Technology. I know, for a lot of you even the mention of technology elicits feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. There’s so many options, and it’s difficult to know which are the best, easiest, and most beneficial to scale and grow your business. 

 

In reality, all businesses will use technology in some way. And, using it in the right way, can save you time and money.

 

But, how do you know which technology is best for your business? 

 

I’m going to be honest: I love technology! I use it all the time. I’m always aware about new technology on the scene and I’m eager to try new things. And, I’ve tried many different platforms, and what I’ve come to realize is that there are some technologies that I just can’t live without. 

 

So, if you’re unsure–even skeptical–about technology as you grow and scale your business, these are six technologies that I just can’t live without:

 

  • Asana for Project Management

 

What is Asana? Asana is a project management system that I use with my team and all my clients. This flexible platform allows your team and clients to collaborate on a specific project and keep track of all the things going on in your business. 

 

Why I LOVE It: 

  • Communication: Asana makes communication incredibly easy and efficient. Not only does it allow you to avoid overcrowding your email inbox and potentially losing important information, but it allows you to keep your entire team’s communication in the same place and on the same page. 
  • Prioritization of Tasks: In Asana, you have the ability to view tasks that need to be handled that day. Therefore, it allows you to see the whole picture, prioritize tasks, and efficiently plan out your days. 
  • Project Progress: When you set up your projects in Asana, you’re able to check tasks as complete; as a result, you’re able to see your progress on larger projects in real time. And, so can your clients! This is great for transparency as well as efficiency.
  • Ability to Integrate: Asana allows you to sync with ALL the other tech you use in your business. For example, you can move an email from your account right over to Asana and assign it without ever leaving your inbox. This feature saves a ton of time!

 

  • G-Suites for Productivity

 

What is it? G-Suites includes all of Google’s apps including gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar and Meet. In my business, G-Suites is the communications center of our company. From our business emails to storing ALL of our company and client files, G-Suites is essential to my business. 

 

Why I LOVE It:

  • Security: Google security is unparalleled making it a platform that you can feel comfortable storing your business’s and your client’s important documents. 
  • Cost-Effective: With the amount of options G-Suites offers, the reality is that the cost is miniscule (especially when you compare it to other applications). You get a lot for your money.
  • TONS of Applications: G-Suites apps strive to make your life easier. From Docs to Forms to the Calendar and Meet, you have everything you need to run your business and communicate with your clients securely. 
  • Access: You can access G-Suite apps anywhere and from any device. So whether you’re at your desk or on the go, you’ll be able to stay in touch with business communication. Plus, most people already have a gmail account making it simple to connect them to a project or file. 


  • Lastpass for Storing Passwords

 

What is Lastpass? If you’re like me, you have a lot of passwords, and some of them are pretty complicated. And, the more complicated they are, the more difficult it is to remember each password for the various sites or platforms you use. Lastpass to the rescue. Lastpass is a password protection application that stores your passwords for you.

 

Why I LOVE it: 

  • Memory Saver: With Lastpass, I don’t have to remember all the different passwords I use. Lastpass allows me to store everything in one place and easily update passwords as I need to.
  • Accessibility: Even better, Lastpass is on the go. I can access it from my phone or the web; therefore, I’m never in a situation where I can’t remember a password. 


  • WordPress for Websites

 

What is WordPress? WordPress is one of the top website building applications for a reason.

 

Why I LOVE It: 

  • Ease of Use: There are thousands of themes available to get you started so you don’t have to start from scratch. I even have customizable templates available for purchase that can be used to set up your website quickly. 
  • Accessibility: WordPress allows you to manage your website from any computer. You don’t have to install anything in order to have access. You’re able to design and update your website directly by logging into your WordPress website.
  • No Difficult Coding. No HTML editing or FTP software is required making WordPress user friendly for those of us who do not have coding knowledge. 
  • You’re In Control: This is huge for me. With some of the other website building platforms, the platform is in control; therefore, if the platform is offline you won’t have access and you risk losing all your content. With WordPress, you have complete control of your content and how you use your website. 
  • 100% Customizable: With WordPress, you have the ability to completely customize the design of your website. Therefore, you can build a website that completely fits your style, your vision, and your brand. 

 

  • Video: YouTube for Marketing/Vimeo for Privacy

 

Why video? Video is essential to connecting with your ideal client. And, using video in a variety of ways enables you to optimize how you use video to reach your audience. Therefore, when using video for marketing I have a little caveat: there’s two platforms that I recommend using in specific circumstances.

 

Why I LOVE it:

  • YouTube for Marketing because of its reach: YouTube is great for those marketing videos that you want to be seen by a large audience. YouTube has the potential to reach thousands of people quickly and easily. YouTube is an extension of Google; therefore, the SEO on your YouTube videos, if done correctly, will help you create a buzz that will help you grow your business. 

 

But, here’s my caveat…

 

With YouTube, you don’t have a lot of control over the video once it’s in YouTube’s hands. It’s great for marketing videos that you want anyone and everyone to see. 

 

But, sometimes, you may not want anyone and everyone to be able to see your video. In that case, I recommend using Vimeo.

 

  • Vimeo for Privacy: There may be times where you create a video that you use as a lead magnet or in a course you create that you don’t want everyone to see. For these videos, Vimeo is your go-to. It allows you to protect your video in a way that YouTube doesn’t so you’re in control who can see the video, how they can see it, and if there are any additional videos to follow it. 


  • Active Campaign for Email Marketing

 

What is it? Your sales funnel is more than just a landing page where you capture email addresses. It requires an email sequence on the other side to grow your business. Active Campaign is my absolute favorite email marketing automation software. 

 

Why I LOVE It:

  • Robust: It can do everything from sending out newsletter to providing texting options and adding chat to your site. 
  • Grows with You: Active Campaign has the capacity to create incredibly complex automations and tracking sales. It has the capability to grow with your business.

 

Using technology really allows you to create efficiency as you scale and grow your business. Technology makes many processes easier to do and you can often get much more out of them including information that will help drive your growth. 

 

If you have questions about how to integrate tech in your business as you scale and grow, contact me today! 

 

For more about marketing and so much more, listen to the Marketing Matchmaker podcast!

 

Are you ready to grow your business to 6-7 figures? Do you know how to scale your business? If so, I created a quiz just for you! Check it out today to make a difference in your tomorrow!