Two words: Tools and technology.
When you hear these two words do you run for cover and hide? Or do your ears prick up because you want to know the latest?
Most people run for cover! Only a select few of us love tools and technology.
And that’s bonus for you because tools and technology can make your life so much easier – even if you don’t want to know anything about them!
If there are just too many tools out there and you are wondering which ones to use to take your business online … or technology does your ahead in, let me give you the top 5 tools that will make your life easier and your business thrive.
These tools will help you save time and resources in your business and while there are many options in the market that are similar to the ones I have outlined, I recommend these tools because they are easiest to navigate if you are just starting your online business journey.
Top 5 tools to take your business online
1 – Zoom – Before a few weeks ago many people, and a lot in business, had never heard of Zoom. Now all of a sudden, due to social distancing and not being able to meet with people personally, your kids are using it for home schooling and your peers in business are using it to run online masterclasses. It’s thanks to Zoom that we can meet virtually (with smart casual top while still wearing your PJ pants) so you business can carry on.
You will never be left behind if you look for opportunities to run your business online (and that’s the way business life is heading). Zoom gives you the opportunity to run meetings, workshops and webinars online for new and existing clients.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done. Zoom is a publicly traded company on Nasdaq (ticker: ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California.
Source: https://zoom.us/about
2 – Calendly – Only the biggest time saver you will ever know in business. Too often, so much time is wasted going back and forth with people to set appointment. That is if you don’t have an online application like Calendly. You give someone your link, they choose a time that suits them and it gets booked in! Plus it integrates with Zoom and there is a free version. Done and dusted.
What is Calendly?
Calendly helps you schedule meetings without the back-and-forth emails and can connect with up to six of your calendars to automatically check availability and help you connect with your best contacts, prospects and clients.
Source: https://calendly.com/
3 – Mailchimp – Probably the go-to email marketing platform for all new business owners, however many giants use Mailchimp too. There are free and paid versions and it has come a long way in recently years to also offer landing page creation, email series and lots of other worthwhile tools.
If you haven’t already, you should start nurturing your clients by sending them valuable info via email – that’s where MailChimp can help. Add value to their life/business at any chance you can, it doesn’t matter if you only have a small list, focus on what they need. Size doesn’t matter.
What is Mailchimp?
Mailchimp is the all-in-one integrated marketing platform for small businesses, to grow your business on your terms. It’s easy to use – start for free. Mailchimp is an all-in-one marketing platform that helps you manage and talk to your clients, customers, and other interested parties. Our approach to marketing focuses on healthy contact management practices, beautifully designed campaigns, and powerful data analysis.
Source: https://mailchimp.com/
4 – LastPass – When you get a PA there is one thing many businesses fret about – giving up your precious passwords. What if something happens? Do I have to give my passwords? I don’t feel comfortable giving them to someone I don’t know.
All valid points and certainly statement and questions I have heard many times. The best form of defence is an app called LastPass.
What is LastPass?
LastPass is a secure password manager that stores all of your usernames and passwords in one safe place, called a Vault. It encrypts your passwords and secure info on your computer, using a security key that only you know. You give access to the app not the passwords.
Source: https://www.lastpass.com/
5 – WordPress and the Divi theme – All businesses need a website. It is your virtual shopfront and the main way people can do business with you online. WordPress and the Divi theme make it very easy to have an online shop and presence.
It’s made even easier because most developers know how to use WordPress and the Divi theme is one of the easiest you can find. It is a modulated theme that is support by WordPress and means you can build a web page in a bout 5 minutes!
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content-management system that originated as a blogging tool. It runs on PHP and a MySQL database. Design elements are packaged as “themes”; since content and design are separate, one need only install a new theme to get a whole new design without affecting the content.
Source: www.quora.com
What is Divi theme?
Divi isn’t just a WordPress theme, it’s a complete design framework that allows you to design and customize every part of your website from the ground up. You have control over everything down to the finest detail. Create the perfect websites for you and your clients.
Source: www.elegantthemes.com
Need some help?
Tools and technology allow your business to grow by being organised and automated. They give you a chance to clone yourself and have more time for the important things, like spending time with your family. If you want to make your business more streamlined, productive, and ultimately, more profitable, it’s never too late to get on the tools and tech bandwagon!
If technology does your head in, and you have numerous questions about organising your business, you can email me your question and I will answer you personally.
Meanwhile, due to its popularity I have extended our co-working sessions into May.
If you would like dedicated time to spend working on your business while having someone lead, keep you accountable and answer your questions about organising your business, join me at my next free co-working session.
You can register here link.
