Running a business is no small feat. It’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—exciting, challenging, and sometimes a bit overwhelming. But here’s the good news: with the right resources, you can turn the chaos into a smooth, well-oiled machine. You don’t need every tool under the sun right away, but having a few key ones can make a world of difference. Let’s dive into some game-changing resources to help your business run smoothly and efficiently, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.
Web/Marketing
Showit
For your website platform. If you’re new here, Showit is hands down my favorite. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, I highly recommend Showit. It’s intuitive, powerful, and makes your website look stunning. Check out my blog post all about it here.
Bluehost
For your domain. When you have a website, you need a domain, and I highly recommend Bluehost. It’s easy to navigate, straightforward, and they have fantastic customer service.
Canva
For your design needs. Unless you’re a graphic designer, you don’t need Illustrator or Photoshop. Canva is thee way to go! It’s user-friendly and perfect for creating beautiful designs without the steep learning curve.
ChatGPT
Your business bestie. If you haven’t used ChatGPT yet, it’s time to get on board. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy who’s always available. And if it seems intimidating, check out Alex Beyers’ course (jammed packed with info over 60 minutes). She makes it so easy to get started with amazing prompts.
Financial
Bluevine
For your banking needs. Bluevine is a small business checking account bank that I love. It’s an online bank with no monthly fees, free standard ACH transfers, and it’s FDIC insured. A business bank account is a must—not only is it easier to track your finances, but it also keeps things professional and organized.
Income & Expense Tracker from The Easterday Group
To know what is coming in and out. I know I know, you didn’t start a business to be an accountant however knowing what your income and expenses are each month are crucial to your business’ growth. Plus, knowing your profit allows you to be able to pay yourself! If you’re looking for a CPA, I HIGHLY recommend Jackie at The Easterday Group!
Wave
To get paid. Wave is a an awesome alternative to Quickbooks that’s free and I’m all about keeping those expenses down when possible. You can send single invoices or create recurring ones, set up automatic reminders, and even handle payroll if you have employees.
Live Oak Bank
To save. Live Oak Bank is a small business savings bank that offers a high-yield savings. Once you start making money, a business savings is something to consider especially for saving a portion of your profit for taxes. This way the savings account lets you keep this money separate for when taxes are due.
Project Management
Notion
Your organization lifesaver. I’m fairly new to Notion but have been loving it so far! It’s extremely customizable so you can really use it as the hub for everything including tasks, content planning, a client portal, notes, personal things, goal planning, and so much more. If you haven’t used Notion before, I recommend checking out Jules Acree’s tutorials and templates.
Calendly
Your scheduler. Get meetings on your calendar with a simple click. No more back-and-forth trying to find a time that works for everyone. Calendly connects with Google Calendar, making scheduling a breeze.
Slack
For your team. If you have a team, Slack is a must. It’s the best way to communicate without the chaos of texting. Set boundaries, turn off notifications, and let your team know when you’re online or offline. Plus, you can send voice memos and create automations to keep everything running smoothly.
Desk Items
- MacBook — A reliable workhorse that’s essential for getting things done on the go or at your desk. And yes, a Mac is worth the cost after having two different versions of both a Mac and PC.
- Laptop stand — stop straining your neck and raise your computer up to eye height.
- Keyboard + Mouse — When you raise your laptop, you’ll need a keyboard and a mouse. I love this wireless pair from Logitech, I’ve had it for years and it still works like new!
- Monitor — Having multiple screens is a game-changer. One screen for your video call and another for notes or screen sharing. It’s productivity heaven.
- Notebook — I’m particular about my notebooks. There’s nothing like writing on thick, weighted paper. This one has it all plus its reasonably priced.
- Airpods — For working in public or at home when you need to focus. AirPods are a lifesaver for hands-free calls and just tuning into your work zone.
These resources to help your business run smoothly have been game-changers for me, and I hope they help you too! Whether you’re just starting or looking to streamline your operations, these tools can make your business run smoother and more efficiently. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit. And if you’re interested in working together or having me build your website, don’t hesitate to reach out. Inquire here and let’s make your business dreams a reality!
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