In my work as Content Director for BCPWN communications, and as a marketing consultant on other business-to-business companies, I’ve come across a multitude of articles on productivity.  It’s a hot topic and one that has peaked my interest over the years, especially as an entrepreneur who essentially runs a virtual public relations agency, working from my home.

I know there are many of you in a similar work situation.

Perhaps you have remote independent contractors or interns that help to support your business endeavors.  Or have to keep track of your time.  What kinds of tools and applications do you use to keep yourself organized and keep people communicating effectively?

I’ll admit, it’s taken me a little while to learn what works best for my work style and lifestyle but I’m happy with a few tools in my toolbox that have helped to keep my business dealings and me productive, practical and organized.  I’ll share a few of them with you here today:

- Google for Business:  From my business email account that is anchored in Gmail to my Gmail calendar, I’ve been very pleased with how user-friendly Google for Business has been. The best part for me is how EASY it is to search for emails, documents and messages.

- Dropbox: Stop what you’re doing now and sign up for Dropbox. Spring for the $99 all access pass.  It’s worth it and your business will thank you. I use it not only for sharing large files with clients and media but as a backup for iPhone photos, as a central sharing location for the community club of which I’m President and as a backup to my most important personal and business files. It’s all in the cloud.

- Wunderlist: Admittedly, I use this iPhone app more for personal reasons but I do have a few folders for clients and blog posts. It’s essentially a centralized location for a series of lists.  And is pretty fantastic.

- BestParking:  For those of you who find yourself traveling to clients in cities with expensive parking (NYC), this is a must-have app to find the best prices possible nearest to your final destination. I never drive into the city without first plugging in where I’m headed to in BestParking.

What apps or programs keep you and your business on track? Comment below.

Lisa Pisano

President, Groupe a la Mode LLC

lisa@groupealamode.com