When you operate a business as a solo entrepreneur, productivity is key. Your time is extremely valuable, but it’s also spread incredibly thin. How can you get everything done on your own? Technology is the answer! Through online services, apps, software, and freelance help, you can keep your business running smoothly—and moving forward—without hiring employees or taking on business partners. Here are some valuable tech tools to boost your small business!
Time-Saving Tech Tools
Online Business Services
The internet is an endless resource for information, guidance, and actionable tips to help make your business a success, even if you’re going at it alone. A simple Google search will answer almost any question you have about running your business. You can also find online services to help with various business tasks, from business formation to digital marketing. Taking advantage of services like these is an excellent way to advance your business!
Business formation is another complicated task that you may not want to tackle alone. Forming your business will determine your personal liability and other important details about your business operations, including how your taxes are paid. Using affordable online services can make business formation quick and painless! For example, Zen Business can help you file business paperwork and ensure compliance based on the regulations in your state.
Scheduling and Communication Solutions
According to CNBC Make It, American workers spend an average of about 3.5 hours checking their work email per day! This, of course, is a massive chunk of time that can be spent on more important projects that move your business forward. Delegating email and other administrative tasks should be your number one priority.
Fortunately, there are numerous tech tools that can automate your most time-consuming daily tasks. Shared calendar apps like Calendly and Asana can help you keep your work schedule organized while eliminating time-wasting back-and-forth emails. Team communication tools like Slack can streamline conversations with clients and team members. Similarly, collaboration apps can keep everyone on the same page and ensure your most pressing projects get done on time—a must when working with freelancers!
Invoicing and Bookkeeping Tools
As with checking email, scheduling meetings, and invoicing clients, managing your business finances can also eat up a lot of your time. Consider outsourcing these tasks with the help of business tools and qualified freelancers. For example, Zapier recommends free invoicing software like Square, Wave, and Zoho Invoice to make invoicing easier. You may also want to hire a freelance accountant or bookkeeper so you can avoid expensive tax issues. Making mistakes on your taxes could wind up costing you in fees, fines, or missed benefits!
Working with Freelancers
Freelancers, in general, can benefit your business in a number of ways. Hiring freelancers allows you to access critical skills that you may lack, filling in your weaknesses and enabling your business to expand past your limits. Look for freelancers who are experienced in the areas where you’re not, whether it’s web development, graphic design, writing, marketing, social media management, or any other industry. Freelancers are fantastic for small businesses and startups. You don’t need the budget for a whole team of employees or the office space to hold them!
Busy entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to save time. If you’re running a business on your own, take advantage of low-cost tech tools, online services, and freelance help to free up your day. When you finally outsource all of those time-consuming tasks that are hogging your bandwidth, you’ll finally be able to focus on what you do best!
About the Author
Amy Collett is creator of Biz Well, a website that helps professionals and entrepreneurs build and strengthen their personal brand. When she isn’t helping clients boost their careers or businesses, she enjoys coaching her daughter’s soccer team and training to become a yoga instructor.
Image credits: McKinsey on RawPixel