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Get Your Work Flowy

posted by Alicia in Solid Productivity Tips

You know how the simplest ideas are always the best?

I’ve been using the most amazing online organisational tool that is SO simple it gives me goosebumps.

It’s not often I get a physical reaction to an organisational tool but when I do, I have to tell everyone.

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What can you get for a Fiver these days? Let’s see…

posted by Alicia in Solid Productivity Tips

  • A latte and a muffin from Starbucks
  • single trip on the London Underground in Zone 1

Hmm…doesn’t go very far, does it?

Unless you pop over to Fiverr.com

It’s one of the resources I turn to when I need a little something done in my business, quickly.

The type of things that I haven’t got the time or tools to do myself, but are probably too small (or obscure) to find another professional to do for me.

Particularly graphics and design type tasks, such as:

  • removing the background from an image
  • creating a 3D book cover for an e-book
  • designing a promotional flyer
  • creating an intro for an online video

There are countless services you can buy. All for just $5.00!

Some I wouldn’t recommend: buying Twitter followers, for example.

Some are just plain crazy (anyone want a postcard sent from Slovenia??)

But among the weird stuff you might just find a solution to a niggle that’s preventing you from moving forward on a project.

There’s been a few things I’ve scrubbed off my to-do list thanks to Fiverr but don’t expect miracles. It’s only $5.00 after all!

Take Action!

  • Pop over to Fiverr and browse some of the categories. I recommend Graphics and Video for starters
  • By browsing the services you might be inspired to buy something you didn’t know you needed that will add a little personality and fun to your business profile
  • Filter your search by ‘popularity’ or ‘rating’ and look for the ‘Top Rated Sellers’ to guarantee the best service
  • Always check out the reviews before you commit
  • Swing by my   and let me know if you buy anything!

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The Pain Free Way to Get Your Contracts Signed

posted by Alicia in Solid Productivity Tips

contract

The process of getting contracts signed is almost enough to put you off doing it. All that printing, signing, scanning, faxing, posting – feels like we’re back in the dark ages. Luckily, there is another solution that makes getting contracts and documents signed fast, simple and pain free. Not only that, clients love it. And who wouldn’t? Contract signing is notoriously tedious for everyone, often being the one thing delaying the start of a project. Ugh.

I’ve been using Echosign since I started my business. It’s one of a handful of tools that assists the smooth running of the day-to-day tasks, cutting down on admin and allowing me to concentrate on the more rewarding stuff. Here’s why I think Echosign is so great:

  • Simplifies the contract signing process making it more efficient and professional
  • Literally reduces the sign up process to minutes. Simply upload your contract or form, set which fields are required for completion, then hit ‘send’
  • Integrates with a number of other applications including Google Apps and Salesforce
  • Tracks progress so you can see where the document is held up and by whom (particularly handy if there are more than 2 signatories)
  • Sends auto reminders to all parties if required so you don’t have to
  • Sends everyone a copy of the signed document in PDF format and securely stores a version in your account
  • Most importantly, it closes business quicker

There is even a great widget allowing you to post your contracts or documents on your website or blog – a great idea if you’re selling products or services online.

Oh, and did I mention there’s a free version?

If you’re worried about the legality of E-signatures, then don’t be. They have the same legal standing as traditional forms of contract signing being covered in the EU by the Electronic Signature Directive and E-Sign Act in the US. Did you know that the first agreement signed electronically was in 1998? Back then, we were all watching Something About Mary and engrossed by the Monica Lewinsky scandal. It’s only in recent years with advances in technology that has made e-signing a simpler solution than the alternative, and a real option for businesses.

Just look at some of the companies using Echosign on their website.