Just a few years ago, most businesses were operating manually. Filing hard copies, sending snail mail, and scribbling to-do lists on sticky notes were the norm. It’s bringing back “2005 vibes” isn’t it? It was just a year later (in 2006) when Amazon Web Services launched its cloud services, revolutionizing the way businesses operate.
Within the last 20 years, technology has pushed its way into every home, workplace, and yes, even most vehicles! It’s everywhere.
And now, even AI has become a household name. Whether or not you support the direction AI is going, using tools to streamline your business should be a no-brainer (that is, if you’re looking to grow your business).
The reason why? It’s simple—you get more done with less effort.
A lot of interior design business owners shy away from technology because they’re not sure what’s good…and what’s not. There are a lot of options out there right now and it can be difficult to know which tools are best for your business.
No need to stress, my friend. Rather than spending hours researching the latest tools, I’m going to share with you a few tried-and-true tools that you can begin implementing today to elevate your business.
Let’s start with Project Management.
Project Management
Ever heard of tools like Asana, ClickUp, or Monday.com? Most likely, you have. That’s because these project management tools are wildly prevalent (especially in the small business space). They help organize projects in one platform and allow teams to collaborate easily and quickly.
Some of their benefits include:
- Increased productivity
- Improved organization
- Streamlined communication
- Facilitating an efficient team
- And so much more!
Benjamin Franklin’s time was way before project management tools were invented, but his words still ring true today:
“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.”
Maybe we should take a few tips from this incredibly famous inventor, author, and scientist and invest in tools that will keep our businesses organized.
Client Relationship Management
I’m a big believer in Client Relationship Management (CRM) tools. In fact, much of my job revolves around helping interior designers set up and manage their clients in Dubsado (my all-time favorite client relationship tool).
Before we get into the benefits of a CRM, let’s quickly review what a CRM is. In short, it compiles client information in one place and streamlines processes throughout the client journey.
This includes everything from emails to contracts to invoices…and beyond (said in my best Buzz Lightyear voice).
Here are just a few of the benefits of a CRM:
- Houses client information in one place
- Streamlines processes
- Improves communication
- Increases efficiency
- Maximizes client experience
If you’re interested in setting up Dubsado, ask about my discount code to reduce the cost of your first year.
Financial Management
Finances. It’s a cringy word that many of us want to stay clear of.
Not that money is bad…in fact, quite the opposite. Everyone likes money. However, finances come with a level of responsibility that just sucks the fun right out of it. Tasks, like monitoring our cash flow, tax planning, and sending invoices feel like a chore and can take away valuable hours of your time.
And time is money…so the more hours wasted, the more money down the drain. At this point, you should know what I’m about to say.
Enter: your friendly neighborhood financial management tools!
Technology, like QuickBooks or Freshbooks, can automate repetitive tasks, keep your business finances organized, and create a professional invoicing process for your clients—all while freeing up your time to focus on growing your business.
Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll find:
- Easy invoicing
- Quick online payments
- Automated payment reminders
- Simplified tax preparation
Design Platform
Are you constantly trying to stay on top of managing your vendors, creating purchase orders, tracking these orders, and making sure everything is paid on time? It’s a lot of moving pieces that can quickly spiral into email overload or Google Sheets mayhem.
At Hannah Bowyer & Co., we’ve seen it all—which is why we often recommend Studio Designer to our clients. This all-in-one platform is the designer’s backstage pass to organized bliss. It brings project management, design tools, client collaboration, product sourcing, and accounting together in one sleek, easy-to-use hub.
Why do we love it? Because it helps you:
- Keep projects running smoothly
- Stay on schedule like a pro
- Ensure client funds are allocated and spent wisely
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Elevate your brand’s reputation
With Studio Designer you can turn your focus to wowing clients with your stunning designs—because your business is running seamlessly in the background.
Time Management
Time management is often an afterthought for business owners, but it’s far more important than most of us know.
Here’s why: If you have no idea how many hours you’re working in a day and what those hours are dedicated to, then you’re very likely wasting valuable time. But how do you audit your time so you can identify which tasks are nonproductive?
You guessed it! A time management tool.
With tools, like Toggl or Clockify, you can determine what is working, what is not working, and how you can improve.
Want to start improving your time management? Check out our blog on why interior designers should audit their time—plus learn strategic steps that you can start implementing now.
Want to boost business success? Invest in a few tools.
As a business owner, I understand that investing in technology can feel overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have to be, my friend.
Many of the tools I’ve shared are easy to learn and free. Even so, if you just don’t have the capacity to set up a new tool, consider outsourcing this work.
At Hannah Bowyer & Co., we offer Dubsado support and Virtual Design Assistance. Yes, you can leverage technology without dealing with the hassle of setup.
If you’d like to learn more, schedule a call.
