I am often asked "What's In Your Tool Kit"?  What tools do I use in my business to be more productive?

That’s a loaded question because I am a geek and every time something new comes out, I am a first adopter.  I know for most of us that can become very overwhelming.  So here are some of the top productivity tools in my Tool Kit that I use online to run my business: 

1. WiseStamp - (wisestamp.com)

WiseStamp is a web browser extension, which supports Firefox, Google, and Chrome. The WiseStamp strong platform has a variety of Email Apps that allows users to make a better use of their daily emails – adding a whole new level of functionality and interaction. It’s on the end of all my email correspondence.  The free version is great.  It allows you to create a customized email signature that is a great call to action every time you send an email out. 

2. Canva – (canva.com)

Canva gives you everything you need to easily turn ideas into stunning designs. Create designs for Web or print: blog graphics, presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, posters, invitations, business cards and so much more. Simply search for the best graphics, photos, and fonts, or upload your own. I use Canva to create my blog images, graphics, and social media. Canva comes with a lot of free graphics that you can use and customize as well as a host of fee-based graphics. These fee-based graphics are a $1/piece, so it won't break the bank if you decide to use them. 

3. Jing - (techsmith.com/jing)

Jing is a simple way to start sharing images and short videos from your computer screen. Jing gives you the ability to add basic visual elements to your capture sand share them fast. You can capture an image of what you see on your computer screen. I keep the Jing tool open on my computer. That way I can grab images or capture a screenshot in a flash. 

4. Hangout Magix - (hangoutmagix.com)

Hangout Magix gives users options when it comes to Google Hangout graphics. The app is intended to work alongside Hangout Toolbox, a Google+ extension that is available on the left sidebar of Google Hangouts. I make my lower thirds to use on my Internet television show Connecting People, Changing Lives. 

5. Dropbox – (dropbox.com)

Dropbox is a home for all your photos, docs, videos, and files. Anything you add to Dropbox will automatically show up on all your computers, mobile devices and even the Dropbox website -- so you can access your stuff from anywhere. Can’t live without this one.  Great to know that wherever I am, I can access my important files. 

6. vCita – (SparkItNetwork.com/vcita)

Getting people’s attention and engagement is only part of marketing and growing your business. You must get them to take ACTION to close the sale, book the gig, complete the transaction or it’s all “just talk”. It has an easy-to-use appointment reservation system that sends reminders by email or text message. You can see it in action here: http://www.ConnectWithCaren.com These are just a few of my favorite tools to assist you in being more productive in your business.  What’s in your tool kit? For a copy of my Business Resource Guide: sparkitnetwork.com/cool-tools 

BIO:

For the last 30 years Caren has dedicated her personal and professional life to communicating and connecting with people. In the early 90’s she was a children’s rock and roll singer, signed with Rhino Records. She traveled the country singing songs of self-esteem. That experience culminated with a concert at Carnegie Hall. She has 8 CD’s to her name including “Voice of Hope” which is a collection of spiritual songs to move you through the many experiences in life. 

During that same time, she owned a creative arts company that provided arts programming for the public and private schools sector in Los Angeles.  She is the author of 4 books and the host of Connecting People, Changing Lives, an internet TV show. 

Today, as the co-founder of Spark It Network, she focuses on helping businesses create digital assets so that they can get found on the internet.