My friends have a nickname for me. It has nothing to do with my bright personality or a shortened version of my name. It’s is all about my so-called knowledge of all things technical. I’m the one they call when they can’t figure out something in Microsoft Excel or how to get something to work on their computer. This is when I’ll get a text saying: “Black I.T. Help!” As if I were some tech superhero waiting to jump into action (insert my eye-roll here).
Well, I’ve finally learned to stop fighting it and accept it, along with the nickname Black I.T, or “Blit” for short. No, I’m not the most tech savvy person out there. What I am is fairly handy when it comes to using tools that will simplify my work life. I am a subscriber to the work smarter, not harder philosophy. With that said, I’ve compiled a list of my frequently used applications that help me run my business more effectively. I hope you find some use from my list too. – Black I.T out.
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DocuSign. Allows you to sign documents anywhere from any device. No more printing and scanning.
What I like about it:
- • Works easily from my mobile phone
- • You can create an electronic signature and initials
- • You can receive electronic signatures
- • Keeps track of all documents you’ve sent
- • Integrates nicely with email and Dropbox, Google drive, & Photos
- • 30 day free trial then $10 per month
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Hours Tracker. Tracks time and earnings for one or more jobs or projects. Know where you’re spending your time.
What I like about it:
- • You can create multiple projects and track time separately
- • Alerts can be set up to stop or start work or to take breaks
- • Export options to download entries to an email or spreadsheet- ready format
- • Easy to edit time spent on a project
- • Estimates net pay
- • Helps you see how you spend your time week to week across projects
- • It’s FREE!
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Canva. Allows you to easily create graphic designs for your business needs. Look sophisticated without hiring a designer.
What I like about it:
- • Easy to use on your phone or computer
- • Lots of templates available to edit
- • Professional looking designs and logos
- • Keeps track of past designs
- • Ability to add in your photos
- • Ability to save two brand colors
- • Basic subscription is FREE
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Google Forms. Create custom online surveys and questionnaires. Collect information easily.
What I like about it:
- • Included in the Google Drive office suite
- • Easy to set up questions and share with a link
- • Can use your own logo or photo to customize the look of your form
- • Also has customized themes to help you set the tone
- • Lots of options for question types: short answer, multiple choice, rating etc.
- • You can create and analyze on your phone
- • Easy to analyze and review results
- • It’s FREE!
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Notes. Take notes from your phone and share them.
What I like about it:
- • No pen, no paper, no excuse! Writing things down has power.
- • Easy to use and usually comes preloaded on your phone
- • Great way to capture notes and lists digitally
- • Able to use on your computer also and see on phone
- • Can create folders to categorize information
- • Ability to give access to others to see specific notes
- • Has a checklist option lets you tick things off
- • Can save attachments and photos within notes
- • It’s a FREE app included on Apple devices (similar versions on Androti
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Preview. Design and manage a beautiful Instagram feed...ahead of time.
What I like about it:
- • Easy to learn and use on your phone
- • Ability to create a visually stunning Instagram feed
- • Has filters that you can apply to all photos to create a coordinated look
- • Can schedule posts and has convenient reminders to post
- • Easy drag and drop feature to move around photos in the grid
- • Has preloaded hashtag suggestions and remembers your recently used hashtags
- • Lots of inspiration and tips
- • Very responsive to questions via email
- • It’s FREE, but with the Pro ($7.99/mo.) or Premium ($14.99/mo.) plans you get access to a lot more perks