Comparing The Top 10 Small Business Tools for American Entrepreneurs

The United States will generate $11,727 million in 2021, according to business intelligence adoption figures by Statista. As a result, the country will become the world’s largest technology earner. The exponential rate at which technology is developing demands businesses to keep up, and business tools assist businesses to do so. This article is going to compare and explore the top small business tools for entrepreneurs in the US. 

1. All-in-One tools

Connecteam is a free small business tool that enhances their users’ daily business routines. It allows managers to offer feedback, enhance engagement, track work hours easily to enhance timesheet management and payroll processes, share intuitive schedules, remain transparent, and unite all workplace communication and collaboration. Connecteam offers GPS time tracking for when employees clock in and out from their phones, an interactive communication platform for employees, the ability to draw up and share a job schedule, and the ability to manage important reports on the go. 

2. Business formation tools

Business formation tools, such as LLC formation services help business owners and entrepreneurs to set up a Limited Liability Company. These providers offer business formation packages which usually include the services of filing articles of organization, EIN registration, registered agent services and compiling operating agreements. Selecting an LLC formation best suited for a business is imperative. Read here to find out which are the best LLC formation services according to Incorporation Rocket.

3. Communication tools

As a business grows, managing communication may prove to become a time-consuming task for entrepreneurs. Google Docs and Join.me are able to assist entrepreneurs in streamlining communication processes and help them save time.

• Google Docs is a useful tool when sharing and collaboration is needed on files. The files are then stored on Google Drive, and this prevents the need of having to email the documents between those collaborating. 
• Join.me is a conferencing tool that assists professionals in presenting to multiple employees or clients remotely.

4. CRM and ERP tools

Business owners are able to digitise their inventory and sales process tracking. This would save time for business owners and allow them to complete sales faster and more effectively. Software available for this is:

• Hubspot CRM is a free solution that tracks customer interactions via automation features. 

• Proofhub is a project management and team collaboration software tool, and is a great option for small businesses. This tool replaces the need for multiple tools needed for task management, collaboration, time tracking, communication, file sharing, and reporting.
• Sellsy combines sales process data from different channels, such as online, PoS and inside sales. They also combine this with client relations and contact marketing, inventory management as well as time tracking.
• xTuple is a free open-source ERP solution with an integrated CRM system, and caters mainly for businesses who offer products rather than services. 

5. Automation tools

The automation of business processes and tasks simply saves business owners precious time. Software available for this purpose is:

• IFTTT, which stands for “If this then that”, is a flexible automation system which serves to integrate apps and services in order to create automated processes for things. 
• Zapier is a business-oriented automation tool that integrates with more apps and services than IFTTT does.

6. Email tools

With email being the most common tool for communication in business, certain tools have been able to solve the issue of unorganized inboxes while others aim to make email communications more effective for businesses.

• Thunderbird is a free all-in-one email, tasks, calendar and chat platform and it stores emails locally.
• MixMax is a browser plugin that assists in tracking correspondence, scheduling emails, and using sequences and reminders. 
• MailChimp is best for  businesses managing a newsletter, as it includes a WYSIWYG template editor and tracking of open and click rates. 

7. Task management tools

Task management tools assist business owners in tracking the tasks of employees, contractors, and partners. Examples of these management solutions are: 

• The Asana task management solution is user-friendly and flexible. It allows business owners to create repeating tasks, assign them to team members, and keep track of the task progress from one, customizable dashboard.
• Wrike allows business owners to analyze performance insights with spreadsheets. All aspects are customizable and Wrike is also able to integrate with various tools like GitHub, Slack, Box and SalesForce.

8. Point of Sale tools 

A basic desktop computer with specific tools are needed to manage a business’ POS activity. Examples of these tools are:

• Loyverse is a POS and loyalty program solution for businesses like small businesses. The tool includes analytics as well as inventory management and is available for free on Google Play and the iTunes App Store.
• KeyHut is similar to an old-style DOS desktop registers.

9. Analytics tools

Analytics tools offer business owners insight into how the business is performing online, sales and where more effort is required. An example of this is Google Analytics. Google Analytics’ services offer business owners the chance to enhance their marketing strategy to generate more leads.

10. Business development tools

Tools such as SBA.gov and SCORE offer business owners the opportunity to gain knowledge as they develop their startup. SBA.gov, which is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website, offers information on writing up business plans, how to finance a business, insights and tips for entrepreneurs, and so much more. SCORE is a tool for helping small businesses get off the ground by offering free learning opportunities online, as well as in-person mentoring.

The bottom line

Adopting new business tools, as well as technology, is sure to achieve improvements in business efficiency. From using business formation tools, to communication tools, to automation tools. By removing repetitive tasks and emphasizing employee advocacy, business owners are able to boost morale and keep customers engaged.