My top five business tools

I’m sharing my top five business tools that help keep me productive, inspired, and on time. I have to tell you first that I am an Enneagram type one. If you haven’t heard of the Enneagram, you need to check it out! I have learned so much about myself and others through this personality test. If you don’t know much about type ones, we typically like lists, planners, and organization. That fits me completely! So some of these recommendations might not work for you, but I recommend trying them out to see, most of these tools are either free or have a free trial.

1.     My first recommendation is Trello. Oh Trello, how I love you! I have one board for my weekly projects and tasks and one for organizing my business content. I’ve also used Trello for editorial content planning, homeschool planning, evacuation packing lists, tracking a job search, and so much more! Trello is a tool that lets you organize your projects into boards, and into the boards, you can add cards. You can collaborate with your team (or your significant other, hello online to-do list!).  It allows you to assign due dates and send you reminders. You can color code, add checklists, photos, and template cards, too. It is truly my favorite way to stay organized and on top of tasks. There are tons of integrations and “power-ups” that make Trello an excellent way to track just about anything.

2.     Slack is useful for team messaging and work communications – it is a bit like the old school AIM messenger for those you can remember back that far. You can set up channels, projects, and teams, and it’s all easily searchable, so you never lose a conversation again. Slack brings remote teams together in a way that lets you create a virtual coffee cooler and encourages real-time collaboration and engagement.

3.     Long before COVID-19, I started using Coffitivity to simulate the sounds of being at the coffee shop while I worked – without actually having to haul my laptop to the local café. I often struggle to work in total silence but also can’t stand music or podcasts while I am trying to write. Enter Coffitivity. The perfect hum of background noise without being distracting.

4.     Webex is a secure tool that allows you to set up video chats with clients, friends, or family. Working at home means we have to find new ways to connect, and this hassle-free video conferencing tool is such a lifesaver. I’ve been able to communicate for free for up to 50 minutes of talk time, and it’s been so great.

5.     Don’t laugh at this last one! I can’t live life without my Plum Paper Planner. I’ve customized my planner so that I have a page for each day that allows me to track meetings, body and wellness, gratitude, my top three priorities, notes, and more! I keep track of all of our appointments in iCal too, but something about writing things down just makes it stick for me.

I hope you’ll take the time to check out some of these tools and that you find them helpful for boosting your productivity and connections.