Top Tools I Used in 2017 to Run My Business
- MacBook Pro (2016) – my mobile HQ. I ran everything from this one machine: diagnostics, invoicing, marketing, and content creation. It never left my side.
- iPhone – my all-in-one mobile tool: for calls, scheduling, navigation, email, photos, and video content.
- Hotspot Device – helped me deliver on-site services even when clients didn’t have working internet. Essential for mobile jobs.
- Refurbished Dell Laser Color Printer – handled all the shop's print needs, from flyers to business cards. It was a workhorse that allowed me to offer affordable, on-demand printing.
- External HD / USB Drive – organized all client documents, backup files, and shared resources. It was my digital filing cabinet and helped keep everything accessible and safe.
- Cell Phone Repair Kits – low-cost kits allowed me to expand my services into mobile device repair. Cracked screens and battery swaps became a fast way to earn.
- Tech Cables Kit – adapters, cords, HDMI, Ethernet, and charging cables — the unsung heroes that saved many jobs. Always in my backpack.
- Microsoft Office – for proposals, invoices, spreadsheets, and all documentation. Excel and Word were essential to keeping things organized and presentable.
- Adobe Photoshop – my go-to for clean, custom designs when I needed more precision than Canva could offer. It gave me a professional edge, even on a budget.
- TeamViewer – my go-to remote access tool. It allowed me to support clients from anywhere, troubleshoot issues in real time, and expand my service offering beyond the physical shop.
- Facebook, Instagram, OfferUp, and Craigslist – these platforms were my first marketing tools and customer acquisition channels. I used them to find deals, connect with clients, and advertise my services locally.
- PayPal – my first payment processor. It made it easy to invoice clients, collect deposits, and send receipts — even when I didn’t have a full POS system.
These tools weren’t fancy or expensive, but they were effective. They helped me launch on a tight budget, build momentum, and taught me how to stay resourceful and scrappy when it counted most.