We’re in an era where technology is evolving rapidly. One noteworthy development is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. With these tools becoming increasingly mainstream, businesses and organizations are actively seeking ways to reduce costs and enhance productivity. A recent example is Duolingo, a language learning app that recently laid off about 10% of its contract workers. This move is part of the company’s strategic shift towards leveraging AI for efficiency and productivity improvements.
As we kick off the new year, achieving success in your business will require a sharp focus on utilizing the most effective tools and services to be successful and stay ahead of your competitors. In addition, navigating the constantly changing landscape of entrepreneurship calls for strategic decision-making that can propel your business to greater heights.
Whether your goal is to boost productivity, enhance your online presence, or streamline operations, having the right set of tools can make a significant impact. In this exploration, we’ll dive into a carefully selected range of cutting-edge resources geared towards empowering your business in the upcoming year, providing a roadmap for growth and success in a highly competitive market.
So if you find yourself trapped in a growth slump using the same tools and services you’ve been using for years, rest assured that you’re not alone. Even the most successful companies need a boost from time to time. That’s where the right tools and services come into play. However, with the multitude of options available, it can be challenging to know where to begin.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top tools and services to help your company soar to new heights, regardless of your industry or budget. We’ll cover everything from marketing automation to project management, customer relationship management (CRM), design thinking, and much more.
Since there are already numerous articles covering the best business growth tools, we opted for a different approach—tapping into the tools and services that successful entrepreneurs have used to grow and boost their businesses. In this piece, we’re diving into the arsenal of tools and services that Nick Huber, founder of the Sweaty Startup, used to grow his companies. Having successfully sold his service business in January 2021 for a seven-figure sum, Nick now oversees a self-storage portfolio comprising 42 facilities, encompassing over 1 million square feet and supported by 44 employees.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Nick generously shared a comprehensive list of tools, services, and strategies—both free and paid—that he utilized across his 11 companies, spanning from the initial launch to the subsequent growth phases.
So, fasten your seatbelts, get ready to explore the tools and services employed by successful entrepreneurs, and watch your company soar to new heights!
Top 10 Tools and Services to Grow Your Company in 2004
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Web Domain and Website:
- Establishing an online presence is crucial, and I recommend platforms like SquareSpace, Google Domains (now SquareSpace), or Webflow for building your website.
- Consider investing in a premium domain from DAN.com for better recall and hire professionals like WebRun.com for website development, focusing on simplicity, conversions, and SEO.
- Ensure your website includes landing pages for each service and location, with features like a customer info form and Calendly for booking sales calls. Utilize CRMs like Airtable or Hubspot for organized customer data.
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Logo:
- For logo creation, I’ve found 99 designs useful. However, it’s crucial to check for trademarks using an image search tool.
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Google Business Profile:
- Set up a Google Business Profile, get citations done, and gather reviews from real customers. Consider services like NiceJob for review collection.
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Phone Number:
- Acquire a dedicated company phone number. Options like Google Voice or services like Ring Central work well based on your company’s needs.
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Email:
- Use G Suite for a professional email address, calendar, and Drive with your company domain.
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
- Focus on creating excellent landing pages and site structure. Consider link-building strategies for increased domain authority.
- I recommend using a service like BoldSeo.com to source backlinks and enhance your online presence.
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Paid Ads:
- For smaller ad spends, you can learn to run your own paid ads on platforms like Google. For larger budgets, consider hiring agencies such as AdRhino.com to optimize ad campaigns.
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Communication:
- Employ tools like Slack for organized team communication.
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Bookkeeping/Tax Returns:
- Create an LLC for a company bank account. Services like BetterBookKeeping.com can handle monthly bookkeeping and tax returns.
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Company Insurance:
- Obtain general liability insurance. Companies like TitanRisk.com specialize in insurance for businesses with a real estate focus.
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Hiring (Overseas Employees):
- Consider overseas employees for cost-effective growth. Services like SupportShepherd.com can assist in recruiting for various roles.
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Recruiting US-Based Employees:
- Utilize recruiting companies like RecruitJet.com to find and recruit talent locally.
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Hiring and Delegation Strategy:
- Implement effective hiring and delegation strategies, and consider resources like https://youtube.com/watch?v=lQ3-QlAmZPk&ab_channel=SweatyStartup for insights.
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Payroll:
- Use Gusto.com for managing company payroll, sick days, vacations, bonuses, etc.
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Payment Processing:
- Employ services like Stripe.com for collecting payments and consider incentivizing ACH payments or adding extra fees for credit card transactions.
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Sales and Executive Coaching:
- Invest in executive and sales coaching for management and sales representatives. Services like HuberMethod.com can help organize these efforts.
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Online Banking:
- Consider online banking services such as RelayFi.com or Mercury for easy money management, payments, and employee credit cards.
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AI Notetaker:
- Use tools like Avoma in Zoom meetings to obtain transcripts and keep notes, especially crucial for remote teams.
- Second Monitor for Everyone:
- Ensure all employees have a second monitor for improved efficiency, a small but impactful investment.
Feel free to share your own insights or tools that have helped your company become more efficient or drive sales! (Disclaimer: Nick Huber is an investor or partner in several mentioned companies.)
