Businesses primarily function through a range of different projects, usually all taking place at the same time! In order to be the most productive, efficient, and provide the best product or service, project management tools are critical to ensure tasks continue to move forward to timely completion.
Here are some of the best ones out there (in my opinion!).
Asana- This online platform has been a lifesaver for me! It allows you to create boards and manage multiple projects for different clients while keeping all your information and deliverables in an easy to navigate dashboard.
With the ability to break tasks into smaller sub-tasks and assign each one a different deadline and owner, you can be sure that every detail is covered.
Collaborators can be added to projects, which means they are kept updated with tasks that have been assigned to them as well which means that you don’t have to spend your days chasing people!
Asana sends a daily email with due and upcoming tasks, which, again, is a lifesaver in case anything slips through the net on your own to-do list!
There is also a fantastic reporting function so you can track the status of your projects against deliverables and understand where you may need to tighten the reins or pick up the pace!
17 Hats- As a solo entrepreneur, this platform is impressive for automating a considerable part of the administrative side that goes into running a business. From invoicing, contracts, proposals, to-do lists, calendar integration, and so much more, it is a real “one-stop-shop” to keep you streamlined and organized!
With a 7-day free trial, you can try before you buy, so if it’s not for you, there’s no obligation. But I think it will be!
Active Campaign- I know there are a number of email management systems out there, and everyone has their own preferences. For me, it has to be Active Campaign. The automation function is just beautiful! Take some time to set them up, link to a form and embed on your website/social media, etc. so that each time someone signs up, the emails are already being sent-you don’t need to worry about sending emails at the right time because it’s already in process!
I also love that when I’m feeling inspired, I can write out as many different email campaigns as I like, set a send date, and it’s taken care of.
The reporting function is also great - you can see which campaigns are performing better than others, what your readers are responding to and do more of that!
Email marketing is an incredible way to nurture your audience, build trust and ultimately sell; with Active Campaign, you have the ability to automate this process and almost “set and forget” a lot of your email marketing.
Plus, with a starting package of $9 a month for all that functionality, it seems like a no-brainer!
Google Drive- An oldie but a goodie! I love that Google Drive allows multiple people to work on one document, with the ability to suggest edits, make comments etc. so that initial work does not get lost.
I also love the fact (as a Mac user) that we are all working in the same document format, so there are no missing settings, and things don’t get lost in translation.
Additionally, it’s a great way to share documents and processes and provide “view only” access, so that the information can be shared and downloaded with each party, but content can’t be edited or changed.
It’s also super easy to link Google Docs to platforms like Slack and Asana to allow for easy navigation between conversations.
Which brings me to…..
Slack- How do you build community and rapport when operating remotely?
Slack!
This is a fantastic platform to engage with colleagues, clients, networks all over the world to have a general chit chat, share best practices, make announcements, network, and engage with other entrepreneurs.
You have the ability to create multiple different channels to ensure that conversations stay focused as well as engage in direct conversations with people in individual and private conversations.
Additionally, you can share sensitive information with individuals using the #secret function, meaning that the content is hidden until the receiving person opens it, and it disappears after a few hours.
And last but not least…
AMSE!
The Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs is an incredible resource for a multitude of project management and business development needs. With monthly masterclasses covering a wide range of business-related topics, an online platform that provides resources including:
Downloadable templates
Access to trusted partners
Discounts
Co-working opportunities
And, perhaps most importantly, an incredibly supportive community run by two amazing ladies who truly want to see every military spouse succeed in their business!
So, there are six amazing platforms for you to help manage your projects, grow, and maintain your business.
I could go on, but I know we all have work we need to be getting back to!
Wishing you every success!
Meet Gems-
Gems is a Business Consultant who specializes in the creation of online courses, as well as providing 1-1 business coaching to solo entrepreneurs, focus on business growth by working on mindset strategies and the implementation of additional revenue streams.
With a Masters in Global Management and a 15-year career in Project Management, Gems started her own business when she married a US serviceman and her career trajectory changed. Now, she is able to combine her love for coaching and online course creation with her expertise in Project Management, to help others grow their
