As a small business owner, the to-do list is never ending; every time you turn around, there's something that requires your attention. That's why it's essential to establish effective processes for maximum efficiency so you can not only make more money but keep more of it in your pocket.
Now, let's get into my top two online tools that help me make the most of my day and keep me sane (seriously)!
#1 Toggl
This time tracker is my right-hand man. I use it for every project to gauge how long it takes me to do my work. Honestly, I'm more strategic about how I do my work because I know the timer is running. While an account upgrade is available to unlock more features, the free plan does exactly what I need it to do. The platform is user-friendly and accessible via desktop and mobile applications. I really appreciate that the timer shows up in my browser to see it easily, even when toggling (get it) to other tabs.
Once you've created your free account, begin tracking time for your first project by clicking this button:
From there, complete all the fields in the popup box from project name to client name. If a client is not already saved, simply add those details. Once your project is fully created, you can begin tracking how much time you commit to it each day. This simple task not only helps you stay productive, but it is also crucial for pricing. You can pinpoint your services' cost (or make adjustments to current pricing) based on the time you spend working on specific projects.
Here's what you will see:
You would then click the file button on the text box's right to find the project name you created. Then click the green button to start your timer. That's it!
#2 Asana
Whether you're a one-man-band or you have a team, you need Asana in your life! It's an exceptional project management tool that holds you and your team accountable to your clients. From specific project details to deadlines and project assignees, Asana is a time saver! Similar to Toggl, Asana's free plan offers robust features for small business owners.
Once you have created your free account, get your project started:
As you see, you can create a new project by clicking "Blank Project," or you can use one of the pre-made templates and customize it based on your needs. Once you have made your choice, you will see this:
Fill in all the details, and you're ready to rock and roll! Asana even allows you to add daily tasks with deadlines and assign specific team members. Each assignee will receive an email alert with the tasks' details, so everyone should be on the same page!
Just as exhilarating as it is to check off completed tasks, trust me, you get the same rush online!
So, go ahead and create your free Toggl and Asana accounts today. Both applications can be integrated with other smart applications - they can even be used together to kick your productivity to even higher levels. Knowing that you can stay on track and manage your time like the BOSS you are is enough to keep the momentum going!