template, modify it and publish very quickly. Click for further OptimizePress information.
4. AppointmentCore
Get your clients to book time into your schedule!
Save hours going back and forth trying to schedule time with your prospects or clients. AppointmentCore integrates with google calendar/outlook and Infusionsoft. You set up a link and what times you’d like to allocate to that type of appointment. Clients can see when you’re free and if you already have other appointments, these times show up as unavailable. Externals can book directly via AppointmentCore and it updates your calendar and the contact record in Infusionsoft. Very cool tool for scheduling with automatic reminders and now offerings scheduling options for externals to find a time that works for any one member of your team. Click for more information about a free AppointmentCore trial.
5. Dropbox
Share folders online with anyone you wish
The power of cloud technology is utilized with Dropbox. Essentially it is a folder like you have on your computer that resides online that you can nominate people to have access to. Perfect for businesses who have remote teams or who want to access content remotely themselves. This has been a lifesaver in my business, particularly sharing large videos and other files that can’t be sent via email. The other great feature of this tool is that you receive a notification on your desktop when a file has been changed. Click to set up your free dropbox account.
6. Paper by 53
Visual people, this is your tool!
Easy to use drawing application on your iPad. Ever been in a meeting and scribbled on a piece of paper to illustrate a point? The power of visual aids is incredible and this tool you can draw on the spot in your meetings on a professional platform. Also, you can organize your different drawings, save them and send them via email. It is a free app and a few extra dollars to gain some additional pens. However, this tool has saved many trees and helped progress many meetings forward and I’m sure it will do the same for you. Click to download the free Paper by 53 app on your iPad.
(NOTE: Ready to use more automation in your business to make more sales with less effort – even if you don’t have a fancy system? Check out the Marketing Automation Game Plan and discover in this free 3-part video series the proven steps you must follow to successfully transform your business with automation. Learn more now.)
