What if there were a way to put less time into your business but earn more money? Entrepreneurs tend to believe everything can be solved by spending more time and money on the job. But if simply investing more time and money would put you on the road to success, you would already be there, wouldn’t you? Entrepreneurs always have the drive. What they sometimes lack, though, is the right tools.
Efficiency experts know we often exert too much effort to accomplish a task. Organization is central to the flow of information and communications. Here are three tools to help you leverage your time and make more money:
Microsoft OneNote
The interface is simple to grasp. OneNote enables you to collect all information in one place. No more searching through files and folders to find what you need. OneNote will hold audio, video, and graphic notes, and you can instantly clip things from websites or other documents directly to your notebooks. This is one powerful tool. A similar alternative is Evernote, but there are open source variations, as well. For the busy entrepreneur, it can be simpler and more cost effective to simply stick with the original. Check Microsoft Office online for cloud-based package to help you soar.
Now that your own desk is organized, get your team on board. Project management programs can be way too complicated. Unless you are building a space shuttle, you probably don’t need an elaborate communications system. Most of us can get by just fine with a simple board to post notes and track task status.
Trello
Life doesn’t get much simpler than this. Trello offers a straightforward interface of columns with text blocks that can be moved from one position to the next. A task may start out in the “To Do” list, move to “In Progress,” and end up “Finished.” You title the columns and decide your own system. Trello records it and allows you to share access with team members. Trello also offers a paid version with a little more flexibility. Breeze is a paid service very much like Trello, but with time tracking.
Leads are vital to any business. You can have the best sales funnel ever constructed, but if no prospects are entering, there will be no sales. Most businesses will spend lavishly on website development, SEO, and paid ads to develop leads, but balk at taking advantage of a service that provides targeted leads. The best practice is utilizing a good mix of sources.
Quote Wizard
The best lead services don’t try to be everything to everyone. Rather, they concentrate on a specific niche. Quote Wizard, for example, focuses on insurance leads. Reduce cold-calling and praying for an appointment. With targeted leads, your presentation and close rates can jump-start success and boost enthusiasm. For other niches, search to find a similar service that fits your needs.
Organization, project management, lead development: three areas where the right tools can make all the difference. Are there other service you are using for leverage? Let us know in the comments below.
Leave a Reply