One of the sessions I’ve proposed for the next UnSummit is called “Cheap tools and tawdry tricks for consultants, freelancers and accidental entrepreneurs.”
The idea for the session stems from two rather obvious trends:
- Everyone’s a startup
Thanks to the downturn, the streets are littered with talented but unemployed professionals. Some are using the occasion to go into business. Others are hanging out a shingle only until something steady comes along. And then there’s the rest of us who were already on the “eat-what-you-kill” diet.All of us are looking for ways to be more effective in how we conduct business, while keeping our costs down. Which leads to the next trend…
- Cheap biz tools are everywhere
There have never been more cheap tools available to entrepreneurs for creating work product and managing and promoting their business. It seems to me that someone just getting into business could run their business using mostly Web-based freemium services — without compromising quality, and possibly with noticeable improvements in some areas.
What’s on your short list of must-have business tools for small business owners?
Let me see if I can identify some categories and give you my current picks… Perhaps you know of some cool services I’ve never heard of. My goal for the session at UnSummit is simply to gather everyone’s favorite tools in each category and find out how people are using these tools.
My favorite business tools
Info Architecture
OmniGraffle (not free, but it beats the pants off Visio)
Content creation
MS Word (I know. Not very free, nor very cool. But old habits die hard.)
Content collaboration
Google docs
Email client
We just switched from Entouage to Apple’s Mail app, running off a virtual Exchange server. Not crazy about Mail, but it’s only been a week.
Backup/storage space
Amazon S3
Recruiting (for freelancers, other help)
Twitter
Project collaboration
Basecamp
Conference calls
Freeconference.com
Webconferencing (screen sharing)
GotoMeeting.com
Web site/blogging
WordPress
Media relations
Pitchengine.com
Webinars
GotoWebinar.com
Business cards
Moo.com (looking for something new, though!)
Web analytics
Google Analytics
International calling
Skype
Social media monitoring
filterbox
Bookmarking
delicious
Image searches
Compfight.com (searches Flickr for Creative Commons photos)
Marketing (This category requires multiple entries, as I tend to use all these tools in tandem.)
- Twitter (current client: HootSuite)
- Delicious
- WordPress
- Pitchengine
- Flickr
- Slideshare
- Vimeo
Networking (this category also calls for multiple entries)
- Ning
- Foursquare
Hmm, have I missed anything? I’m mostly a strategy and content guy, so you coders and designers will probably have a bunch of resources that I’ve missed. I’m eager to hear (now or on the 10th) what tools work for you!
September 24th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Tickspot.com
The free version of Basecamp strips out time tracking. Tickspot is free. Add basecamp integration at one of four paid levels. Free iPhone app.
Mint.com
Not sure how you’d use it specifically for business. Was just acquired by Quicken and if they don’t ruin it (big if) perhaps they’ll add small biz tools.
BlueHost.com
Great internet service provider with tons of tools to manage your sites. Very easy to install applications like WordPress. Excellent support 24/7.
Etsy.com
For those who actually make stuff.
EventBright.com
For managing RSVPs.
Lynda.com
Training site with tutorials on web applications as well as desktop apps. It’s where I picked up WordPress.
Include a category for iPhone apps to which I would add:
SplashID – For storing usernames and passwords for all these websites.
Things – Manage your to-do lists
September 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
http://www.freshbooks.com
Just ran across this tool for invoicing, collections and managing subcontractor moneys.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Thanks for the ideas, Soni. I’ve used EvenBright and know Etsy, but the others are new to me. Hope to see you at UnSummit!
October 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Went to your session at the unsummit and really liked it. A few of the tools are very familiar to me but some are new to me.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Wow, this is an excellent article. I absolutely loved the intro, can not wait until the part two! Let’s not forget Comment Hut Lite (how I found this site) and Open Office for those who do not have Microsoft Word! Ciao
January 13th, 2010 at 9:34 am
enjoy
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:03 am
This is really something I can understand. Thanks for the article I have subscribed to your rss.
May 19th, 2010 at 3:04 am
i am working hard to be a good Entrepreneur in online services. I also attend online seminars to sharpen may skills.,;;
June 20th, 2010 at 4:48 am
Excellent… This really is just what I have been hunting for. Exactly how long did it take to write this? Thanks a tonne for this great info.
July 18th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
I always wanted to become a very successful entrepreneur so i studied to become one.`,;