Tools you can use!

Like most online entreps, I am always on the prowl for the latest, greatest, efficient and cost-effective tools to better automate my business.  Below are three new tools that I am now utilizing and am happy to promote!!

1- Toggl

Toggl is an online task timer.  For those of us that manage work independently for multiple clients, accurate time tracking per task is crucial for our business.  Until recently, I have been managing my time w Apple’s desktop time-tracking system, Mac Freelance.  Easy enough to use, and the layout worked for me.  However, it was not web-based which was somewhat of an issue for me.

Then came Toggl!  Ok, first, it’s free for the basic version.  Second, it works w Mac, PC, Iphone, etc.  Third, it has an integrated (toggle) desktop timer that is super-simple to use and syncs live w my dashboard on toggl.com.  This is the first timer I have seen that allows me to organize my time tracking in a way that makes sense to me.  It allows me to track by client and then by project (key in my biz!).  It also allows for up to 5 team members to use my acct (great for subs!). The Pro version integrates w Basecamp, and lastly it creates pretty graphs and charts of my time spent per client- all on my main dashboard!  Lovin it!  http://www.toggl.com/

2- Mail Chimp

When I first started my biz, I was using Mail Chimp.  It was great bc it was free for lists under 500 (still is!), but I found it clunky to navigate and honestly really loved the templates in Constant Contact, so we upgraded.  Recently, I re-evaluated my account w Constant Contact (mainly due to pricing) and am super-psyched about all of the new syncing features offered by Mail Chimp.

First, price is HALF of Constant Contact for our list size (arguably same options and then some).  In addition to aesthetically appealing upgrades within their free 100+  template selection, they also have added incredibly important features like geo-location tools that allow you to send emails that are targeted by location, timed for time-zone delivery and more.  It integrates w just about everything including wordpress, facebook, twitter, salesforce, eventbrite, istock, freshbooks, flickr, highrise, google docs/ analytics, paypal… yeah and the list goes on!

It is still a double-optin process (fine cause it really cleans your list!), but you can easily transfer your current lists in without causing subscribers to re-opt-in.  They have great campaign reporting that is equally as powerful as Constant Contact.  And most important, super fun, navigable dashboard and a personality to match (oh and I love monkeys too, which always helps!!)  If you are tired of the same old service and hefty price tag… hop on over to MailChimp and check out their features to compare for yourself! www.MailChimp.com

3- LessAccounting

Cue the choir, “Ooooaahhh!”  I HATE bookkeeping, ask anyone.  I want to be able to invoice my clients, track their payments, enter expenses and categorize my bank recs and have everything live online.  That’s it.  I’m a small virtual business that runs on efficiency with little time for learning curves (esp when it comes to numbers!!).

Enter LessAccounting!  After researching several options online, I came across a recc for LA on Inc. Mag.  This service provides exactly what I need to keep me (and my accountant :X BG) happy!  I am so happy with them, that I brought over my second business to help streamline bookkeeping there as well.  Their main competition obviously is QB Online, however when you compare, LA is much easier on the bank account at $22/mo– QB Online was over $30 and as aforementioned I have a mental block when it comes to them.

So, feature-wise: you can integrate your bank accounts into the system.  It will auto-sync them every night (sweet!).  Their main dashboard is great and shows your general ledger, bank statements, outstanding invoices, a place to enter expenses, a list of items from your bank acct to categorize and your amounts spent on expenses per category.  It integrates with Paypal, Basecamp and can import your contact list (like from gmail, etc.).  Another great feature- recurring invoicing for all those retainer clients!  It even works with teams!

The best feature is the support team they have in place.  They are super friendly and even have a professional bookkeeper bring over your books, and then they offer free bank reconciliation to get you started.  If you hate bookkeeping as much as me, and are looking for a web-based integrating alternative to Quickbooks, check out Less Accounting! www.LessAccounting.com