Software that will save your business

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If you’re a parent who wants more income, flexibility and autonomy in your career then this is for you.

This week the waiting list for Launch 30 opened up.

A 30-day business accelerator that teaches you how to build your own coaching, consulting or service-based business.

And then builds it for you at the end.

So you learn then leave with a business ready to go.

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• The tools you need to build and run your business

(in a 4 minute read)

It’s easy to burn through cash as a new entrepreneur.

Every new tool is a must-have. Right?

We tell ourselves it’s the difference maker between success and failure (at least I have 🙃)

And it’s an ‘investment’ in the business that will make money.

The problem is, quite quickly those monthly invoices start to stack up!

When I started I wish someone told me the tools and software I needed and the ones that were just nice to have.

So that’s what I’ve done for you.

7 tools & software that are essential to run your coaching, consulting or services business.

1. Booking / appointment tool

Gone are the days where you’d rely on a visitor to your website to fill in a form.

The name of the game is to reduce the amount of friction in the process between you and your potential customer connecting.

Having an integrated booking tool everywhere you share your presence is crucial.

On your website. On your social media. In your blog.

Tip: Calendly is the market leader here but a cheaper alternative is cal.com. Just as good and is free until you go to a team account.

2. Website

Most new entrepreneurs spend way too much time on their website.

In fact they often don’t need a website, they need a really well constructed landing page

Because of this, resist the urge to go to a platform like Wix.com 

Personally I think a lot of their templates are quite dated.

Pro tip: There are landing page builders that I’d suggest instead - carrd.co is a great starter option. I’ve also been recommended ghost.org (which can also be used for other services) and there a host of others available too.

3. Blog / Newsletter

You’ve probably heard the term ‘renting your audience’ when it comes to followers on social media.

If you haven’t please remember it!

Successful entrepreneurs aim to do one thing as they build up their following and that’s de-platform their followers.

Followers are a rented audience because if the platform changes in an unfavourable way…you’re f*cked.

That’s not to mention things like account hacks, shadow bans etc

So the aim is to give your followers a reason to come to a platform that you own where you’re not vulnerable.

Enter the converted email list (like this).

A blog or newsletter is a great incentive.

Pro tip: There are lots of options here. This newsletter is hosted on Beehiiv.com but you can opt for cheaper options like substack.com

4. Invoicing

If you’re selling your services to corporate companies I would suggest you have accountancy software that allows you to send invoices but also manage your taxes amongst other things.

Pro tip: Different options here. I personally use quickbooks.intuit.com/uk/ but I’ve also been recommended freshbooks.com

5. Design

This has easily been the most useful tool for me in my business - for content creation, workshop slides and templates for all sorts of things.

I would 100% use this over powerpoint to design and present.

Canva.com is a must have I would say. They have a free plan too so only upgrade when you feel you need to.

They have also integrated AI so there’s lot of editing capabilities too.

Pro tip: just use it.

6. CRM

I made the mistake of not actually having a CRM when I started.

Of course the tried and trusted excel doc or google sheet will do a job.

But actually you’re missing a big trick. Having a CRM software allows you to segment your contacts effortlessly, bulk contact certain groups all at once and track how your business is performing.

Excel can’t do that

Pro tip: there are lots of big players in this space like hubspot, pipedrive, zoho, GoHighLevel. Hubspot is the most robust and costly and not needed when starting. I’d opt for pipedrive.com for a CRM but you can shop around here find what suits you.

7. Funnels

I’ve broken down the basics of funnels in a previous newsletter.

The long and short of it is having one (ideally more) set up will make a massive difference in your business and significantly reduce the strain on you.

Now most good CRM will allow you to set up funnels but incase you don’t opt for a CRM I would opt for a separate funnel software.

The other benefit of a funnel software is the ability to host your digital products.

Crucial.

Different options: Clickfunnels, Kartra, Convertkit, Kajabi, GoHighLevel

Conclusion

Don’t go broke ‘investing’ in every new software. As you grow and something becomes necessary, then opt for software to help.

Recently I made the decsion to centralise everything in my business for a much more manageable and seemless experience. It’s also much more cost effective.

Of all the software I’ve mentioned - GoHighLevel is the most robust as it offers everything (except the design capability of canva)

I use it for CRM, funnels, website, surveys, email marketing, automation, courses, bookings and some other stuff.

If you want a simpler process then I’d opt for that.

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

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I hope you found this helpful.

That’s all from me.

See you next week.