As a bookkeeper or accountant, you are probably using a ton of different tech tools each month. But, are you sure you are using the right ones for your business? And that you aren’t paying more for those tools when there are cheaper and better options available to you??
I completely understand how easy it is to get drawn into all of those shiny new tools that come out each month! As a tech junkie, I have been sucked in myself, to see if all of those new tools can make me more productive and save me time. And yet, I keep going back to my old standbys.
On the flip side, I also understand that you may not want to switch to new tech tools if what you have seems to be working already. But if you are paying more than you need to, when there are cheaper, or even free options, available, my question will always be, “WHY??”. It can be worth the time it takes to learn a new tech tool if you can save a boatload of money and transform your business with time-saving measures at the same time.
Of course, there are some tools that are worth the money you pay and then some! This is why I have a few guidelines I recommend you follow when you are choosing the tools in your tech stack.
First, always remember that one tool is never going to be able to do everything you need. It may try to, but it will never work well. For this reason, you will need multiple tools for your business. And it is imperative that the tools you choose for your tech stack work well together or you will be left with a headache.
While you can always try out free tech tools, you must be willing to pay for those tools that are truly worthwhile. You may balk at the price in the beginning, but once you have everything set up, the time you save will be worth the cost.
And lastly, you must take the time to learn how to use your tools, so that they can work successfully for you. This means you can’t simply purchase a new tool and let it sit there unused. Or only learn how to do one or two things with it. Take the time to really learn the program and make it work well for your business.
Now that I have that covered, here are what tools you should have in your tech stack:
1. Whimsical
Do you love creating new ideas and writing ideas down on sticky notes? But then do you lose misplace all of those sheets of paper? Whimsical is an excellent tool that works as a visual workspace. There are five different formats you can use. Those formats include sticky notes, flowcharts, docs, mind maps, and wireframes. Basically, whatever you need to stay creative… Whimsical has it!
2. Mercury Bank
Starting an accounting or bookkeeping business is never easy. However, when it comes to banking, Mercury Bank is the perfect option for startup businesses like yours. This bank offers custom tools and 3-click payment flows. You can use Mercury Bank to scale with other bank accounts and even get a business debit card.
3. Gusto
Gusto is an excellent payroll tool that will make payroll for your business easier than ever. This is a user-friendly tool that will allow you to run multiple types of reports and access journal entries whenever you need them.
4. ClickUp
Whether you have one team member or a dozen, ClickUp is a tech tool you will quickly learn you cannot live without. This is one tech tool that does more than one thing. So, while it won’t do everything for you, it will check multiple things off of your to-do list each day. Create tasks and then watch as ClickUp informs you when those tasks are completed. Your team, and you, will never wonder what is next on your list of things to do, because ClickUp will automatically have your next task ready for you.
5. Canva
Canva is already my go-to tech tool when I need graphics for social media and marketing materials, so I know it can be a wonderful addition to your tech stack too! You will be amazed at how much time you can save when you use Canva to create all of your graphics. And the quality you get will make it look like you spent hundreds of dollars even though you didn’t.
6. Slack
Have you been searching for an easy way to communicate with your team? Slack is an excellent tool that will have you doing just that! This tool will allow you to create specific channels for team members, groups, and even topics. Your conversations will stay organized and you can use the search feature to find exactly what you are looking for.
7. HubDoc
HubDoc is one of the best tools for managing receipts and getting them into QuickBooks Online and Xero. It is an excellent option for streamlining receipt management and even tracking expenses.
I know that choosing tech tools for your business can be an overwhelming process. If you haven’t implemented too many tech tools in your business yet, or don’t think you have the proper tools, it’s time for us to have a little chat. Book a call with me today and let’s talk about the best tech tools for your business.