We explore some digital tools you might like to consider that could save you time. Some use AI. Everything related to this new technology comes with a warning. If you read it on social media it isn’t always true, ok so that’s obvious. But the same can go for AI. You can’t always trust the answers you get. Make sure you cross reference other sources too when making decisions. AI is only summarizing information found on the net.
When assessing your bottlenecks consider themes such as:
• Where are the bottlenecks in our businesses that could be impacting us?
• Which tools have we implemented that have had the biggest impact on productivity and profitability for small businesses?
• How can small businesses evaluate cost vs. benefit when investing in new digital tools?
• What are common barriers to adopting digital tools, and how can they be overcome?
• How can small businesses ensure staff are trained and using tools effectively?
• How can integrating tools improve workflows and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks?
Navigating a selection of Digital Tools to consider…
• Client Relationship Management (CRM) – Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, HubSpot
• Database & Collaboration – Airtable
• Task & Project Management – Google Chat & Workspace, Microsoft Planner, Asana, Trello
• Communication & Scheduling – Calendly, Email Templates
• Communication & Scheduling – Microsoft Bookings
• Forms Creation – Google Forms, JotForm, Typeform
• Note Taking & Meeting Summaries – Fathom AI
• Transcription – Otter AI, TurboScribe
• Email Management & Note Taking – Fxyer AI, Microsoft Teams Copilot, Google Gemini in Meet
• Video Recording & Sharing – Loom
• Proposals and Onboarding – GetProposals, Dubsado, HoneyBook
• Workflows and Integration – Zapier, Sheetgo
• Cybersecurity & Password Management – LastPass, 1Password, eWallet
• Website Analytics & Reporting – Hotjar
• Free Website Builders – Wix, Squarespace, Shopify (Be careful going down this path)
• Basic Marketing & Social Media – Canva
• Email Marketing – Mailchimp, MailerLite
• Managing multiple Social Media accounts – Hootsuite, Buffer, Metricool
• Video Conferencing tools – Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Watsapp, Facetime
• Digital document signing – DocuSign, HelloSign
• Job Management & Quoting Tools – Tradify, Fergus, ServiceM8
This is just a selection of tools we have looked at. Use these as key words in your search and ask Google for comparisons when considering a software tool. Take the free trials before signing up to costly subscriptions.
And finally, review all of the subscriptions you pay for on a regular basis to ensure you are using them. You’ll be surprized what you can save. And with the right subscriptions you might find you are celebrating the time you save too.
(Written by Chris Norris from a session between members of the Independent Board researched and facilitated by Michelle Whorwood – www.TailoredVirtualSupport.co.nz)