Recently I stepped out of the stone age and into the 21st Century by finally purchasing a smartphone, thank you Telus! Now while I have been using many of these web services before getting a smartphone they have all become deeply ingrained into my daily life by allowing me to work between a computer and smartphone. I wanted to take a moment to share a collection of 5 applications and/or web services that helped me launch DSGN network and Gopherit Online sites. While the mobile applications I reference are specific to the iPhone, there are options - either identical or in a similar category - for most mobile platforms.
5) Wunderlist: http://www.6wunderkinder.com/wunderlist/
One of the most challenging tasks was, well, managing all the tasks of getting the two sites ready for launch. Even now, Wunderlist plays a major part in my day-to-day task management. In addition to allowing separate lists to be created, Wunderlist easier allows me to sync all my tasks and lists between my computers and iPhone. No matter where I am, I can keep myself focused.
While this web application is available for both Mac and Windows-based PC's, it is currently only available on the iPhone. An Android version is planned according to the Wunderlist website.
4) PayPal: http://www.paypal.ca
PayPal was a no-brainer when it came to my online payment method. Easy to use, great support and a myriad of options allow me to manage and control payment electronically without the costly terminal fees. What I appreciated about PayPal was the ability to scale the solution to my business. Starting off with Email Invoices, now with website integration into the Gopherit Online system, PayPal allows my consumers to purchase with confidence and save me from a potential financial headache.
Like any terminal service PayPal takes a cut per transaction, plus a percentage of the total. The peace of mind: PayPal handles any fraudulent transactions or activity on my behalf, saving me time is welcome. PayPal does have an iPhone application available as well, simple way for me to review transactions.
3) FreshBooks: http://www.freshbooks.com/
Like many other business owners, I don't have fond feelings towards accounting and recording transactions. I recognize the importance of it, but would rather focus my energy on other areas of the business. I also was looking for something beyond just estimates and invoicing. FreshBooks fit the bill!
In addition to a great web interface, FreshBooks allowed me to create an invoice style to keep in-line with the rest of the DSGN network's branding. It easy allowed me to link my PayPal account and emailing estimates and invoices to clients is a breeze. Contractor interactions was the clincher for me. The DSGN network team can easily login, submit estimates to clientele and allow me to track, manage and stay on top of projects and billing.
The applications I am using on my mobile is called Minibooks.
2) Blogger: http://www.blogger.com
Are you really that surprised that the platform I blog from made it on to the list? No, I didn't think so.
I have found Blogger a friendly, easy-to-use platform to blog from. Blogger is of course a Google service which means it can easily tie-in to many of the "Googley" services we all know and love. Blogger also makes it simple to integrate custom HTML for things such as Social Media integration.
So why Blogger over other blogging platforms such as WordPress? To each their own. There are many advantages two both platforms. Anyone looking to get into blogging should evaluate how to integrate their blogging platform of into their Social Media, website, etc. It comes down to what works best for you. The integration that really sold me was having Blogger on my iPhone with BlogPress. While I haven't fully taken advantage of this as of yet it's nice to know I can blog on the go when the inspiration strikes.
So what topped my list...?
1) Dropbox: http://www.dropbox.com
Without a doubt, this one web service has become an invaluable tool. I have always hated FTP sites. They tend to be temperamental at best, flaky at worst. I also have always hated having to carry USB flash drives to use on different computers and with smartphones and tablets taking the stage now I wanted an easy way to share and access files across a myriad of devices.
Dropbox does it and does it beautifully!
Shared folders allow the team and clients to share information and files with ease. No more waiting for downloads, or praying the FTP doesn't cack out. Dropbox notifies you of changes on your computer and allows you to view and upload to folders from your phone for later use.
Like many web services, Dropbox allows 2GB of free storage for anyone who signs up. It is a steal of a product for the 50GB or 100GB packages. If you're wanting a create way to have folders available for yourself, and others to collaborate through, look no further then Dropbox.
Dropbox is available for Mac, PC and Linux as well as iPhone, Android and BlackBerry as of this article.
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