The way we do business now is drastically different from how business was done 20 years ago. Although the services are often the same, technology has made it possible to be more efficient in our processes and more connected with our customers.

Needless to say, the businesses that embrace new technology have great potential for growth. In fact, small businesses that utilize technology are 3x more likely to create jobs in the next year. With that in mind, we would like to share with you 5 of our favorite applications that we use every day at JR Bookkeeping to keep us running efficiently so we can serve you well:

1. Quickbooks Online: Accounting Software

We don’t just use Quickbooks Online for all of our client’s accounting needs, we use it exclusively for our bookkeeping as well. And with good reason: It’s the best accounting software out there for small businesses.

Here are just a few of the many features included with QBO:

• Track income and expenses

• Capture and organize receipts

• Maximize tax deductions

• Mileage tracking

• Invoice & accept payments

If you sign up for QBO through us, you’ll get 40% off your first year!

2. Karbon: Workflow Management

In order to be efficient and serve your clients well, everyone in your office needs to be on the same page. That’s why we use Karbon to manage our inter-office workflow. With Karbon, we can all see which projects are in progress, who is managing each step, and what is being said to our clients. We also have a central hub for all of our emails, both in the office and with our clients.

Although Karbon is designed specifically for accounting firms, there are several other client management systems that cater towards other types of businesses as well.

3. Calendly: Scheduling

One of the biggest headaches as a business owner is scheduling appointments with back-and-forth emailing. Calendly makes scheduling easy. It integrates with your calendar to see when you’re available, then gives your client a list of times to choose from. Once they confirm a meeting time, Calendly puts the meeting directly onto your calendar and sends automated reminders. Calendly has saved us hours that we can now spend on helping our clients.

4. Adobe Sign: Contract and Service Agreement Management

As a service-based business, our work with our clients is based on legally binding contracts and service agreements. Gone are the days of paper contracts, so having secure and efficient e-signature software is a must. We use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC with e-sign to collect legally binding signatures from our clients to secure our services.

Adobe Sign also integrates seamlessly with Paypal so you can easily accept payment for your services when your contract is accepted and signed.

5. LastPass: Password Management

80% of data breaches are caused by weak, reused, or stolen passwords. That’s why we use LastPass to manage and create strong passwords. Our clients’ information is always kept confidential, and Last Pass helps us make sure that the data you entrust to us stays secure.

LastPass offers various plans for individuals and businesses, so you can choose the option that’s best for you.

What are some apps that have helped your business keep doing what you do best? Let us know in the comments below!