Apps & Tools
Our Favorite Resources for EntrepreneursCollaboration Tools
The best collaboration tools allow effortless communication, whether that be via video chat, phone or screen-sharing. No one tool is the solution, but all tools are not created equal.
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts could potentially replace the crowned victor of business communication (slack), but at the moment it has yet to be fully adopted by many departments. It is an excellent service that allows exceptional integration into the Google suite of tools.
ScreenFlow
Need to communicate something to your assistant but words aren’t cutting it? ScreenFlow allows you to record quick videos of your computer screen that you can easily send to your VA. Eliminate confusion with this handy app. Check it out.
Slack
Slack may be the best business collaboration software out there. Slack offers Google drive integration, easy attachments, a search function and so much more. This tool has come into its own as an excellent communication software that is integral to any remote business.
Zoom
The market is saturated with screen sharing services, but none have proved to be as consistent or as lightweight as Zoom. Zoom is agile, easy to use and learn, and works under a variety of questionable internet connections.
Operations Tools
Managing your operations stack is key to maintaining smooth workflows and increasing efficiency. Here are just a few of our favorite tools that keep our operations running smoothly.
Podio
Podio is many things. It can serve as a fully customizable backend to your site, and it can be your employee communication network. It can integrate forms to your site and allows for app creation to solve problems. How you use Podio is up to you.
Google Suite
We love all of the tools in the G-suite, including Google Drive, which can be substituted for Dropbox or any other cloud-based storage service. With the G-suite, you can easily share docs, spreadsheets, files and more with others. For us, there’s no other solution as easy and accessible.
Zapier
Zapier is a tool that integrates hundreds of different web tools, from HubSpot to Gmail, to enable you to optimize your operations stack. Overall, this product is what you make of it, and has a bit of a learning curve, but it will absolutely change the way your operations stack works.
Hubspot
From managing your social media strategy, to writing a blog, Hubspot is your inbound marketing command center. While it’s not free, this marketing tool is popular for its ease of use and multifunctionality.
Sales tools
The following are some of our suggested sales tools for busy entrepreneurs.
ProsperWorks
A powerful CRM that integrates seamlessly with all G-suite tools. It’s so good, even Google recommends it. Learn more about it.
Nudge
As a Chrome add-on, Nudge will give you the latest news on contacts and companies you’ve got your eye on. Get actionable insights easy with Nudge. Try it here.
Contactually
This CRM is as easy to use as a CRM can be. Contactually will keep you on track and help you build and manage relationships. Get more information here.
Plugins
If you use Chrome or WordPress, this is the place for you. These plugins will streamline your processes and simplify your work-day.
The Great Suspender
This very simple plugin ‘suspends’ tabs in your browser that have gone idle after a certain time. For those of us who like to keep countless tabs open, this is essential to ensuring our computer continues to run at its best. Get it here.
Grammarly
If you tend to make a lot of spelling mistakes when typing, then Grammarly is your best friend. This tool catches your mistakes on social media, in emails and elsewhere on the internet. Say goodbye to spelling gaffes, once and for all.
Momentum
Momentum is your new favorite home page. It updates your homepage with an inspiring quote and photograph daily, and gives the option to set tasks and goals for the day. Try it.
Click & Clean
Click & Clean is a one click history clearing plugin that is so much more. You can safely close your browser, cache and scan for unwanted cookies and malware. This free security service is a must-have.
Reading Recommendations
We’ve learned a great deal in our time connecting startups and freelancers and optimizing cooperation. These books provide pricelesss advice and insight for every entrepreneur and freelancer alike.
Scaling Up by Verne Harnish
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or freelancer, this book will help you to build a thriving business. Harnish focuses on the four areas in which every business must succeed: People, Strategy, Execution and Cash. Learn more about the book.
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
In this book, you’ll learn how to build a sellable business that gives you the freedom and flexibility you desire. Get the book here.
Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hannsson
“Workaholics aren’t heroes,” the authors write. “They don’t save the day; they just use it up. The real hero is home because she figured out a faster way.” For anyone doing it on their own, then Rework is the book for you. Buy it.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
In this insightful book, Allen argues that only when we relax and clear our minds can we really be at our most productive. Wise words for any stressed out entrepreneur. Learn more here.