You wake up in the morning, get ready for the million things you have to do today and before you know it, the sun has set and your to-do list has gotten longer.
One of the top challenges for small business owners is time management. In the recent past, several online companies have popped up with fabulous innovative tools to help you manage your time more efficiently. Here are a few:
1. NeatReceipts
http://www.neatco.com/.
Ever wish you no more had to sort through the pile of receipts in shoe boxes? NetReceipts allows you just that. You can scan your receipts with your mobile phone or a scanner and the software will index, categorize and file your receipts for you. For a small investment ($199), you no more have to dread that meeting with your tax accountant since all your receipts will be digitally filed and categorized.
2. EverNote
http://www.evernote.com/
What use is information if you cannot access it when you need it? Whether it was an inspirational idea you jot down on a post-it or an image you saved on your desktop, EverNote makes that information easy to find at any time from any device. You can capture business cards, jot down ideas, save trip information direct from the internet or through your scribbled notes, and the software will organize, index and make the information searchable for you either on your PDA or your desktop, accessible from any device at anytime.
3. LastPassword
http://www.lastpass.com/
The old adage used to be to use the same password for all your log-ins. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible with websites increasing password scrutiny and requiring/disallowing the use of special characters, small caps, large caps, etc. If you are tired of the dozen variations of your password to access websites, LastPassword can save you that headache. It is a password management tool, which is easy to use and above all, is free. All you have to remember is ONE password for you lastpassword account and the software will manage the rest for you. Above all, if you kept all your passwords on post-its attached to your monitor, it will help increase password security by no longer needing to parade your passwords openly.
4. Virtual Assistant
http://www.yourdailytask.com/
http://www.bpovia.com/
If your business is not large enough to hire a full-time assistant, or wish you could hire one person with many skills, think about renting one virtually. Websites like YourDailyTask.com and Bpovia.com help you offload tasks ranging from word processing, email management, to product research. You tell them the task you need to be completed and they match you up with a virtual assistant for you. Not only you can keep costs down, but you can tap into specialized knowledge.
5. Freedom
http://www.macfreedom.com/
Many of us are guilty of falling prey to the information web of the internet. If you feel you get distracted by the internet and are constantly tempted to be online to check the latest news, or research any word that pops into your head, Freedom.com can come to your rescue. It locks you off the internet for up to eight hours at a time, helping you stay focused.
These are my Top 5 tools. If you like to share yours, post your comments.
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