5 Essential Business Building Tools Every Business Owner Should Have
Running a business can be challenging, especially for solopreneurs with limited teams. That’s why having the right systems and tools in place is crucial for success. In this podcast episode, Lori Lyons, the host of the Encore Entrepreneur podcast, shares her top five essential business building tools that every business owner should have.
1. Accounting System
A good accounting system is essential for managing finances effectively. Quickbooks is a popular option, but there are also free options like Wave and Zero. It’s important to choose a system that allows you to track different income and expense categories specific to your business.
2. Project Management System
Every business owner should have a project management system in place, even if it’s just for managing client projects. Asana and Trello are popular free options, but there are also more complex systems like Microsoft Project and Basecamp. It’s important to assess your needs and choose a system that works for you and your team.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
A CRM system can help you keep track of clients, set reminders, and take notes. Lori recommends HubSpot’s free CRM, although she found it difficult to use in the past.
4. Marketing Automation System
A marketing automation system can help you automate tasks like email campaigns and social media posts. Lori recommends Active Campaign, which she personally uses and recommends.
5. Video Meeting System
A video meeting system, such as Zoom or GoToMeeting, is essential for remote teams and virtual client meetings. Lori also suggests using Loom for quick training videos and sending clients links to stored videos.
In addition to these tools, Lori emphasizes the importance of having a good networking strategy, starting with simple steps, and having an accountability partner. By implementing these tools and strategies, business owners can stay organized, communicate effectively, and manage clients efficiently.