First off…. I am NO one to give advice on having a simple, organized life.
So obviously, I thought that I should write a blog post about this.
There are a few things which I just don’t know how I would operate without. My business and mommy duties are just overwhelming (in the best way possible) but I know there are a few things I do or use that help me simplify, automate, or tackle things that I just couldn’t do without now.
1) 17 Hats Studio Management Software
This has been a huge lifesaver. For entrepreneurs, this is geared towards photographers but could be SO useful in any client-based field. Manage your calendars, set yourself reminders, send automated emails to clients, collect payments, do your bookkeeping… and best of all- create workflows which automate every step of a process you use again and again. My wedding back end work is automated – once I have a client ready to book, my automated workflow sends them a saved questionnaire, a contract, and invoice, confirmation emails with their data automatically inputted from their file, and sends me reminders of important to-do’s for their account. I would be completely lost without this.
If you haven’t already, check it out here: 17 Hats
2) Grocery Delivery
Whether you use Safeway.com, Instacart, Google Express, Prime Fresh, this is a HUGE deal if you have a child that doesn’t do well in carts. Calvin has a strict 15 minute time limit in a cart before he loses it, and grocery trips are so very stressful.f
3) Acuity Scheduling Software
For those of you who run a business that operates on appointments (such as a photography studio,hair/makeup artistry, a personal trainer, etc.) This software is such a dream. For anything you want clients to be able to book on their own- without you needing to be involved at all, use this. NOW. I am currently using this for my studio rental clients (folks who rent out my photography studio at http://studio.retrospectimages.com) as well as naytime I offer a workshop or mini session. Basically anything where clients need to view a live calendar of availability and book themselves quickly. This completely eliminates any back and forth, sending of contracts, initiating of workflows, etc. 17 Hats is amazing for my weddings and portraits, but for things where I don’t want to be involved in the backend at all, this is such a timesaver. It will even text your clients their reminders.
Check out Acuity here
4) Le Tote Clothing Rental Service
Don’t want to shop? Like… ever? I hate shopping and it is nearly impossible with this little guy and my limited time. Le tote is basically the netflix of clothing… where they send you over a box that you can select yourself of several clothing items and accessories. Unlike Stitch fix or other clothing subscription sites, you get to wear everything as many times as you’d like, and then send it back in the prepaid envelope and receive a new box within DAYS. I usually get a new box of clothing every week, and I never have to shop. I would really like to see their selection grow and improve in terms of on-trend styles, but I can’t really argue with the speed of this company and how efficient their system is.
Check out Le Tote here and get $25 added to your account
Read my full review here
5) USPS At-Home Pickup
So many people don’t know that the United States Postal Service allows you to schedule a free pickup for packages from your home online. This saves me SO much time and so many post office headaches. From their website you can print postage, then schedule your pickup, then leave your packages on your doorstep to ship to your clients.
6) Mac & Mia
This adorable service is like the Stitch Fix for kids … Request a box anytime (however frequently you want!) and you’ll receive a box of 6-8 clothing items for a styling charge of $20. The styling charge can be used as a credit to anything purchased- select what you’d like to keep and send everything back in the prepaid envelope. The box also comes with an adorable ‘dress Mac and Mia’ paper doll + sticker activity built into the box which is perfect for the littles.
Check out Mac & Mia here and get $20 added to your account
7) Gusto Payroll Services
I recently hired my first employee- previously I only had independent contractors- and I was feeling so overwhelmed with the process until this software gave me the confidence to move forward with hiring someone. This is an all-in-one payroll services program which covers everything from government paperwork to processing payroll, direct deposit, tax forms for employees, bonuses, reimbursements, worker’s comp insurance, and you can even include your independent contractors. Everything is so clear and easy to understand and the interface and customer service is WONDERFUL. It’s $39/month + 6$ per active employee + $6 per contractor (only on the months where you pay the particular contractor) , and it has saved me so much time in researching and figuring out all of this crazy legal scary-ness or hiring a pro to do it. Check out Gusto https://gusto.com/
The last is a bonus… because I haven’t tried it yet….
Filld
Stopping for gas is such a quick thing, however if you’re a mom of a baby/young child you know that NOTHING is never easy. For babies who don’t do well with extra stops or if your monumental to do list can’t hold another thing… OR.. if you’re like me and you’re leaving in a rush to go shoot a wedding and want to wake up to a FULL tank of gas, this sounds like a great service to try. You add the app on your phone, press a button to request a fill up, and you can have a tank of gas ready and waiting for you! http://filld.com/
Once again.. let me just reiterate… I am so very far from having it all together. Being a business owner and working pretty close to full time while taking care of a toddler full time is intense. But these are just a few things that really help me to streamline things the tiniest bit. Hopefully there’s something new in that little list which might help your balance!
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