#tools

Never place your trust in an app

Another app bites the dust.

The Around video conferencing app is shutting down. Who would have thunk this would have happened when they sold back in 2022.

Take aways…
Never put your trust into any app.
Always make your data transferable.

Got a new tool to fix Chuck’s battery

Winter hasn’t been kind to Chuck, and the battery has had a bad time while he’s been sitting for a while.

So I got a battery charger that can also repair and maintain it to bring it back to life.

It’ll take some time, and I have high hopes that it’ll be just fine.

Don’t let this be your workflow

Getting clients is the easy part. Marketing, sales, and your brand are how they find you, and that’s great. But if your delivery falls short, you’ll fail.

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You have to pay for it somehow

There’s always a payment, no matter the method, whether it’s money, time or sheep. There will always be a payment made somehow.

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Working with the tools you have

There are times we won’t have the tools we need to finish a project. However, if we’re inventive with the things around us, we can.

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Don’t want it, need it

We all want shiny new things, but do we really need them? If you step back and think about the things you need, you’ll realise it’s less than the things you want.

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Get yourself a Noid Light set

A Noid Light is a tool that helped me eliminate issues saving me time, money and a whole lot of headaches. You might need something like it too.

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The Apple WWDC buying frenzy

With the Apple WWDC conference next week announcing new stuff, we have to ask ourselves, do we really need new hardware every year?

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Productivity is dying

Reading through the comments of a very interesting Tweet this morning, it seems many are getting fed up with ‘productivity’ apps, and I’m here for it!

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Make space for simplicity

It doesn’t matter if you’re building an app, running a business or creating content, in fact, even your personal life. Just remember to Keep IT Simple.

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Turn it off and on again

There are times no matter what you try it will never be how you want it. Trying to sellotape or hack a solution to make it work will often make it worse.

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All the gear but no idea

Having all the tools in the world won’t make you productive unless you have a goal. Knowing what you need to achieve that goal is vital when choosing the right tools.

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Productivity is a lie

The longer you look for a way to be more productive by learning everything under the sun, the longer it’ll take for you to actually get off your ass and do it.

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It’s ok to just use the stock Apple apps

Sometimes we need to get a third-party app to get our work done. However, using the stock Apple apps can be easier and save you time and money.

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‘Busyness’ can kill opportunities

Being ‘busy’ can be a double edge sword. On the one hand, it’s great to be working, but on the other, it doesn’t leave time for other urgent things.

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No, I don’t have an iPad

The Apple ecosystem is great, but sometimes we need a device to do some work. And I feel an iPad isn’t the best device to reach for that task.

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Stop looking at features

Features are only good if we need or use them. The issue with ‘features’ is that they’re often bloat and never used. Show me the benefits, and I’ll buy it.

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Saving money is simpler

There are plenty of gurus out there telling you how you could make more money. But have you thought that simply not wasting money could be more beneficial?

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In with the new

In with the new [year], we’re all so quick to create a resolution we can never realistically keep. So this year, develop smaller steps for your ideas and goals. It’ll be easier.

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Do this if using email is annoying

One of the best business tool we have is email. However, the problem with email is that it can take up a lot of our time and energy. But there is an easy fix: Delete it!

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We all have our own rhythm

Having the best system for our business is the holy grail regarding tech and IT. However, many don’t realise that creating such a system comes from within.

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More often than not, nothing works out of the box. It’s annoying, frustrating and a massive time suck! But once you understand the issue and know what you need out of the tech you use, then life becomes easier.

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How can adding something can help you simplify?

It’s so counter-intuitive, especially when Tech Minimalism tells us the opposite, but sometimes it’s better to add something to your toolkit that helps us simplify our business.

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Stop hacking your tools!

The best solution is the simple one. So if you’re constantly fixing the ‘hacks’ that are supposed to make your life easier, then what’s the point? You’re only ’Sellotaping’ a fix and not fixing it permanently. Right?

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Never fear the unknown

It’s all too common to fear the task than actually doing the test itself. As a result, we sometimes fall into a place where we feel anxious about trying something new. Even though, deep down, we know it’s probably better for us.

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Basecamp is the modern day Rolodex

I used to run a business in the past with a minimal amount of ‘tech’. And when I say ‘tech’ I mean Rolodex, pen and paper! So for me having a tool like Basecamp is equivalent to that, but quicker, simpler and easier.

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Basecamp is the ultimate blank piece of paper

Now that Basecamp has moved to a per-user pricing model, I think this is the best time for many single-user/small businesses to look into it to see how they can save time and money by implementing it into their workflow.

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Keeping your business organised with Daylite

The fewer places you have to hunt for information, the more productive you will be. This simple idea can turn any business with the right tools be a powerhouse of efficiency. For me, I use Daylite to make that happen.

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Email is the only constant

Often the thing you use most and take for granted is the most important in your life. However, we don’t often consider it important until something goes wrong. Think about having a cut at the end of any finger.

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Being nostalgic with tools

Letting go of things is one of my biggest vices. I’m not a hoarder, but it takes me time to get rid of stuff as I get attached to them.

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Using apps you already have

The simpler your workflow, the more you can get done. It sounds simple, but many don’t realise how the apps they already have on their Macs can do more than they think. With the added benefit of not spending more money too!

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What password manager should you use

Having a password manager is one of the best ways to help keep your privacy and security in check. But what one is best for you and why? In this video, I’ll go over some of the best options available.

Apple Keychain: support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchlf375f392/mac
Minimalist: https://minimalistpassword.com
Bitwarden: bitwarden.com
1Password: 1password.com

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Your life could be a constant holiday

Doing what you want in your life is the ultimate goal. Many like having their two-week holiday in the sun, but what if it was possible to have a constant holiday? Well, you can. It’s called living the life you already have.

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Your best idea is usually your first

They say you should always be listening to your body. That way, you can be proactive before getting sick.

The same thing is valid for listening to your gut feeling when doing something in/for your business.

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Does your tech bring you joy?

Doing something that doesn’t bring you joy is no fun. Doing work with tools you don’t like is no different. There’s nothing worse than doing your work with apps that suck and are challenging to use.

Lets talk about finding the right tools for you!

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Minimise your business tools

The more tool you have, the less work you’ll do.

That might sound counterintuitive.

But the more you bounce from one tool, app or service to another just doing something simple can take more time and effort than you realise.

What to Keep IT Simple? Let’s talk!

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How not to forget your best ideas

The older we get, the more we forget. I know in my case that’s true, so taking notes for ideas, thoughts and things you want to remember for your work is vital. And the ability to take those notes anywhere is even more so.

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Work tools and business tools are different

To make it easier on yourself when choosing the right tools and apps, make sure you understand the difference between tools for your business and tools for your work.

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Having everything in one place

We all know that having data for your business in one place is better than having to hunt for what you need in a bunch of tools, apps and service that isn’t efficient.

So why are some still use Post-it notes for important information?!

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Fearing tech isn’t the answer

We all need to use tech in our lives, whether for work or personal use. Even though many fear using technology altogether, some fear using it due to the wrong choice rather than the tech itself.

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You don’t have to use all the features

Humans are nest makers. They’re hoarders. And when it comes to tech and the apps they use. They want to use all its features because they have this idea they’re missing out on something. But that’s oh so wrong!

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Wanting and needing are two different things

Not knowing what you need is annoying. But even worse is to get something you want. Why? Mainly because it’s probably not going to work for you.

Just because you see someone with something you ‘want’, doesn’t mean it will be right for you.

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Don’t focus on the software

Productivity shouldn’t be something you’re taught how to do. It should be you just getting your work done. So using the tools or software should come from the way you work, not from some guru who tells you what you should use.

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Online vs offline Apple apps for your business

With many SaaS apps and services, you need the internet to function as a business. But what if you’re away or most of the time you work remotely and have no access to the internet?

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Your tech foundation is vital to your business

When I talk to small businesses about their Apple tech and how it’s used, they often say they have problems with keeping track of things. My response is always: Having a solid tech foundation will help.

Want to simplify your tech? Click here!

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Apple apps for your business

It’s not always necessary to go out and buy a bunch of software to run your business. You already have Apple devices with a ton of software you could use.

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Road to simplicity

We have too much stuff. We don’t understand why. We just need to find a way to have less and enjoy our lives. The road to simplicity can be hard, to begin with, but once done, you’ll let go of your burdens.

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Friday Fury: Just ship it

Is it just me? Am I being oversensitive? I don’t think so. Why should SaaS companies get away with releasing software and apps under the guise of; ‘just ship it’, when there are bugs and features missing?!

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Solution to a problem

Be the architect, not the builder. This is something I heard a while back and stuck with me. There’s nothing wrong with being a builder, but sometimes one’s mind is more geared towards finding solutions rather than building them.

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You already have the app!

Don’t get bogged down with trying to find an app to help you do that one thing. You’ll find that you probably already have something that can do it, and do it well!

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Search for a simpler app

We’re inundated with apps and tools. However, most are full of bloat and feature we never need. And because of that, we often stop using them. I wish developers reached out to users before they start building.

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Never cheap out on tools

Don’t get caught out with the allure of check tools. You’ll regret it in the end and will be kicking yourself for not choosing the right tools that’ll last and be beneficial to your business.

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Content creation and the tech

Too much tech is never great. When it comes to your video or podcast production tech, it’s no different. Having too many ’toys’ can hinder your creativity and when you start, it’s simply not needed.

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The grass is just fine

With the work that I do, I have to go and find software solutions, basically, any kind of solutions, for my clients.

And what that entails is me using that software for a particular amount of time to make sure that I’m happy with how they work, how they function and whether it would work for any of my clients.

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Avoid the software trap

Software and apps are increasingly becoming more complex. This complexity often arises because companies add numerous features in response to constant user demands.

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You only need a Rolodex and some Post-its

If I suggested managing your business using Rolodexes and Post-it notes, you’d probably think I was nuts. And you’d be partly correct.

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Practicality not Hope

You’ll never win the fight that marketers and salespeople are waging.

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Put your own mask on first

As business professionals and humans, we always have the urge to help someone, and that’s never a bad thing. However, there’s a reason why on planes, they tell you to put on your own mask first before helping someone else.

Want to simplify your workflow? Click here!

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