Running a solo business alongside a full-time job takes intention, organization—and the right tools. As a school principal and certified translator, I’ve learned that time is precious. That’s why I’ve built a system around tools that help me simplify, stay focused, and enjoy the work I do.
These aren’t fancy or complicated tools. They’re reliable, user-friendly, and they help me do one very important thing: Work smarter, not harder.
Here are five tools that support my solopreneur journey—maybe they’ll support yours, too.
1. Excel – For Simple, Effective Bookkeeping
While there are plenty of apps out there for managing money, I still lean on good old Excel. It’s straightforward, customizable, and doesn’t overwhelm me with features I don’t need. I use it to track invoices, payments, and expenses in a way that makes sense to me.
Tip: Create a template with categories for each type of expense or income. It saves time month after month.
2. Canva – For Visuals and Branding
Whether I’m designing a professional-looking invoice header or creating a post for social media, Canva is my go-to. It makes it easy to look polished—even if you’re not a graphic designer.
Tip: Save a few reusable templates for Instagram, client documents, or even email signatures. A consistent look builds trust.
3. Microsoft Office 365 – For Cloud Access Anywhere
I rely on Microsoft Office 365, especially OneDrive, OneNote and Copilot, to stay organized and access my files from anywhere. Whether I’m jotting down notes, tracking client requests, or reviewing project files, it’s all safely stored in the cloud—accessible from my work computer or home office.
Tip: Use OneNote as a digital notebook for meeting notes, project checklists, or translation terminology lists.
4. ChatGPT – For Brainstorming and Writing Support
When I need help drafting a blog post, creating a social media caption, or rephrasing something professionally, I turn to ChatGPT. It’s like having a writing partner who works on your schedule. It doesn’t replace my voice—it helps me express it more clearly and efficiently.
Tip: Use ChatGPT to help brainstorm blog titles, draft emails, or even create content calendars. It’s a quiet but powerful assistant.
5. LogiTerm Pro – For High-Quality, Efficient Translation Work
As a certified translator, precision and consistency are everything. LogiTerm Pro is one of the tools I rely on when I want to work efficiently without sacrificing quality. It helps me manage terminology, compare documents, and quickly search large databases of previous translations. It’s especially useful for technical or repetitive content, where consistency is critical. With LogiTerm, I’m able to deliver professional results faster—and with more confidence.
Tip: Build your own terminology databases over time. It saves hours in the long run and ensures your translations remain sharp and consistent.
Final Thought
You don’t need dozens of apps or expensive systems to run your business well. The key is to find tools that fit your workflow, personality, and pace of life.
Each of these tools supports me in different ways—some help with structure, some with creativity, and some just keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Work smarter, not harder isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a strategy for staying energized, focused, and joyful in your work. And at the end of the day, when your business runs well, you can enjoy what you love most: doing great work, serving your clients, and building your dream—one smart step at a time.
Written with the support of ChatGPT by OpenAI to help shape and clarify my ideas.