A guest post by Gloria Martinez (gloriamartinez@womenled.org)
As a business owner, you already have plenty of tasks on your plate, from marketing your products to managing your staff. Unfortunately, with so much to do, many executives fail to have a proper work-life balance. That means the job becomes the priority and they forget how to relax and enjoy their families and hobbies. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here are some great apps and tips that you can use to keep your company running smoothly while still getting the free time that you deserve.
Mobile Scanning App
When you are always on the move, it can be difficult to manage your documents and send the paperwork that is necessary to keep your company fully operational. To solve this problem, look online for mobile scanning apps that allow you to scan and upload a document to your phone. Then you can send it to your computer or the associates that need it to complete important business functions.
One such app is CamScanner, which makes scanning and uploading a snap, and it also auto-crops the image so that you send a nice clean file. When you can scan docs right there on the spot, it avoids the need to drive to the office, and you can use that time for yourself.
Gift Card API to Reward Customers
Rewarding loyal customers with gift cards is a proven strategy to increase customer retention, foster brand loyalty, and drive sales. By incentivizing current customers to continue doing business with you, you can create a sense of community and establish a positive reputation among your core customer base, potentially leading to referrals and positive word-of-mouth advertising.
You may consider this gift card API to automate and increase efficiency in managing gift card transactions. This type of tool also allows you to personalize payments with custom messaging.
Productivity Apps Can Take Out a Lot of the Leg Work
If you find that you are working long hours, then the issue may not be that you are overworked. Instead, you likely aren’t taking advantage of technology to make your life easier. For instance, if you spend a lot of time scheduling appointments with your clients, then an app like Calendly can help you to streamline the process. The app communicates between parties to create a meeting time that suits all parties, and it integrates your calendar with your email.
You may also spend a lot of time writing and sending similar emails throughout the week when you could be using that time for more important tasks or spending it with your family. In that instance, Mailchimp can be your best friend. The app provides templates and automates your emails so you can set them and forget them as you go through your week. The tool can even predict which of your clients is likely to buy your products, so you can target them with your next marketing email.
Project Management Tools Allow You to Work From Anywhere
If you find that you are spending a lot of time at the office having meetings with your project management team, then you probably aren’t doing the things you enjoy. Instead, consider a project management app like Asana or ClickUp. These apps are awesome because you can communicate with your team from anywhere, so you can spend more time at home. You can also see what tasks have been assigned and get status updates and notifications when those tasks have been completed. It is a great way to do business from anywhere.
As you can see, there are many apps that you can consider that will cut down on your work time and give you more free time. By using the best available technology including a gift card API, mobile scanning apps, and scheduling assistants, you can find the work-life balance that you crave.
As a boutique project management consulting agency, Agile Management Office provides the tools you need to succeed. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Also published on Medium.