7 Productivity Apps Every Entrepreneur Should Know About

In this digital world we live in, it seems like it’s getting increasingly more difficult to tune out all of the distractions.

I’m all about working smarter, not harder, and in an effort to do so, I’ve tried {what seems like} every tool, app, and software known to mankind to save time and create more focus with my workload. When I really need to buckle down and get sh*t done, these are the tools that I know I can count on to beat the productivity roadblocks:

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Productivity Trap: Paper Lists in Too Many Places

What I use: Trello

Life before Trello looked something like this: Scribble down notes and client tasks on the nearest notepads I can find. Pile them up on my office desk, then sift through them at a later time hoping that they’ll make sense. It’s been a huge game changer for me within my business, and my only complaint is that I wish I’d begun using it sooner. It’s, hands down, the BEST project management program that I’ve used (and believe me when I say I’ve tried them all), proving easy to implement and fun to work with. It helps me to visualize what I need to do, and what’s already been completed. The system that I currently use is really simple. It consists of three “cards”, or lists, for each client: To-Do, Doing, and Done. I love that I can customize the backgrounds with pictures of my liking, and color code each of my clients too. 10/10 would recommend this program!

Productivity Trap: Client Management

What I use: Dubsado

After investing in Dubsado, I saw firsthand how important a CRM is to efficiently running a small business. It’s my all-in-one for everything from invoicing and time tracking to sending proposals and communicating with clients. I’ve created workflows that have allowed me to streamline my onboarding process with new clients. One feature that I absolutely love is that each client gets their own secure, password protected portal, where they can view all invoices, payments, contracts, etc at any time – How cool is that?! Their customer support team is top notch, too. They’re always helpful, responsive, and just downright thoughtful. They’re constantly listening to their customers, and adding new features what seems like every week to make the program more useful for everyone. When you sign up for a paid membership, you receive the cutest little welcome package; I’ll spare you the details and let you see the surprise for yourself! A couple of weeks ago, they even uploaded a Starbucks gift card to their private Facebook group to treat us all to a coffee. How awesome, right? I totally believe in spreading the word about tried and true programs, so if you’re in search of a solid CRM, feel free to try Dubsado out on me! You can test it out for yourself here.

Productivity Trap: Getting Lost in the Depths of the Internet

What I use: Rescue Time

This nifty little Mac application logs how much time you spend on each website, then emails you a report at the end of the week. It’s a reminder that scrolling through Facebook, indeed, does not equal working. 😉

Productivity Trap: Too Many Ideas

What I use: Evernote

This is home to all of my idea dumps, mind maps, and note taking. I also use it to saving links and create lists of all kinds. Its’ minimalist design allows me to jot down anything and everything that’s on my mind in a distraction-free space. I can then organize and categorize by “notebook” afterward to keep the information in order. I love that it has an Desktop App, and I use it often! Super functional and easy to use. I’ve been a big fan for a long time.

Productivity Trap: Efficiency and Time Management 

What I Use: FocusBooster 

Ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s an approach to time management that uses a timer; you work uninterrupted and free of distractions for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5.  We could all use some improvements in our productivity, right? I only recently learned about the technique, but have seen huge results and benefits since I’ve put it into effect. It’s been a simple, but effective way to boost my overall efficiency. Try it out for yourself and I think you’ll agree!

Productivity Trap: Email Subscription Overload 

What I use: Unroll.me 

Unroll.me shows you everything you’ve ever subscribed to via email in one comprehensive list, then allows you to simply swipe to unsubscribe from which ones you don’t want to read anymore! I’ve spent too many mornings sifting through an inbox overflowing with things I don’t want, or simply don’t have the time to read. It can clog the brainwaves and just be a downright waste of time, am I right? I have a habit of subscribing to any and every little thing that catches my eye and then end up with a boatload of unread emails that I keep promising myself I’ll get back to. Spoiler Alert: It never happens. Unroll puts an end to that nonsense, freeing up your inbox for things you actually WANT and LIKE to read.

Productivity Trap: Remembering Passwords

What I use: Lastpass

Have you ever thought about how much time you’ve spent resetting your passwords because you forgot them? If you’re like me, it’s probably a lot. LastPass puts an end to this. It’s also been a great way for me to manage my clients’ passwords in a secure way.

Tell me: What apps do you guys use to stay on top of your workload and keep your businesses running smoothly?