Image credit: Hope House Press - Leather Diary Studio on Unsplash
Tools
The platforms, apps, tools, and resources I use
There are a lot of different platforms, apps, tools, and resources out there to help you increase your productivity and work more effectively. I've tried loads!
Listed below are those I use regularly, and some I use occasionally or have used in the past. I'm also quick to learn how to use new tools and systems and like training others.
And if you're looking for information on becoming a Virtual Assistant, then have a look at The VA Handbook - it's where I first discovered the term "Virtual Assistant" and has a ton of useful articles on it!
And if you're wondering why I've chosen the photo above, it's because I love beautiful notebooks, although the more beautiful they are the more scared I am to write in them and ruin them with my messy scrawl! 🤣
Those I use regularly
Image credit: Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
Google Workspace
I love Google Workspace - especially Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Keep, and Forms. There is a free version of Google Workspace for Nonprofits, for which many churches and charities are eligible. I can help you set it up and provide training in its use.
Image credit: Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
Zoom and Google Meet
I mainly use Zoom because that's what most people prefer, but Meet is a simpler option that comes with Google Workspace. The free Meet plan gives you 60 minutes of meeting time (1:1 meetings are unlimited), but breakout rooms are a paid feature.
Image credit: Lucian Alexe on Unsplash
Toggl
I log time spent on each client's work for billing purposes, but time-tracking is also useful for seeing exactly how time is spent and identifying areas for improvement. I can even keep track when away from my desk as I also have Toggl on my phone.
Image credit: Timothy Hales Bennett on Unsplash
Facebook
I have set up and managed a couple of Facebook pages, and for one, I produce an annual report on page performance using its metrics on reach, engagement, and follower growth. I also use Meta Business Suite and Live Producer.
Image credit: Domenico Loia on Unsplash
Wix
I created my own Wix website and one for a church. I also maintain my local parish's. They are ideal for churches/small charities with limited budgets, and where maintenance is carried out by volunteers. I can set one up for you and provide training.
Image credit: Sarah at Halo Virtual Assistance
Canva
Canva is an easy-to-use design platform for those without a graphic design background. With a huge number of templates and graphics, it allows users to create a wide range of visual content and there are free and paid plans. I use the free version.
Image credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
LastPass
People re-use passwords because they can't remember them otherwise, but this compromises security. Password managers, like LastPass, generate strong, unique passwords, store them securely, and save you from the guesswork!
Image credit: Sarah at Halo Virtual Assistance
LinkedIn
I manage a couple of Facebook pages and for one I produce an annual report on page performance using its metrics on reach, engagement, and follower growth. I also use Meta Business Suite and Live Producer.
Image credit: Sarah at Halo Virtual Assistance
A Church Near You
I manage my local parish's A Church New You (ACNY) page and have provided this service for another church. Keeping your church's ACNY page up-to-date is essential, especially if you don't have your own website.
Image credit: Sarah at Halo Virtual Assistance
Trello
I use Trello for so many different aspects of my life! It uses a Kanban-style board layout with lists and cards, making it easy to visualise tasks and their progress. You can use it by yourself or add team members to your boards for easy collaboration.
Image credit: Grant Davies on Unsplash
WhatsApp Desktop
Having WhatsApp Desktop allows me to see my messages sooner, type messages with my keyboard, send and receive files easily, and quickly copy and paste in chunks of text and links. And all messages are synced between my PC and smartphone.
Others I've used
Asana - a project management tool that's similar to Trello, but better suited to complex projects and large teams, while Trello is simpler and more suitable for smaller teams and individuals.
Basecamp - another project management platform but it's a bit different to Trello and Asana. It's best for remote teams and a-sync collaboration. It was perfect for our team at Coaching through Covid and Beyond, as we were fully remote.
Discourse - an open source Internet forum system. I have moderated a forum and provided training.
Loom - a free screen recorder. I used this to make a training video for the Discourse forum.
Mailchimp - a marketing automation and email marketing platform.
Doodle - an online polling tool for fast and easy scheduling.
Hootsuite and Buffer - social media marketing and management tools, which I mostly used for scheduling posts.
Instagram and X (when it was Twitter!) - social media platforms for marketing, customer service, brand building, and community engagement.
Microsoft 365 - I prefer Google Workspace but have used Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Forms, Teams, OneNote, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels for free stock images (but mainly Unsplash), and I always credit the creator wherever possible.
Data Developments Membership Coordinator (now retired in favour of MyMembershipManager.Online) - membership administration software specifically designed for churches, faith-based organisations, and charities to keep track of members, families, groups, and rotas, and to create a membership directory booklet and various kinds of reports. As well as maintaining it, I also provided training on its use.
SAP for order processing, a long time ago!
Act! CRM As well as using it, I also provided training on its use - a very long time ago!