Do you have a killer idea for a startup company? Perhaps you’ve already got a plan in motion, and you’re getting the initial stages worked out, or have already started implementing strategies and are picking up steam. Either way, you need the right tools to help manage your growth and keep you and your team on task. No matter what your business, here are few things that can help you gain a productivity edge.
Taiga
You’re going to need a project management tool, and Taiga is one of the most interesting open source options in the game. What does Taiga allow you to do? It takes the Kanban methodology for dividing projects into various developmental stages but streamlines it in a way that is much easier to navigate than some of the more cumbersome options that exist on the market presently. Simple, intuitive, powerful, and customizable, this is one of the easiest ways to break down your work and get your entire team on the same page. Best of all, they have a free option to give you an opportunity to try it out and see if it will work for you and your crew before committing to a paid plan (with increased functionality).
Charlie
Need a way to prepare for meetings in a hurry? Charlie is the way to go. This personal assistant program “combs through hundreds of sources and automatically sends you a one-pager on everyone you’re going to meet with, before you see them.” Think of it as Cliff’s Notes for people, allowing you to get up to speed and put your best foot forward every time. You’ll be able to make a striking first impression, and, hopefully, wow potential clients, wooing them over to your startup cause. On top of that, it’ll save you the time of having to dig up all that important information yourself.
Voxer
If you need a way to chat with the whole team, whenever, wherever, then Voxer should be on your radar. This chat app, like most, lets you utilize text and photos to communicate but adds a nice twist: live voice chatting. Much like a walkie-talkie, you can buzz in and get your message out to the whole crew instantly. In addition, Voxer includes end-to-end encryption to help keep your chats secure. They have several pricing levels and a basic free service that allows you to try before you commit to a monthly plan. Privacy, convenience, and seamless syncing across devices; what more could you ask for?
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Inky
You’re going to have to tame the raging beast that is email. Inky provides a secure way to make it happen and incorporate some quality encryption at the same time. In addition to top-tier email features, slick design, and all the relevant extras, you get high-grade security to protect your company secrets. You can integrate existing email accounts, and, as told by Inky, you can “deploy Inky with custom policies to protect email data when an employee loses a device or leaves the company.” Talk about secure.
Plumfund
Let’s face it, getting funding is a concern for any new venture. Crowdfunding has become a viable source of capital for many startups, but choosing the right platform from the myriad that already exists can be something of a chore. If you want to try something a bit different (but no less functional) you might give Plumfund a go. Designed by the creators of Honeyfund, this crowdfunding app can be used for just about anything, so have at it.
Wendy Dessler is a super-connector with OutreachMama and Youth Noise NJ who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking.
