In our last two blog posts, we talked about how technology can actually be a drain on our productivity. We can overcomplicate things or split our attention, and our work product suffers as a result.
Of course, technology isn’t all bad. There are a number of apps that can help us better communicate and collaborate on projects, increasing our efficiency and improving our workflow.
Generate Better Business Plans: LivePlan
If your business is going to be successful, you need to start off with a strong business plan. This is true whether your company has 15 or 15,000 employees. This marketing tool can help you run and manage nearly every aspect of your business – starting from the very first step. You can benefit from the number of templates and examples available to help you craft and form your initial business plan. There is also a QuickBooks integration that can help you keep track of your finances. There is a fee, however, most businesses find that it quickly pays for itself.
Simplify File Sharing: Dropbox
What do all businesses have in common? Okay, maybe a caffeine addiction. But also, lots and lots of documents. Luckily, we do not have to keep track of single copies of paper documents any longer. When you use this cloud storage provider (or another) you can access your documents from anywhere and on any device. Plus, you can easily share documents with individuals or the full team. Dropbox has a generous free program and reasonable paid programs in case you need more storage.
Improve Your Project Management: Asana
You might have the best ideas in the world, but if you cannot properly manage them, chances are that they will fail. Asana has been a lifesaver for many businesses. Break up projects into manageable steps, which you can delegate and comment on. You can also use this tool to track time. Every project has its own little workspace, so looking through past conversations and finding the right files has never been easier. Depending on the size of your team, you may be able to get away with the limited free version. However, the added features in the premium version are also very valuable.
Remember Every Contact: CamCard
Most companies still regularly use business cards as a way of sharing contact information. But how often are these misplaced or forgotten about? Very! All you need to do is download this app to your smart device and then simply take a photo of the card when you receive it. CamCard takes care of the rest. The information will be immediately saved to either your list of phone or email contacts. This app is a must-have if you work with clients or vendors on a regular basis.
Store All of Your Passwords: LastPass
We all know that we are supposed to protect all of our personal and professional data, but who can remember zillions of different passwords? Luckily, you do not have to. This app will securely save all of your passwords in one place. There is also an enterprise option for companies. The idea is simple, but it will save you lots of future headaches.
When it comes to productivity, you need to strike a delicate balance with technology. Know when you should separate yourself from your devices, but also take advantage of the ones that can make your life a whole lot easier.
Photo by Rob Hampson on Unsplash
