photo credit: Sean MacEntee via flickr
It is very challenging to create, build a business based on that craft, and then….to do it while working for someone else. Let’s not even address the fact that the world keeps moving while you are building, and the other life issues that demand your attention.
Don’t let “I don’t have the time” get between you and your dream. It is my job to make your journey just a tad bit easier. Here is my quick list of productivity tools to help you manage working while building your creative biz. And, if you didn’t notice, these tools are all free or cheap.
Let’s move forward. Today.
one.
The Problem.
You send an email that requires a response. Days pass by. You forget to follow-up. The recipient forgets to respond.
The Solution.
Boomerang is a Gmail add-on that allows you to schedule an email to return to your inbox a certain number of days after sending it. For example, you send an email to an associate on Monday. You can schedule it to “boomerang” or return back to your inbox on Friday if you haven’t heard back from that associate. It’s a great way to help you stay on top of follow-ups. Free plans available.
two.
The Problem.
You frequently attend networking events and receive business cards from potential clients or business partners. The cards collect dust on your desk because you don’t have a system to organize them, or time to think about it.
The Solution.
Karma CRM is an outstanding contact relationship manager for small businesses. It’s a CRM just like the big wigs use but tailored for peeps like us. It allows you create a sales flow for every contact you meet, keep a detailed record of calls and follow-ups and even run reports on hot, warm and cold leads. It’s awesome. Free plans available.
three.
The Problem.
You’ve conquered the task of scheduling your social media updates through a service like Hootsuite or Buffer App. Now, you need a better way of following up with your social media contacts..or ahem, potential clients.
The Solution.
Nimble brings all of your social media networks and updates to your email for easy, one-click reading and responding. Free plans available.
four.
The Problem.
You don’t have time to type the same email over and over again. Also, you want to target your communication to those who are actually interested in what you have to say, instead of chasing dead leads.
The Solution.
Yesware is a gmail add on that allows you to create email templates for use at every stage in your “sales” process. It also has a tracking feature that allows you to see who is opening and forwarding your emails. Free plans available.
five.
The Problem.
You know that you should be tracking your expenses but you just don’t have the time.
The Solution.
Expensify is an automated solution that feeds in your bank account or credit card information, and tracks your expenses for you. With one click you can run a quick report, generate e-receipts, and have everything you need for your accountant during tax season. I’ve been using Expensify for years and it is a dream. Free plans available.
Do you have a productivity tool to share with fellow working-preneurs? Please chime in on the comments below.