Top Tools for Business Efficiency

What many people don’t know about me is that I’m nerdy. I love tech and am always trying something new.?

I am frequently asked, what tech or tool do you use to do _____.? ? So here’s a list of tools I use (or have used) that I recommend.

Note: There are affiliate links which means I will receive a small commission. I spend hours reviewing and testing so thank you for using the links!?

For starters, I’ll talk about a system that is integral to everything in my business called ZohoOne.?

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ZohoOne is a collection of over 40 applications. I’ve been using Zoho for 18 years and have seen it evolve from a scrappy database to a compelling platform.?

If you add up all you spend on other apps, you’ll be amazed at the value of ZohoOne. ?

It can be daunting to set up systems. At the bottom of this article, I’ll share the names of two people who I have hired to help you if you choose to implement Zoho.?

Here are some of the specific Zoho apps I use:?

1. CardScanner – this is a Zoho app that is on your phone. The contact info from a business card automatically goes into ZohoCRM. ?

• ZohoCRM – everyone I meet goes into my database. People think I have an amazing memory. It's pretty good, however, it's better because I’ve customized my CRM to include two fields:
• - Met date
• - Met where
• Then I can comment, 'Oh we met at xyz event last November' .... they think I have a good memory. I have a good system!

1. ZohoCampaigns – this is email marketing. If you have MailChimp or Constant Contact, you can give up those subscriptions.?

1. ZohoBooks – this is where I do all the bookkeeping, invoicing, and track expenses. (There’s an app to scan receipts.)?

1. ZohoSign – this lets me sign digital documents and send them out for signature.?

1. ZohoDrive – like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. This is where I keep ‘evergreen’ documents that are connected to websites. For example, if you sign up for my newsletter, you’ll receive a chart called, “How to Work a Room.” That document is housed in ZohoDrive.?

Other tools and apps:?

Calendar – Zoho has a calendar app. However, I use Book Like a Boss because it lets me decide whether to accept the request. I do this because sometimes I put an event on my calendar, however I need to get there so I may need more time. And if the person asking for the time is more important than the event, I can make that decision.?

Community – For a long time, I have been looking for an app to build a community. Some like Slack are confusing. Others are a fortune. I’m hoping to launch a community at some point and will use Heartbeat to do it. ?

LinkedIn users who use Zoho will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this tool called Linkmatch. It pulls the contact info from LinkedIn into Zoho. Voila! It’s magic! It is NOT one of those creepy tools that auto-sends messages and makes you look bad.

Payroll – Zoho does have this, however, it is not in every state. Until then, check out SurePayroll. It makes taxes less annoying. ?

Proposals – What I love about Better Proposals is that you see when they have opened it. That way you know they’re interested in working with you and can follow up. TIP: I call after about 15 minutes to check in otherwise it’s a bit spooky and you haven’t given them time to read it. Dah!?

Notetaker for Zoom – I use Fathom and it’s a wonderful way to get a recap of your Zoom calls. It now works with MS Teams as well. For the moment, it’s free so get onboard sooner rather than later.?

That’s it for now … if there’s an app you’d like me to test, send it over!?

Best – Diane

p.s. Need help implementing Zoho? Here are two names of people I have hired and trust. Book a time on their calendar.

Timm Ryan-Young from Synergy Squared

Cory Comer from Evergreen Marketing?

?? Let's grab a call and discuss how I can be helpful. Here's a link to my calendar. Or email me Diane @ Diane