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In today’s blog, I’m answering a FAQ I get, ALL THE TIME. What productivity tools do I use everyday.
Let me say this before I get too deep into it – I choose systems over tools. Every time, I will choose a system over a tool or program every time.. but what does that mean!?
A system is a routine, or a way of doing something that creates structure & balance. I use my CORE 4 system to set up my week for success. I use CORE 4 to create boundaries, I use a Purposeful Planning structure to create balance in my daily life. These systems save me. These systems help me thrive. These systems help me stay grounded.
But I do use tools that help me make these systems happen.
Tools I use in my business everyday :
But what about the tools, I use that relate directly to my structure and productivity – today I’m breaking down the 3 that I use every day.
1. Google Calendar
Actually, I use Google Workspace every day. Emails, drive, Google Meet, and most importantly for me – Google Calendar!
Of course you already knew that Google runs the world – but the Google programs are mostly free.. and Calendar is no different. But what I love the most about Google calendar is the fact that I can hook it to everything else. What do I mean by that… well –
I can hook my calendar to my husband’s – and his to mine. Being able to see what’s happening with our family, and the overall schedule is super important to me. Making sure that everyone is taken care of – and that if I need to get childcare, I can see it.
I can also hook Google calendar to my scheduling program (I use Dubsado, but Acuity or Calendly are the same). This allows me to give clients access to my calendar without having to constantly having to check my calendar!
2. Click Up
Click Up keeps me organized. I can keep all of my tasks, where the progress is on them, what needs to be done when – due dates, basically my entire business – is organized on Click Up. It is a task manager similar to Trello or Asana, but in my very humble opinion – it is so much better!
When you sit down to work on your business, if you work from home – distractions are easy to come by. If you can clear everything off – and work on one system, you limit distractions and allow clear focus. Click Up allows you that.
Click Up is free to get started, and maybe free forever – depending on what you need it for.. and if you’re looking to get knee deep into Click Up, I recommend you follow my friend Kaci (click here for her Instagram).
3. Voxer
When I say Voxer as a productivity tool – I usually get side eye.. so if you’re giving it right now hold up. If you listened to the All Caught Up Podcast last week – Kaci Ackerman and I talked about how NOT to make your business into a new 9-5.. and let’s be real.. if other people have you on the line ALL THE TIME, you’re working all the time.
Voxer allows me to have ‘work’ hours.
Clients contact me thru Voxer. And my Voxer notifications are only on during my working hours. That means on vacation I can turn it off. That means on the weekend I can turn it off. That means in the evening I can turn it off.
It is NOT productive to be constantly chained to your business. So unchain yourself.
Use a system like Voxer that allows you to control access to you. Be available when you need to be – but clock out when you need too.
These are my top 3, but I want to hear about yours too! I want you to head to my Instagram and jump into my DMs. What are your favorite tools to stay productive!?
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