What do we need more of than anything else? TIME! That’s right, it’s time. If we had more time, maybe we’d move onto other ventures in our life that are more important? Maybe we’d spend more time with our family? The possibilities are endless!!
I’m always searching for ways to be more productive, save time, maybe even save some money. Time=Money, right? That’s what I’ve always been told.
Since the majority of us carry our phone with us ALL.THE.TIME, what better way to save us some time and energy, but use it. These apps, all have time-saving capabilities. And being productive, useful, and shavings off a few seconds, here and there, make our lives just a little easier.
Now don’t go downloading all of them at once! That can be tech and app overload. Try one or two, every few days and give yourself some time to figure it out and see if it’s something that improves your life. If not, well hold that baby down and tap the X! No need to clutter, or slow down your phone with apps that you don’t use or need.
Here are a few of our favorites!
- TRELLO– Definitely one of the most used and popular product management tools around. Basically, it’s a system of boards, lists, and cards. Use it as a single user, or with a team to track contributions. It would be the equivalent to a large board that you use to put sticky notes on, to direct you or your team on tasks to be completed. (shhh, don’t tell anyone, I still use and LOVE sticky notes!)
- 1PASSWORD– You guessed it, a password manager. Ever get tired of trying to keep up with the 3,000 passwords you have for the 3,000 sign-in’s you have? Well never fear, cuz now they’re all in one place. I’m literally so bad at remembering passwords, that I just reset them all the time. And then can’t remember what they are. So I reset them. And then can’t …..well you get the point. Robust encryption and security measures leave you at ease with dumping all your passwords in one place!
- EVERNOTE– Always a perennial favorite, I use Evernote religiously. A perfect way to organize your thoughts and notes. Are you a religious note taker like me? Did you ever have notepads laying around the house with notes scribbled throughout? Ever make a to-do list? Well if you’re like me, you have many notepads, and a new to-do list every day! With Evernote, I can take notes like crazy, and keep my life in order
- BUFFER– Buffer is a social media management tool. I know, I know, we all spend too much time on social media. And you’re right. Buffer can be used on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+. One thing I’ve done for my Real Estate business is made a point to schedule my social media. Do I still post random stuff, of course? But for those of us that have multiple social media channels and use them for business, this is a game changer. Schedule articles, tweets, pics, anything you can think of. I make a point to do my scheduling monthly, then add in as the month goes. It’s simplified my life so much. And I have a consistent and professional approach to my social media presence.
- TAILWIND– Here’s the second social media management tool that I love. Used for Pinterest and Instagram, I usually just use it for Pinterest. I’m not sure how it works for Instagram, I’m sure fine, I just have always used Buffer. Tailwind is my go-to for Pinterest. Now some might not think to use Pinterest to generate business, but listen to me know, when I say, it’s a game changer. More women are on Pinterest that almost anywhere else, and when used correctly, it’s a great business tool. Tailwind makes the challenge of pinning, to both my own boards and group boards a breeze!
- ZAPIER– Zapier is a way to connect your apps and automate some of your workflows. Now I must admit, I didn’t quite understand how this was all gonna work. There is a bit of a learning curve, but once you get set-up, it’s awesome. You start a workflow with a “Zap” and automate workflows between apps. So basically, in a nutshell, you can set up commands to tell your apps to work together, talk to each other and complete common tasks, thus eliminating time, redundant work. It’s a bit daunting at first, but give it a try, you’ll love it.
- HOURS– The only time tracking app you need. So, I admit, this one might seem strange. What’s the point right? Well, I’m super interested in how I spend my time. (And consequently, how I waste it too!) Since I’ve started time blocking my schedule, with basically the same schedule 4 days a week, I use this to track my time. Not only have I become more efficient, but I’m also far more productive. I can set alarms, take notes, and generally just be more engaged. I’m far more productive when I feel like my time is limited for a specific task, (ie, no surfing Facebook, or looking at dog pics on Instagram, when I should be completing a task!)
- GOOGLE- I know this seems dumb right, how is google docs gonna keep me more productive? Simple, it’s streamlined. About 4 months ago, I got rid of my iCalender, Dropbox, etc. I decided to go simple and go with one service, Google. I had used parts of Google, had a Gmail account, using the docs, but I went all in. And guess what, it’s awesome and easy. Part of simplifying my life and going with Google, it’s all in one place. It all talks to each other and works with each other. Google has so many tools to help us stay productive it’s ridiculous. Check them all out, Docs, Gmail, GSuites, Drive, Keep, etc.
- ADOBE ACROBAT– A perennial favorite, I couldn’t live without. I’m a fan of almost all things Adobe, and Acrobat is one of my personal faves. Most people have the Reader, but I prefer Acrobat. Yes, it reads, but it does so much more. Create PDF’s, convert and edit PDF’s. Do anything and everything with PDF’s you can think of!
- SLACK– Takes instant messaging to a new level! Convenient, and easy to use. It’s a real-time collaboration platform that almost alleviates the need for email in a team environment. Set up as real-time conversations within teams, it’s an easy, quick and efficient way to communicate about tasks, problems, and projects.
- CHECKMARK– A slick reminder app for those of us that can forget the small stuff. Need bread and milk at the store? Forgot to pick up the dry cleaning? No worries, use checkmark. Use the location part of the app, to remind you when you’re at the Post Office, that you need to go to the bank, when you leave the bank, you need to go to the grocery store. You get the gist. It reminds you to do the stuff that never sticks in your brain when you’re busy.
- TODAY– So I’m a bit obsessed this year, (ok every year) with my goals. See I spend most of December reflecting, writing down, rewriting, and reflecting some more on my New Years Goals. And I do really good…..till about February. When it all starts to fade. Commonly called a habit tracker, Today, aims to increase our awareness for positive habits. Use it schedule exercise, journaling, affirmations, whatever you need a little reminding about!
- POCKET- Can’t remember where that article you wanted to read is? Well here’s the answer. Store it in Pocket. It’s a central storage space to hold articles, videos, and other content for viewing later. It can even download content for offline viewing. Never get distracted and lose that valuable article that you meant to read later. Store it all in one place.
- BLINKIST– Now I’m not saying you should stop reading, but we know you’re busy. Like really busy. So here’s the solution. For a monthly fee, have access to their over 2,000 selection of books that they have read, deciphered key facts/data/conclusion, and surmised in a 15-minute summary. Poof, you read a book in 15 minutes.
- SCANBOT– Not near your printer/scanner? No problem. Easily scan and create a pdf with your phone. The easiest and fastest way to create high-quality scans with your phone. I couldn’t live without it!
So there it is the top 15 productivity apps that I can’t live without. Feel like I left some out? Have more to add to the list? Feel free to add some of your favorites to the comments below. Let’s help each other become more productive!
