THE AGS BLOG

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THE AGS BLOG

An Inside Look At My Ultimate Practical Business Tools

Yep, still living that quarantine life just like most of you. Are we done with this yet? I hope so, but I understand what’s happening and I get it; I’m just ready to get back out there and photograph people! However, until then, these are some of my quarantine favorite tools for business that I couldn’t live without during this time. Here are a few I want to highlight–what’s been keeping me organized and sane!

My Favorite Tool For Organization: Calendly

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This is one of my favorite tools. During quarantine, I’ve been noticing that even though it feels like I have tons of time, time is flying by! This app helps me schedule what times I’m available for phone calls, album design, and meetings. I’ve been using this for almost a year now, but it’s been absolutely amazing now since I need to make sure my day has an appropriate time for each meeting. This app is worth it for a year! If you want to try it first, it’s free with the basic plan!

Best Tool For Photographers: Sprout Studio

I can’t say enough how much I love my CRM. I’ve been with them from the beginning. It started off as a podcast, which turned into this amazing all-in-one tool for photographers who want workflow, numbers, and data in one place. Since the beta, it’s been getting better and better! I’ve been utilizing it during quarantine by going through all my past clients and labeling them for certain projects that I’m working on. Clients from this past year, from weddings to portraits, I’m labeling them for reviews, publishing, and specials on potential new sessions together. This is where I can find all of my clients’ info, and I’m able to reach out to them and offer things like albums, a discounted session, or just a hello! Get at me for a special code if interested in trying Sprout–believe me, I’ve tried them all!

Perfect Tool For Socially-Distanced Connecting: Zoom

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Okay okay, I know EVERYONE is using zoom! But for good reason! This is an awesome tool that actually syncs with my Calendly. I told you these apps are amazing! So to put it all together…when I have a past client from Sprout and label them for an “Album”, they use Calendly to set up a meeting and we use Zoom to connect! *clapping hands*

The Best Time Management Tool: Pomodoro

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I’ve for sure talked about this before. This little timer is awesome for me to stay focused on a certain task for a certain amount of time while at home. One of the main reasons I have an office away from home is because I need to stay focused all day long. When I worked at home, there was NO WAY I was able to get the same amount done that I could from my office. Why? BECAUSE THERE ARE NO LAUNDRY OR DISHES THERE. Honestly, that’s one of the main reasons. I didn’t know about Pomodoro timer then, and I’m so glad I have it now for working during quarantine life. This tool is a time saver. The best part is it’s FREE!

There is a much longer list of tools and subscriptions I use for my business, but these are the everyday. I highly recommend these and if you need any help, just reach out! I can help you perfect your system and save time.

Stay safe my friends, we’re almost through this!

comments +

  1. Audrey says:

    Ooh, I love using Zoom, too! I had no idea it existed until now but it’s so convenient! And I really like the “green screen” background feature. And I feel the same about having so much time but it’s flying by me! Calendly sounds like a pretty good app I’ll try.

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