Jul
The Essential Online Office Tools For A Location Independent Business
Running a business via the internet – and especially overseas or whilst traveling – can be a challenge at times but incredibly rewarding at others…
However you can make it much easier on yourself if you use the most suitable tools from the start. I’ve had quite a few emails recently asking about the main tools we use to run our business online whilst we travel, so here they are:
Communication & Scheduling Tools
For email & calendar functions:
Google Aps – which lets me use the power of gmail but have my own brand and own domain name.
For scheduling client consults & coaching calls:
Instant-Scheduling – I don’t use this quite as much right now but when I hire my VA, will begin to use it more.
For group conference calls:
Conference Genie (with UK users)
For talking to clients:
Skype – with SkypeOut calling credit plus a UK SkypeIn number for clients to call me.
For sending & receiving faxes:
Efax
Client Management Tools
For managing clients:
HighriseHQ – to keep track of prospects & clients, although now that I am using Google aps, I don’t seem to need this so much.
For invoicing clients:
SimplyBill – for simple tracking & chasing of invoices.
For collecting payments:
Paypal
Productivity, Marketing & Admin Tools
For managing my daily & other To Do lists:
BackpackIt – I know there are plenty others but this one suits me and is simple to use.
For backing up my files online:
Carbonite – I tried X-drive intially but found it really fiddly so gave up and this seems to work just fine.
For marketing & mailing lists:
AWeber [aff] – sending out ezines & keeping in touch with clients & prospects.
I’m sure these will change as we get tech- & web-savvier over the coming months & years so keep an eye out for future posts about the latest tools & resources we use to run our business.
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I’m glad to hear you’re giving Carbonite a try. If you have any questions or comments about the program, please let me know.
– Len Pallazola
Carbonite Customer Support
Thanks for sharing your list. I’m curious, what are your thoughts on web applications vs desktop applications when there’s no collaboration needed (like Backpackit).
Sometimes desktop applications make sense because an internet connection isn’t always available, but a web application means you won’t lose your data if your laptop’s hard drive fails.
Hi Hugh
Interesting question…I personally still prefer desktop apps although do use some web apps. I think it’s important whatever you use to have a backup of either. Given the issues we’re having with internet access in South Africa now, I’m pleased I still use MS office and dreamweaver for some stuff and don’t constantly have to log in to do the basics and run the business.
I’m leaning towards desktop apps with online backups or website apps with desktop backups, if that makes sense!! Basically, I like to have backups whichever type I use….
Lea