Getting, Um, “Stuff,” Done
My Personal Productivity Tools
I’ve had several conversations recently with colleagues and clients who are looking to improve their business processes and personal productivity.
I think personal productivity can really be an individual work-style question, and I do know what works best for me. Hopefully, some of these tools can help you – or at least get you thinking about what you can use to be more productive and focused.
Google Workspace – For email, calendar, online file storage, etc.
If you’re still using an @gmail.com email address for your professional email, you should switch to Google Workspace now. Tons of online storage through Google Drive, easy integration with Apple devices and your Calendar and Email work together. Overall a great suite of services for my needs.
Zoom – Yes, I know we’re all tired of it, but if you run a business and need to collaborate with people spread out geographically (which I do), then there is no better tool. And, thanks to the pandemic, everyone (mostly) knows how to use it so there’s a MUCH shorter learning curve for getting your online meetings going.
Monday.com – I moved to monday.com from Basecamp for project and task management this year, and I love it. It’s very intuitive to use, and there are tons of templates for “boards” to manage projects you can simply copy into your account and get to work. This is a tool I’m sure I’m only scratching the surface of, but I’m using the heck out of it.
Quickbooks Online – I made the mistake of trying to download, install, and use Quickbooks on my desktop when I started my business. Huge, time-sucking mistake. QBO makes it easy to manage your books, and really you should be using a bookkeeper (staff or virtual) to do your day-to-day books anyway (I do, let me know if you want a referral). Caveat – I “sign all the checks” as I know it’s critical for a business owner to keep their finger on the financial pulse of the business…but I only rarely touch day-to-day financial transaction management.
That’s it. Use these – or others – but make a decision, get started, and get more productive.
If you’d like to discuss your challenges, just schedule a call.
P.S. I’m finally reading Atomic Habits closely – and it is well worth it; I highly recommend you check it out if you’re always struggling to quit old/bad habits and embrace new/positive ones.