The one thing entrepreneurs rarely have enough of is time. Fortunately, there are now plenty of ways to steal back valuable hours throughout the day, one being apps. Phone apps have developed into a crucial asset for any business owner and if you want to optimize your work process, it’s a good idea to know your options. Here are some to consider.
Time Keeping Apps
Straight off the bat are your standard time tracking or task-oriented apps. These are built to sync with your workflow, supplementing rather than disrupting the day’s schedule with alerts, timers, trackers, and cross-compatibility. Amongst the most popular of these are Toggl (a work tool designed to help you improve productivity and develop no-stress timekeeping habits), Zoho Projects (which, using desktop and mobile compatibility, helps you to keep on top of timesheets and daily tasks), and Tick (a simple, automated time tracking software feeds back insights on how you’ve spent your time and activities throughout the day).
Comms Apps
It’s amazing how much time you can save throughout the day with the right comms app. By switching to a provider with video, attachment, automation, and chat functionalities, you’ll find you’re wasting less time trying to work out how to send, receive, communicate or get on video, both with your team and your clients. There are plenty of choices for both desktop and phone – Slack (one of the most popular options due to its ease of use and compatibility with a wide range of software), Microsoft Teams (provides plenty of features and works well with other Microsoft programs), or Twist (a team messaging platform designed to suit businesses spread across various time zones).
Organizational Apps
It’s difficult to overstate the importance of strong organizational/project management software. The right program saves you time by helping you to create, assign, monitor, update and build workflows with cross-platform functionality. Ideally, this can all be managed via phone and accessed by multiple teammates simultaneously. Popular options include Asana (sign off on work and leave voice input whilst on the go), Monday.com (centralized tasks and clear layout workflows), or Wrike (focus on spreadsheets and updated tasks at various intervals).
Mobile Scanning Apps
Gone are the days of running back and forth to the scanner. A mobile scanning app allows you to efficiently scan and send documents from the comfort of your desk. The right program will allow you to collate multiple pages into a single file, fix color correction or any creases, and work with other apps to improve functionality. The available options include Clear Scan (a quick, simple, and accurate free download), CamScanner (a regular function with the ability to save files to the cloud), and Adobe Scan (a more flexible choice, with the ability to reorder, crop, resize, filter and markup images).
Virtual Assistants
Another way to save yourself time (that doesn’t always involve downloading new software) is with virtual assistants. A good virtual assistant can take care of mundane, simple tasks so you can focus on more complicated, important matters. Some assistants are even specialized in a particular field, providing copywriting, graphic/web design, marketing, HR, or another skill in addition to their administrative support.
If you want to succeed in business, it helps to have more hours in the day. If an app can provide you with that advantage, then it makes sense to download it. Just make sure you research first to save yourself further hassle down the line.
Life of Automation has one goal in mind: to equip and empower aspiring, new, and seasoned entrepreneurs with the tools and resources that will automate their personal and professional lives. Learn more about our services, at: www.lifeofautomation.com.
Written by: Carleen Moore