Lea’s Favorite Things: A Business Owner’s Edition on Must-Have Tools
From productivity boosters to game-changing software, discover the tools every business needs to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Every year, Oprah’s Favorite Things List showcases an array of products designed to bring joy, comfort, and functionality to people’s lives.
Inspired by her knack for selecting must-haves, we’ve crafted our own list of software that business owners need to thrive. These tools streamline operations, boost productivity, and provide the "Aha!" moments every entrepreneur craves. Let’s dive in!
The General CRM You’ll Love: Insightly
Insightly is the go-to CRM for businesses looking to streamline their operations and foster stronger customer relationships. Designed with small to mid-sized businesses in mind, this platform combines simplicity with robust functionality to keep your team focused and productive.
Why It’s Essential:
Project Management Built-In: Manage both your sales pipeline and post-sale projects in one place.
Powerful Customization: Tailor workflows, fields, and dashboards to suit your unique business needs.
Seamless Integrations: Connect Insightly to your favorite tools, from Google Workspace to QuickBooks.
Honorable Mentions: Monday.com / HubSpot / Pipedrive
Accounting Made Simple: QuickBooks Online
You know her, you might not love her, but she gets the job done. QuickBooks Online is like your personal finance coach, helping you track expenses, generate invoices, and prepare taxes effortlessly.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
User-friendly interface perfect for non-accountants.
Automatically syncs with bank accounts and apps like PayPal.
Provides detailed insights into cash flow and profitability.
Honorable Mentions: Xero / Freshbooks / Wave
Canva: Your Secret to Stunning Visuals
For business owners without a design background, Canva is a lifesaver. It lets you create professional-grade marketing materials, from social media posts to presentations, in minutes.
Why It’s Lea-Worthy:
Drag-and-drop interface that anyone can use.
Thousands of customizable templates for every need.
Free and premium versions to fit your budget.
Canva can make even the novice look like they have their act together.
Slack: The Heartbeat of Team Communication
Gone are the days of endless email chains. Slack keeps your team connected in real time, fostering collaboration and reducing miscommunication.
What Makes It Essential:
Channels for organizing conversations by topic or project.
Integrations with over 2,000 apps like Google Drive and Asana.
Great for remote teams who need to stay on the same page.
Asana: Project Management Made Easy
Keeping track of tasks and deadlines can be overwhelming. Asana acts as your virtual project manager, ensuring that every team member knows their responsibilities.
Why Business Owners Swear By It:
Easy-to-use dashboards for tracking progress.
Visual tools like Kanban boards and Gantt charts.
Perfect for managing everything from daily tasks to long-term projects.
Honorable Mentions: Trello / ClickUp / Smartsheet / Todoist
Zoom: Your Virtual Meeting Powerhouse
Whether it’s a client presentation or a team brainstorming session, Zoom is the go-to tool for hosting professional virtual meetings.
What Sets It Apart:
Reliable video and audio quality.
Features like screen sharing and breakout rooms.
Affordable plans for businesses of all sizes.
Honorable Mentions: Microsoft Teams / Google Meet
Grammarly: Your Writing Assistant
Even the best ideas can be undermined by poor grammar. Grammarly ensures your emails, proposals, and social media posts are polished and professional.
Why It’s a Favorite:
Real-time suggestions for clarity and tone.
Works across platforms, including browsers and Microsoft Office.
Saves you from embarrassing typos in client communications.
Calendly: Effortless Scheduling
Tired of back-and-forth emails trying to set up a meeting? Calendly makes it easy for clients and colleagues to book time with you based on your availability.
What Makes It Lea-Worthy:
Syncs with your calendar to prevent double-booking.
Customizable to match your brand.
Saves hours of administrative work every week.
Honorable Mentions: Doodle / Acuity Scheduling
Google Workspace: The Ultimate Collaboration Tool
From Gmail to Google Docs, Google Workspace offers a suite of tools designed to keep your business running smoothly.
Why You Need It:
Real-time collaboration on documents and spreadsheets.
Generous cloud storage with Google Drive.
Affordable plans for businesses of any size.
Final Thoughts
Just as Oprah’s Favorite Things List celebrates items that enhance everyday life, Lea’s Favorite things of software tools can revolutionize the way business owners work. Whether you're a solopreneur or managing a team, investing in these programs will save you time, reduce stress, and position your business for growth.
Let’s find the perfect solutions tailored to your needs. Schedule a call today, and together, we’ll create a project plan to streamline your operations, boost productivity, and set your business up for success. Don’t wait—your transformation starts now!
