As as a Creative Manager I get to wear lots of different hats. My day to day involves lots of multitasking and remembering lots of little details. I’m sure you can relate! Here’s a list of 5 simple tools that I’ve found to really help my workflow.

1// Google docs // https://docs.google.com/

My biggest reason for loving google docs is that it saves as you type, all the time, EVERYTIME. We’ve all been there when we spent 2 hours on business document for it not to save or the page to freeze as we hit upload. With google docs changes are automatically saved every minute. Our team also uses google docs because we can invite multiple users on one document and see live as someone is typing or making changes. This eliminates sending tons of different versions. We use one document and share it between our team to stay updated about information and can view changes in .

2// Google drive // https://www.google.com/drive/

Google drive is our online filing cabinet! We organize all of our important business docs and store them safely there. This helps prevent desktop clutter with tons of files everywhere. We also found the 15 GB of FREE storage is plenty enough for our team. Google drive also has an app so you can view your documents, photos, files, or spreadsheets on any mobile device. Perfect for when you need to access files on the go.

3// Gmail tasks // https://www.gmail.com/mail/help/tasks/

Gmail tasks often gets overlooked when it comes to helpful tools. I love it because it’s not another app I need to open or log into because if you’re like me, I already have tons of tabs and software open as it is. The tasks are right there when I log into email so I can write down little pieces of information I need to remember. I used to use sticky notes but then… they’d magically disappear! Now, I keep two tasks list, one for weekly items and one for daily things that come up. I also love that when I get to check things off my list and it strikes a line through the task! Oh the joy that comes from crossing things off your list!!

4// Atext // https://www.trankynam.com/atext/

If you find yourself typing out the same thing over and over again then this app will totally help your workflow. Thisamazing $5 app has saved me soooooo much time! It’s an app where you can create abbreviations to autofill with text that you choose. For example, you can create an abbreviation of “hf” to automatically write “Happy Friday!” That means each time you type “hf” it will instantly turn into “Happy Friday!” I currently have over 60 abbreviations I’ve created! Another abbreviation I have is when I type “glhq” it turns into ‘http://www.golivehq.co.” I use it for common website links, phrases, bits of information or anything that I find myself typing over and over. I like this better than “canned responses” because I can use it in any browser, document or program. It really helps save time on small phrases or large texts of information.

5// Hours tracker // https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hours-tracker-time-tracking/id336456412?mt=8

Even if you don’t work hourly or need to track hours for a client, as a business owner, you should know where your time is going. Tracking your time is the first step to creating better processes for being productive. Tracking your hours overall helps you see where too much of your time is going, or where you need to spend more time. This free app can be used on your desktop or mobile device, perfect when you are working out of office.

Let us know in the comments what tools you are using to help with workflow and productivity.