Essential Tools
There are a number of tools that you can utilize to help your enterprise operate efficiently. They range from website designers, tax software, widgets, and applications that allow you to track sales receipts and invoices right from your smartphone. These tools can help make your life easier once you decide which tool and service is best for you and your business.
Where to Begin?
You may have already utilized some of these tools, but you also need to make your life and your business a bit more efficient. Before you go down the rabbit hole of downloading any software or purchasing a new system, consider asking yourself the following:
- Is there a part of your business operation that you struggle with or where you could use more assistance?
- What is your budget?
- How can you integrate new software and applications into your existing tools?
Common Tools
Once you identify the area(s) you need help with, start looking for tools and platforms that address those specific topic(s). Below are areas of operation that most business owners have to manage.
Business Administration
There are a number of resources and tools available for small business owners when it comes to accounting and bookkeeping. You may not need all these, but some common areas include:
- Invoicing
- Managing expenses
- Payroll
- Basic bookkeeping
- Payment systems

There are tools that have all these capabilities, so it’s important to know the specific aspect of accounting and bookkeeping where you need the most help.
Human Resources and Recruiting
If you have employees or plan to hire personnel, hiring the right talent is important for the sustainability and growth of your business. Therefore, it’s important that you use a tool that can assist with the following:
- Job postings, candidate organization, and onboarding
- Employee database, feedback, and reporting
- Time-tracking and payroll
If you feel like you need help with all of these, there are services that can provide fully outsourced HR teams for your business, but make sure they are at a price that works for your budget.
Marketing, Social Media, and Customer Relations Management
As we reminded you in Marketing Your Business, marketing and promoting your business on social media is necessary to achieve business success. However, you don't need to be a marketing or social media extraordinaire. There are tools that can help you be successful. Be sure to think about where you need the most assistance. Consider the list of potential options below before moving forward.
- Email marketing and management
- Social media content, marketing, scheduling, and tracking tools
- Website building, maintenance, and optimization
- Paid advertising services
Networking
An essential part of growing your business is creating your own business network. Some businesses may need to network with potential funders, other small businesses, or vendors. While networking can be a daunting task, there are a lot of resources that can help you. Check out some of our favorite ones below!
Training
Providing your employees with proper training is crucial to increase efficiency and setting your business apart from the competition. But it can be difficult to know what the right training is if you’re new to the industry.
Be sure to review our list of training and workshops for small business owners here.
Here are some training tips you can use:
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
By this point, you’ve identified the problem area you need a little extra help with and it’s time to select the right tool. It’s likely to have narrowed down the potential list of options, but it can still feel like an overwhelming choice. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you take the dive and officially choose a tool that’s best for you:
- Is the tool reliable?
- Does the tool provide good customer support?
- Have you read other user reviews?
- Will the tool only patch up or fix current problems, or can it grow and scale with your business?
- Will the new tools integrate well with your existing technology?
- Would you need to invest in the new technology or kit to use the tool you like?
- How much time will it take for you to onboard you and your team with the new tool? Is it easy to learn or will it take you and your employees time to fully understand?
Next Steps
Technological advancements have made running small businesses easier in a multitude of ways, but not all tools are right for you. Take time to evaluate what you need, do the research, and be smart with your choice. Keep the above tips and advice in mind and you’ll be moving upward and onward in no time.
Workplace Culture
Created by Olive + Ash.
Managed by Olive Street Design. 