John Jantsch has released ‘Duct Tape Marketing’ Newsletter September issue. Read Jantsch’s latest article titled “Top 10 Small Business Productivity Tools”.


John Jantsch has released ‘Duct Tape Marketing’ Newsletter September issue.

Jantsch’s latest article is reprinted here.

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Top 10 Small Business Productivity Tools

You’ve only got so much time in a day – use technology to leverage your time

Technology can make life much easier for the small business owner who typically spins many plates. Today I would like to share my favorite productivity tools – 9 technology based – 1 very low tech.

Dual Monitors – Most newer computers running Windows XP can add a monitor to the configuration with little work. This dual monitor set-up gives you twice the viewing area and allows you to open programs and move them from monitor to monitor without toggling between programs.

Dymo Label Printer – I ship lots of packages and love the ease of this label printer hooked up through a Stamps.com account. You can purchase just about any label configuration and even print individual stamps if you like. When I ship packages through Stamps.com the printer creates a confirmation bar code that alerts me when the package has been delivered.

Garmin Nuvi 350 – A mobile GPS device that gives out great directions on a turn by turn basis, even when you are walking. The Nuvi also stores music and audio books files, translates languages and acts as a travel alarm clock. You can add USGS topo maps for hiking and I have found folks on the Internet starting to add things like subway maps.

Mp3 recorder – I love the Olympus WS300M Digital recorder because it is relatively inexpensive and allows me to record up to 8 hours of voice recordings. I’ve used this device to record a podcast interview, create an audio information product and interview clients to help them create marketing materials. Once I record an interview I simply plug the device into my laptop and transfer the mp3 files to my computer for editing.

Windows smart phone – My Motorola phone runs Windows and allows me to carry around Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint on my phone. I’m never offline with this device (wait, is that a good thing?) I’ve even given presentations with the phone hooked up to an LCD projector. Add a program like and I can get restaurant reviews, ground transportation options, events and other updates for any city I am in.

Basecamp – This is an online project management tool and one t hat I use with all of my clients and coaches. It allows me to easily set-up an extranet for each client where we can store all communications, collaborate on documents, allow third party access for a vendor, and upload and store all manner of files related our work together. The work is always available via an Internet connection.

Moleskin notebooks – The most untechie tool I use. I always carry one of these pocket size notebooks with me to capture ideas, to-dos, innovations, recommendations or any other random thoughts that pop into my head. I love to store these when I filled one up and then go back and revisit them from time to time to see some of the crazy ideas I’ve had. I love the feel of writing in these books with a Sensa roller ball pen.

Wireless card – When I carry my laptop, which I do most of the time, I can get online in an increasing number of places. Before long many cities will offer wireless access as a service. As most wireless access points are unsecure, meaning hackers can potentially tap into your session, it might be a good idea to add a mobile router with a firewall if you are going to be doing a lot of shopping or buying airline tickets while you wait for your next flight. Get the Bluetooth option when you get a card so you can hook up with other wireless devices such as printers and keyboards.

Hotspot connection – I use TMobile as my mobile phone service provider and pay the extra $19.95 per month for unlimited use of TMobile Hotspots. The TMoblie network includes Starbucks, so I pretty much have mobile office that’s never more than a block or two away, no matter where I am.

ACT – I use ACT software as my contact manager and marketing tracker. I can preload an entire series of letters and other forms of contact and keep track of phone calls, emails, requests, purchases and other data on each of my contacts. The upcoming release promises much more integration with Outlook..
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John Jantsch is a veteran marketing coach, award winning blogger and author of Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide published by Thomas Nelson – due out in the fall of 2006

He is the creator of the Duct Tape Marketing small business marketing system. You can find more information by visiting Duct Tape Marketing Newsletter Subscription

Duct Tape Marketing Newsletter Contents

– Resource #1 – Become a Duct Tape Marketing Coach

– Resource #2 – iStockPhotos – royalty free photos

– Main Article – Top 10 Small Business Productivity Tools

– Resource #3 – Duct Tape Marketing Blog Channel

– Resource #4 – Duct Tape Marketing Podcast Channel with Podango

– Free Magazine – Free Sales and Marketing Magazines

– Featured Reading – Small is the New Big – Seth Godin

– Featured Listening – Diana Krall – From This Moment On

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*IMNewswatch would like to thank John Jantsch for granting permission to reprint this latest newsletter article.

 

 

 

 

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