As a small business owner you know the pull between providing your product or service to clients and running a thriving business. Often, you are wearing all the hats AND juggling all the balls behind the scenes. It is essential that your business is as organized and efficient as possible so that you can focus on taking care of your clients. Without a doubt, the right organizational tools are key.
Having the right tools increases competency and confidence and ensures greater productivity and profitability.
Here are 8 of our favorite organizational tools for your small business. (And, great news, a lot of these tools have a free trial or a free plan so you can see if it is a good fit for you and your business!)
Organizational Tools that Help You Collaborate
Google Workspace
You are probably using some Google products already. Why not bring everything together and add collaboration tools including Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites, and more in Google Workspace? With a variety of tools to meet your needs, Google Workspace also makes it super easy to share, collaborate, save, and file.
While you can get a plan for as low as $6/month, the most popular Google Workspace plan is the Business Standard, which runs $12 a month and includes custom email, video meetings + recordings for up to 150 participants, 2 TB of storage for each user, security and management controls, and standard support from google. Check out Google Workspace here.
ClickUp
Clickup is a cloud-based collaboration and project management tool for teams of all sizes. Clickup’s user-friendly dashboard is an excellent organizational tool for communicating with your team, assigning tasks, giving and receiving feedback, and managing the status of projects.
ClickUp offers a “Free Forever” option. Free Forever includes 100MB of storage, unlimited tasks and members, Collaborative Docs, Whiteboards, In-app Recording and more. And, ClickUp University helps users become proficient in all the features. Learn more about ClickUp here.
MindMeister
Are you a visual learner and thinker? MindMeister helps you create stunning mind maps to get the “big picture.” On your own or with a team, capture project planning, brainstorming, and meetings in MindMeister. These beautiful mind maps enable you to get creative, prioritize your tasks and ideas, and present information to others.
MindMeister allows you to create up to three mind maps for free. You can update anytime. The $6.99/month plan is for individuals. For $11.49, you can collaborate with a team on unlimited mind maps. Get all the details at MindMeister.
Trello
Use Trello’s boards, lists, and cards to manage projects. This organizational tool helps with brainstorming, project management, task management, and meetings. You can even use Trello to document and improve your workflow.
Trello offers a free plan. (And, right now, you can try out their Premium level for $10/month.) The free plan includes features like unlimited cards, 10 boards per workspace, unlimited storage, due dates, and mobile apps. Check out Trello.
Toggl Plan
Maybe you’ve used Toggl for time tracking and time management? Now, the same developers have added the Toggl Plan for project and task management. It also allows you to integrate tasks or sync notifications from other apps (like Trello and Google Calendar).
After a free 14-day trial, Toggl Plan starts at $8/month. This gives unlimited team timelines and plan boards, in-app and email notification, recurring tasks, and visual workload management.
Organizational Tools that Manage Data, Docs, and Workflow
AirTable
AirTable integrates business information from across your different programs and apps. Then, input this data on a spreadsheet and AirTable transform it into powerful, custom apps. They offer lots of templates for you to customize and personalize.
AirTable offers a free plan for those getting started. Learn more about AirTable today.
Zapier
Zapier is an automation tool that enables you to connect apps and services in an “if/then” flow. Basically, you create commands called “zaps.” Each zap has a trigger and an action. Zapier works with 2,000 apps and services, so it is simple to set up an automated flow with what you are already using—you just get to take yourself out of the flow! It’s easy to use, and you can get started for free at Zapier.
And, an Organizational Tool that Improve Security
LastPass
A simple way to manage and secure your passwords, LastPass is an essential organizational tool! You can choose from a personal or business LastPass plan. The personal plan is free and the business plan starts at $4/month.
Now is the Time!
We know that it is hard to carve out time to get organized, but getting a few organizational tools and systems in place will give you more bandwidth to concentrate on other areas of your business.
Got more questions about these tools? The SOWBO blog and Facebook page are two great places to seek answers and advice.
And, now is a great time to grab our Community Access Pass. It’s your It is your golden ticket to our thriving community that’s brimming with inspiration, empowerment, and connection. This affordable monthly pass opens the door to an exclusive realm where you’ll be welcomed into the warm embrace of seasoned and accomplished women business owners who have been an integral part of our vibrant community for years. Get your SOWBO Community Access Pass TODAY!
