How many plates can one woman spin?
As a solopreneur, author and indie publisher I spin dozens. That means I must focus on productivity not just busy-work. It requires prioritization and making the best use of great apps and tools. Here are five tools I use to keep all those plates in the air.
Tools of the Trade
Evernote
As an author, I sit at my computer ingesting and dispensing data, words and ideas. The dispensing is simple using Word, but the ingesting is more complex. For that, I rely on Evernote. I am not sure how I ever lived without it. I can clip phrases and ideas or entire articles, tag them, sort them and, miracle of miracles, find them again when I need them. In addition, I can collect as much data as I want without using up precious computer storage. Some people prefer Dropbox, but I promise you, Evernote is superior for tagging and sorting. Accessing on any device is easy and Evernote has a free version that is more than adequate.
List Goal
There is a new version of List Goal available just this week. This simple tool from VideoFruit taps into your mailing list and quickly displays the size of the list against your goals. For me, this keeps my mailing list in the forefront of my brain, reminding me to stay in touch with my fans, to send them quality content and regular thank yous. Simple, free and potent.
AppSumo
Okay, I will admit that this can feed my shiny object problem since AppSumo makes every new app sound so appealing, but it is the best place for finding bargains on apps that assist authors. Thanks to AppSumo, I am able to discover great new applications and purchase them cheaply. From an app that designed my signature to discounts on stock photos, I have really loved finding new, affordable and useful apps. Pick and choose the ones that work for you at http://www.appsumo.com.
Day Designer
I have written about Day Designer planners before but now that I discovered their printables, I am even more impressed. I purchased a planner for my goals, amazingly it helps me stick to them. I capture ideas and ‘to-do’s’ for later and go back to get them accomplished. You can download monthly planners, daily planner sheets and much more. For whatever reasons, this is the planner that best serves my needs. See if it works for you at www.daydesigner.com.
ConvertKit
I just did the switch from Mailchimp to ConvertKit in time for a promotion that drove almost 1000 new subscribers to my insider group/email list. The timing was perfect. The transition was easy and I love having a tagging system to tell me where the lead comes from, or what they like or don’t. More importantly, my open and click rates went way up with the switch! That and the online help when you need it would have been enough to sell me. Add their awesome training and I am a convert. I thought paid versus free would bother me, but after less than two months, I know I am getting my money’s worth.
Tribes I Rely On
Writing is solo work. No one becomes an author with the expectation of collaboration. Still, networking is vital to learning and growing – and to one’s sanity. I have found several networks and Tribes that have welcomed me, helped me learn and grow, and made me feel part of something larger. These are a few of my favorites.
Marketing for Romance Writers
Even the title is spot on. This group comes together to answer questions, share experiences and offer resources and opportunities. My guest bloggers are often fellow members of MFRW, and their answers on the MFRW forum have saved me from numerous mistakes. Shared experience, lessons learned, no question too big or too small. They act as online mentors as well as friends. Join up now if you haven’t already.
Women Winning on Line
This brainchild of Jen Snyder is one of the most active groups in which I have ever participated. From motivation Mondays and Tech Tuesdays to List Building Challenges or Find Your Tribe Online, the group shares its blogging expertise openly and with incredible warmth. Focused on bloggers rather than authors, and with members worldwide, they offer advice, critiques, and most of all encouragement. Find out more about joining the society here.
TribeRR
This online tool for building a network is simple and effective. Group members share their posts and pass them on, increasing the reach for each post exponentially. I have discovered useful information in the posts and fascinating people posting them. Share the information on Twitter, Google+, Facebook or more. This is an effective way to feel like part of something larger.
Reviews by Crystal
More than anything listed here, working with my Virtual Assistant, Crystal Benedict, gives me power in numbers. Her expertise in promotions, her knowledge and reach compliment my skills perfectly. I love that she is a night owl too, because I begin my day with emails of her ideas, input and completed work. It starts my day on a high note. Need help with blog tours or more? Reach out to Crystal here.
One Woman Shop
Interestingly it is two women, Sara and Cristina, who run the One Woman Shop, an online support system for women running online businesses. Unlike other resources, this is a support system for all types of solopreneurs, One Woman Shop provides vital resources, from their motivational emails to their extraordinary Solopreneur Bundles, chock full of great ideas and advice which makes me feel a little less alone. Interested in learning more?
How about Your Go-To Tools?
What are the tools and tribes you can’t live without? Buffer perhaps for scheduling social media, or a clipping service like Flipchart? We all have our favorites. Won’t you share yours in the comments below?
* I do occasionally receive a small remuneration for purchases you make at my recommendation. I never, however, recommend something I don’t believe in and use personally.
SaveSave