Running a business isn’t easy. It’s a major time commitment and a never-ending responsibility. While rewarding, the day-to-day processes involved in keeping a business running can steal you away from all the other things you would like to do, like take weekend trips, spend time with loved ones, practice hobbies, or start new side projects. How do other business owners find the time for work-life balance? The trick is using the right apps to automate and streamline as much of your business as possible. Here are some tips from Lighthouse Consulting Group to help you get started with time-saving business apps!
Invoicing Tools
Getting paid is one of the most time-consuming business processes, especially as your company grows and takes on more clients. Invoicing becomes even more time-consuming when clients are confused by the information on your invoice or have trouble paying. Streamlining your invoicing process with the right apps will ensure you get paid on time without a lot of back-and-forth emails. You can find a free invoice maker online to create custom invoices in a matter of minutes, featuring your own business information and branding. Then, you can save your invoice as a new template for easy updates in the future.
Financial Tracking Software
Invoicing is just one small part of managing your business finances. To save time on tasks like expense tracking, bill payment, payroll, and tax recording, look for robust accounting software that fits your budget. The right financial software will automate a lot of your financial organization. Instead of manually inputting data into a complicated and error-prone spreadsheet, advanced accounting software will work with all of your other business systems to keep your financial records updated automatically.
Digital Organization Apps
Speaking of digital organization, look for other tools that will help you keep track of everything that goes on behind the scenes at your business. For example, digitizing documents and receipts will ensure you always have important records on hand. Mobile scanning apps make it easy to upload, save, and share documents right from your smartphone! Be sure to keep your file-sharing process organized as well with the help of cloud-based storage apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Project Management Platforms
If you spend a lot of time communicating with your team and coordinating projects via email, a solid project management app will help your business run more productively. Kissflow explains that project management tools range from simple “sticky note” apps all the way to advanced collaborative work software that helps leaders manage multiple projects from a high-level, strategic perspective. These apps keep all communication and collaboration in one centralized location, making it easy for you to assign tasks, define priorities, and monitor the progress of your team.
CRM Software
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is another valuable tech investment. CRM apps can help you store and organize all of your customer information in one place, so you can streamline the customer service process and make data-driven business decisions based on customer information. Beyond this, CRM will help you track trends and adjust your sales strategy accordingly. Plus, robust CRM tools are very affordable for small businesses!
The right apps can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial experience. If you’re feeling short on time and frustrated by your growing to-do list, start looking for an app to take some work off your plate. Streaming and automating your business through the use of digital tools will help you achieve that elusive work-life balance!
Lighthouse Consulting Group designs and delivers workshops like business development meetings and team retreats. Give us a call so we can discuss your needs! 401-247-0313
