First things first: Make a list
Every building needs a foundation. The same goes for your company. You’re going to need a strong foundation for your business to flourish. Before you start researching the best apps available, remember to make a list of everything you’ll need, from company email to project management to accounting programs. Try starting out by thinking about a typical day. What do you see yourself doing? Do you need a way to take customer payments? Want to send emails branded with your company domain? Desire a way to identify the best potential employees from a batch of applicants? Identifying your most important tasks will guide you down the right path and prevent you from getting lost in a sea of apps.
Research and find a resource you trust
Whether it’s an entrepreneur you look up to (like Elon Musk) or a highly reputable social source (like the Small Biz Lady), the Internet is full of people with advice on what may work for your business. You can find these resources all over the Internet, from LinkedIn, to Twitter, to Quora, to small business community forums. Check out articles on popular websites like Entrepreneur, INC, or Forbes. See what these thought leaders suggest and what apps they’re currently loving at the moment.
Don’t get fooled by the big names
When you start searching, don’t run immediately to the biggest name in the game. Just because Dropbox is one of the most popular file sharing apps out there, doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your business! You might find that a big-name app doesn’t do what you really need it for, or there may be a missing feature that a lesser-known app offers. Additionally, smaller-name apps will often give you more bang for your buck, ultimately keeping costs down.
Ask the important questions
When you’ve found an app that you like, put it to the test! Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Does it meet all of our specific business needs?
2) Will it save us money and time?
3) Do I understand how it works? Will my team understand how it works?
4) Does it fit into our budget?
These are all simple questions but if you can’t answer them, then the app you’re looking at probably won’t work for your new business. You’ll also want to be as honest as possible when reviewing apps, especially when it comes to understanding how something works. Don’t invest in an app that’s bulky and difficult to use. With so many options available, you could easily have a sleeker, simpler version at your fingertips. And don’t be afraid to get your founding team involved in the app search. They might have that extra insight that you need!
Take the apps out for a test drive
The best part about most of the cloud apps out there is that they offer either free versions or free trials so that you can get a feel for how the app will work with your expected setup. Once you’ve done your research and narrowed down your list to a few of the apps you think will work, check to see if you can get a free trial and start playing around.
Finding the right tools to help you start a business doesn’t have to be hard. With the above advice, you’re well on your way to discovering the best tools for your business.
What are some of your favorite tools? Let us know below in the comments!
