These 4 Business Tools Can Make Life Easier

Brent Osborn • June 7, 2018

Imagine building a house with just a hammer. Not such a great idea, right? When it comes to tackling jobs, you’ve got to have the best resources to get it done well and efficiently—especially when it comes to business. As I was writing this article, I remembered that my best friend Marcus—a great resource for me—likes to remind me of the time I misplaced a corkscrew.

In desperate need of a glass, I came up with a plan to open the wine bottle with other tools I had lying around. Let’s just say, after playing MacGyver with a shoestring, nail, drill, lighter, duct tape, and hammer we managed to get the wine bottle open. The obvious lesson I learned: the right tools can save a lot of frustration, time, and energy.

Luckily, opening bottles of wine doesn’t have as much at stake, but I use the lesson above as an additional reminder of how I can create a successful office space. I have some incredible tools that help me get my job done each day. My second monitor for my laptop is a one tool I can't live without. When I don’t have access to it, I'm often challenged and feel less productive.

Recently, I surveyed a few entrepreneurs to get their take on what business tools they couldn't live without.

Pen & Paper
"The one thing for me would be a pencil/pen and paper. Everything is done electronically now but there's something so satisfying about sketching or making lists on physical paper. I have full notebooks of random notes that I've kept going back years. It will be really interesting to look back and see what kinds of things 'past Eric' prioritized."
—Eric Fraser; Founder and CEO of Pitstop Mobile Services

Whiteboard
A whiteboard is a must here. We use it for scheduling, ideas, upcoming projects, financial reviews, target potential customers, and much, much more!"
—Russ Moseley; President and Owner at Tritex Corp.

Asana
"I cannot live without Asana, the project management app! It sends me reminders of upcoming deadlines, it allows me to collaborate with people on my team, but also allows me to organize some elements of my personal life as well (i.e. reminders to order house supplies, make appointments, etc.) I like that it helps me consolidate many different areas of my life."
—Meghan Grace; Researcher, Author, and Podcast Host

What's one business tool that you can't live without? Any recommendations for new tools I should add to my tool belt?

By VectorOne April 2, 2025
For many businesses, spreadsheets are the go-to solution for organizing data, managing workflows, and tracking progress. However, as companies grow, spreadsheets can become cumbersome, prone to errors, and inefficient. Manual data entry, version control issues, and lack of real-time collaboration can slow down operations and lead to costly mistakes. The solution? Transitioning from spreadsheets to digital automation.
By VectorOne March 4, 2025
We recently had some conversations with people in different levels about software changes in their organization. What we heard was...where do we start this conversation? As a business leader, you recognize that technology plays a vital role in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. However, convincing decision-makers to invest in new or upgraded software can be challenging. To get the conversation started, here are some key discussion points that highlight the need for change and the benefits of a tailored solution.
By VectorOne September 5, 2024
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is key. Companies rely on a variety of systems to manage different aspects of their operations, from customer relationship management (CRM) tools to accounting software, inventory management, and more. However, a common challenge many organizations face is ensuring these systems communicate effectively with one another. When systems operate in silos, it can lead to inefficiencies, such as double data entry, errors, and lost productivity. This is where the importance of finding the right tech solutions for seamless system communication comes into play.
By VectorOne July 25, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, the roles of professionals often blur and intertwine, leading to innovative approaches in project management. One such emerging trend is the shift from traditional project managers to designers taking the lead in projects. This shift offers a multitude of positive impacts, transforming the way projects are conceptualized, developed, and executed.
By VectorOne July 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the success and efficiency of companies. However, with rapid technological advancements come significant challenges that companies must navigate. Here are the five biggest technology challenges companies face today and how partnering with a software development company can provide much-needed solutions.
By VectorOne June 10, 2024
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions. Adopting a CRM can offer numerous advantages, from improving customer service to driving sales and fostering collaboration within your team. Let's delve into the pros of using a CRM and explore how to choose the right one for your business needs. We'll also discuss the value of custom solutions when off-the-shelf options fall short.
By VectorOne May 31, 2024
In today's fast-paced digital world, software applications are at the heart of virtually every business operation and personal activity. From managing finances to communicating with teams across the globe, the importance of reliable and efficient software cannot be overstated. However, a significant challenge that persists across the software landscape is the lack of solid user interfaces (UI). This issue is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can lead to decreased productivity, frustrated users, and ultimately, the failure of otherwise promising applications.
Show More