If you’re an online junkie like many freelancers and online business owners are, you know that there is no shortage of online tools touted to make your business run more smoothly and efficiently. However, you simply can’t implement every new tool that comes out; nor will every new tool help your business. If you are totally new to the world of virtual work and freelancing, let me suggest that you master Google docs and Dropbox. Both online tools will help you work with several clients and collaborate on projects in real time. For those who are already using such tools, who should you listen to when it comes to deciding what additional online tools to implement in your business? Well, I suggest that you turn to those who are in the same industry or sector that you are. They will be the best source of information. Make sure it’s someone who also shares the same business philosophy that you do.
I was pleased to interview Sharyn Sheldon who is another online business owner that uses online tools to help in her business. Sharyn is the owner of Business Content PLR and she understands that you shouldn’t try to use or implement every tool out there. That’s just counterproductive. However she shared three tools with our audience that can help you today in keeping your online business running smoothly. Click here to listen to our interview with Sharyn and join our free newsletter list to be kept apprised of our next free monthly podcast. We always provide helpful information to burgeoning freelancers and entrepreneurs. You can sign up on the home page of our website here. Please share with the community in the comments section below, the tools that you use in your business. Want to hear more from Sharyn’s interview? Join our Free “Starting Out” membership today!
This is Shilonda Downing, signing off for Virtual Work Team LLC!
Great interview, Shilonda (by the way…love the hammer analogy!). I do agree with your above statement that Google docs and Dropbox are great collaboration tools. I also swear by Join.Me. My business parter and I often use this to work on our copywriting projects together. It makes our lives easier. Sharyn mentioned Evernote in your interview. Most freelancers I know also highly recommend it. I haven’t tried it, even though I have an account. I use Mac Notes a lot on my laptop, and I think it’s a similar concept. Regardless of whether you use Evernote or Mac Notes, both programs allow you to simplify and organize your information!
Daniel thanks so much for chiming in!
I’m glad you had a chance to listen to the podcast as well. I’m also glad you mentioned Join.me for copywriting collaboration that’s a great suggestion. Thanks again and stop by any time!
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC
I definitely agree with google and Dropbox being great tools for freelancers. I use all that google has to offer, including email and calendar, because it syncs easily with my iPhone, effectively keeping me connected even when I’m not sitting at my laptop. I am a big fan of any online tools that are smartphone compatible as well.
I totally agree with you Rachel!
Smartphones are key to working virtually and online tools that address the mobile connection to the working world we now live in, are a big plus. Thanks for chiming in!
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC
Informative information for freelancers. Tailoring online tools to work for you is great advice as mentioned above. Thanks for sharing such vital information for those of us who are in the online arena and are trying to learn all that we can resourcefully. Key note: counterproductive. I will choose my online tools very carefully instead of trying to absorb all of the information I can; even though it may not be helpful and a waste of time. Great blog!!!!!!! Thanks so much!
Hey Etta!
We’ve all been there, when it comes to looking into more tools than we need to. But I just pull back as soon as I see that it might not be a good fit or it might be a time waster for me. I’m glad you found the tips useful and thanks for chiming in.
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC
I agree with all of you. I love tools and I too, used too many of them! But the 2 I always come back to are Evernote and Dropbox! Oh and Google Docs.
Evernote tore me away from handwriting notes in a hurry and then not being able to read them. LOL
Thanks Shilonda -Great interview!
~A
Dropbox recently posted that they had a security breach and are working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It’s still an invaluable tool that many will continue to use, but I thought I’d post the link to the security breach info and what Dropbox said they did to make sure it hopefully won’t happen again. Here’s the link: https://blog.dropbox.com/index.php/security-update-new-features/
Hope this helps!
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC