Hi All,

I am venturing into the world of small business at the moment, and was wondering if you could give me any advice on what tools you would recommend to keep track of any software you have bought, or have an account with.

Example software / services:

• Social media analytics tool (e.g. Sprout Social or Hootsuite)
• Web hosting
• Domain names
• WordPress plugins / themes
• Courses (e.g. SMSS12)
• Every day software

@samscholfield- I use a few systems – one that I really like is springpadit.com it allows you to post notes and to look for them when needed. I also heard of evernote from friends and they like that one. Hope that helps
You can find spring pad from the chrome store if you use Chrome as a browser..

@ryrussell Thanks for the advice, I use Sprout Social and Tweet Deck for my social media actions. I was also considering using Google docs for keeping a list of purchased items + accounts because it’s easy to update, however it could be a pain to categorise different items, do you have problems with that?

@prestonodenbrett springpadit.com looks quite good! I use do.com for creating lists of tasks to complete, however the notes could be useful!

@ptwylie Thank you for the link. It is extremely comprehensive! Although I’m more after something to keep track of what I am using, instead of adding to that collection.

Thanks for your help so far!

@samscholfield A good tool for organizing your projects in my opinion is Basecamp. It holds options for calendars and to-do-lists, it provides you with a (very basic, but sufficient) file storage system and you can set up writeboards to collect and exchange lists, thoughts etc., could be something for your needs. You can set up and organize teams within your business and beyond.
@prestonodenbrett You mentioned Evernote. I use it frequently for keeping my thoughts and ideas organized. The big plus of Evernote is the multi platform availability of the generic app incl. Win, Mac, Android and iOS – and the instant sync while you type in your latest thoughts.

and then there’s the yellow pad! I’m getting lost trying to find a way to keep up with everything and am about to decide I’m going back to the good old legal pad! or the marbled looking composition book @samscholfield

Great! Thank you all for your ideas, I will take a look at them all and see if they will suit my needs.

@jenniferwashlow-pag Thanks Jenifer I’m now using Evernote & wunderlist and my world is a little more organised now, thank you

I have used Evernote – off and on – for several years.  While I don’t care that it is sooooo plain, there must be something that makes me come back to it again-and-again.

I would love to find a one-size fits-all social dashboard/docs/to-do/etc etc. 

@kylemj6977  I love my Evernote! I use it for everything!

I wish they would “jazz” the interface a bit…other than that….great service.

 @dianecossie I need to learn what Wunderlist adds that your Anytime doesn’t do. I do use Evernote, but am a newbie to it, and know I’m still not getting the most from it.

@deairby I still use my writing pads because I find I remember more if I write notes vs. keyboard typing. I’ve been doing that for so long I am not sure the pain of changing will be worth the benefit.

I also use my Outlook calendar and it syncs with my Android which is essential.

Honestly as a new business, I  have so many new tools to understand I don’t want to take on anything non essential. I think I will wait to see what my VA uses when I am ready to hire one!

I discovered Omnifocus a couple of years ago and am very satisfied with it. Versions for Mac/iPad/iPhone and it syncs easily. Not cheap, but very effective. Ideal if you are a fan of David Allen and his Getting Things Done system.