Although remote working has gained significant popularity in the post-Covid world, I’ve worked from just about anywhere, including cafes, trains, receptions, co-working spaces and client’s premises throughout the last decade.
 With a fast and reliable internet connection, I can work from anywhere, but I also need the right tools.
Here’s a list of the apps that I couldn’t work without –
Buffer
Buffer is a social media management tool that allows users to schedule, publish, and analyse their social media posts across various social channels.
At Perro, we also use Hootsuite for some aspects of social media management. But my go-to channel would be Buffer.
The interface is minimalist, so it’s effortless to use. For me, Buffer simplifies social media management; there are not many pointless features you don’t need. The key sections – Publishing, Analytics and Engagement are nicely laid out in 3 simple areas, accessed from 3 main menu tabs.
As well as improving the effectiveness of social media activity, more importantly, Buffer saves time.
Grammarly
Grammarly is a writing assistant tool that helps users improve their writing by offering real-time grammar and spelling checks, style suggestions, and vocabulary enhancements. It’s available as a browser extension and as a standalone app.
We use Grammarly to enhance the quality and accuracy of written communication, from writing generic emails to creating marketing content.
Grammarly helps us avoid (or reduce) grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.
Monday
Monday, previously known as Dapulse, is a project management and collaboration tool.
At Perro, we use Monday to plan, track and manage just about everything, including project management, individual tasks, collaboration and communication and workflow.
Monday works by storing and presenting data on a series of boards. Each board can be fully customised and displayed in various views. Team members can then be invited to view boards relevant to their roles or work.
The best thing about Monday is having the ability to see where we are with tasks or projects quickly.
In the past, we’ve used a combination of Trello, spreadsheets and various timekeeping apps. Monday lets us do everything from one place.
Notion
Notion is a versatile all-in-one workspace and productivity tool that allows users to organise and manage their personal and professional lives. It provides a flexible and customisable platform for creating notes, documents, databases, project boards, and more.
I enjoy using Notion for business and personal use, mainly for getting organised and writing notes. I’m writing this blog post in Notion. Notion is vast! It’s so flexible and adaptable. I haven’t fully explored more advanced features, such as database and spreadsheet functionality, mainly because we use other tools for those things.
In the past, for note-taking, I’ve used Apple Notes, Evernote and Bear. But right now, I’m enjoying using Notion.
Spark and Calendars
After nearly 20 years of using Apple’s Mail for email, I switched to Spark in 2022. Spark, developed by Readdle, has more valuable features than the somewhat neglected Apple Mail app.
I have several email accounts, so I enjoy the smart mailbox and the possibilities around storing and organising email that comes with Spark. The email snooze and reminders features are also nice.
We also use Calendars, another app from Readdle. Calendars sync nicely with Apple’s Calendars, but as with Spark, it has more advanced features. The ‘inbox style’ to-do list is beneficial.
Readdle’s Apple-based technology makes millions of people more productive, solving real problems and changing what’s possible with iPhone, iPad and Mac. Other Readdle apps include –
Documents: A file manager app that allows users to view, organise, and manage various types of files on their mobile devices, such as iPads.
PDF Expert: A powerful PDF editing and annotation app that enables users to work with PDF documents on their mobile devices.
Scanner Pro: An app that turns the camera on a mobile device into a portable scanner, allowing users to scan and digitise documents quickly.
Xero
Cloud-based accounting software Xero is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a range of tools and features to help businesses manage their financial activities effectively.
At Perro, we use Xero to manage quotes, invoices, expense tracking, purchase orders, bills and payroll. We also rely on quick and easy financial management and reporting features.
Many years ago, we used Sage. I always felt that Sage was created for bookkeeping or accountancy professionals. In contrast, the simple and intuitive Xero is built more for the small business owner.
I enjoy the overall user-friendly nature of Xero.
Zoom
Last but not least is the cloud-based video conferencing and communication platform Zoom.
I don’t think we would have made it through the Covid pandemic and associated lockdowns without Zoom.
We use other tools such as Teams and Skype. Still, Zoom is my go-to conferencing and communication platform, mainly because it’s so simple to use and reliable. I always find that non-Microsoft users struggle with Teams.
Writing this blog post has made me realise that I like apps to be straightforward to use, with just the right amount of features (not too few, but not too many). In the past, we’ve stopped using apps when they’ve become ‘over-developed’, added too many features and drowned the reason why we chose to use them in the first place.
I’m not a techie geek who has to have the latest app for whatever. But I’m always looking to make work more effective and efficient. If an app seems like it will save time, then I’ll always give it a go.
Which apps make your work life easier? Have I missed anything? Drop me a line and share your favourite app.