One App at a Time
In this busy world, there are lots of things that can get in the way of our productivity. Whether it’s disorganization, inefficient communication, or simply not utilizing what can make it easier, it’s hard to get stuff done. However, there are tools and tricks out there to help us realign and get to work.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at a few of those useful tools with a quick hit on how you can begin using them effectively, today.
If you're looking for task management...
1. Todoist
Todoist helps you plan and manage your tasks on a daily basis. You can make it as simple or complex as you want. Begin by adding a task and checking it off when it’s done, or giving it a due date or priority level and setting reminders to work on it. Take it even further by breaking it into subtasks, moving the task into a project, and sharing the project with others. This app also creates filter views based on your categories, such as whether it’s a personal or work task, so you can focus on the right things at the right time.
If you're looking for collaboration (along with task management)...
2. Asana
Take your to-do lists one step further with this collaborative tool. You still have your tasks, but they’re placed in project groups for even better organization. Additionally, you and your team work on the dashboards together, communicating and collaborating all in one place. You can have your dashboard in list, timeline, or board view so you can see how it all comes together. There’s real time progress tracking, tools to prioritize, and automation of workflows. You can even connect over 200 of your favorite apps, such as Dropbox, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Adobe.
3. Trello
With Trello, you can organize work by workspaces, boards, and individual cards, with easy-to-build filtered views. There’s space for comments, and individual tasks that can be checked as done. You can even assign someone a task, and Trello automatically sends a notice and reminders until it’s marked as complete. Your Clear Next Step uses Trello to stick to meeting agendas, take important notes, assign tasks, and as a workspace for interns. Trello is useful at its most basic level, and it can be upgraded for more features, such as different views - like a timeline or calendar - and more templates for a seamless start-up.
If you're looking for secure messaging...
4. Trillian
Trillian is an instant messaging app, and while there are a lot of these out there, this one takes security to the next level. Trillian is HITRUST CSF certified because safeguarding information is an important part of their business model. All data is encrypted, there are locks you can place on file and photo sharing, require PINs and passcodes for entry, and preferences on data retention periods. If security is a priority, Trillian can help make sure your information stays secure for you, your organization, and your customers.
If you're looking for customer relationship management...
5. HubSpot
HubSpot is another great tool that Your Clear Next Step uses on a daily basis. It acts as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) app and database storing a ton of information. From sales, to communication, to automation, and marketing and content creation, HubSpot has a bunch of tools in one. You can track activity in real time, log call notes, assign tasks, automate emails, create landing pages, store customer and employee data, and much more. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, HubSpot is it.
If you're looking for the expansion of your current tools...
Bonus - Microsoft Office Teams
Sometimes great tools are right under our noses! If you or your organization already uses Microsoft Office and Teams to communicate internally, you've got a great start. But did you know there's way more to Teams than just Instant Messaging? Teams also has functions similar to those of Trello or Asana. You can set up Team channels to organize conversations and file sharing, as well as a notes section for meetings. You can even set up tasks for yourself and others within these channels. Teams can also connect to many more apps for seamless integration. If you're already using Teams, why not elevate its use to better fit your needs?
Tools like these are ever-evolving as needs change and grow, and by no means do we need every single one. Find what works best for you or your organization at this time - and don’t be afraid to switch it up as time goes on! The tools to make our days even better are out there, if we’re looking for them. Try them out today!
Be sure to check out our other blogs on time management, prioritization, and organization!
