5 Must-have Tools to Run Your Business More Efficiently

Every business requires six elements to operate efficiently:

  1. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software
  2. Emailing Platform
  3. Messaging Platform
  4. Accounting Software
  5. Meeting Platform
  6. Document Management System

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, you can use these five tools to run your business more efficiently:

Zoho (CRM Software and Emailing Platform)

Zoho is a free CRM software for up to 10 users that can help businesses start, build and cultivate relationships with their customers.

Some features of this tool:

  • Lead gathering
  • Contract management
  • Workflow automation
  • Analytics
  • Social collaboration by letting you see your team’s social media updates within the tool
  • Email
  • Premium features at no extra cost
  • No service contract required

For a CRM system that enables more than 10 users, try Salesforce.

Slack (Messaging Platform)

Slack is a messaging tool for the modern business. It allows team members to stay connected wherever they are. If you’re keen on speaking in hashtags and staying connected wherever you go, this is the tool for you.

Features of this tool:

  • Channels that help you to organise your team conversations into different projects, topics or anything else you choose
  • Private and Public messaging options
  • One-on-one or group calls
  • Drag, drop or share files
  • Multiple team options

Wave (Accounting Platform)

Wave is an accounting software that helps make chasing payments, tracking expenses and managing employees easier.

Features of this tool:

  • Create and send invoices
  • Track invoices and payments seamlessly
  • Analyse expenses by linking your bank account
  • Pay your team easily from anywhere

Zoom (Meeting Platform)

If you’re running a virtual business, you’re going to have to find a way of meeting with colleagues and clients. Zoom is a video and web conferencing service that helps you schedule and host meetings effortlessly.

Features of the tool:

  • Online call and video meetings
  • Cross-platform messaging and file sharing
  • Build collaboration-enabled conference rooms
  • Screen-sharing

OwnCloud (Document Management System)

OwnCloud is an easy-to-use tool that makes document storing and retrieval easy. It’s the perfect solution for a virtual office.

Features of this tool:

  • Installs in your data centre
  • Share files securely
  • Real-time document updates

What tools are you currently using to run your business more efficiently?