Paper used to hold me hostage. Managing stacks of documents, I thought were crucial felt like an uphill battle. Then, in 2017, when I embraced a nomadic lifestyle, I realized paper wasn’t as essential as I had believed.
Here are a few simple ways to let go of paper, get organized, and start saving time in both your life and business:
Cloud Storage is Key
Say goodbye to filing cabinets! Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, or OneDrive allow you to store and organize documents digitally. They’re secure, accessible from anywhere, and make sharing files a breeze.
E-Signatures Save Time
Eliminate the need for printing and scanning with tools like DocuSign or Adobe Sign. Clients and partners can sign contracts or agreements digitally, speeding up processes and reducing clutter.
Automate Invoicing
Replace manual invoicing with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks. These tools generate, send, and track invoices automatically, ensuring you never miss a payment.
Digital Notetaking
Still love jotting down physical notes? If you’re not ready to splurge on a Remarkable tablet, there are affordable options to help you find what works best.
Apps like Google Keep, Samsung Notes, Microsoft OneNote, and Joplin let you keep notes and ideas organized without sticky notes piling up. Bonus: you can search your notes instantly! If you’re a Mac, iPad, or iPhone user, Apple Notes is a good place to start.
My go to is taking handwritten notes in Google Keep, Samsung Notes, or Joplin and syncing them to Trello boards for easy organization and accessibility.
Simplify Receipts and Expenses
Apps like Trello can help you keep track of expenses so everything is at your fingertips. Trello integrates seamlessly with tools like Novo business banking and Gmail, keeping all your information organized and accessible from any device.
You can also use apps like Expensify or Wave to scan and organize receipts. These tools often integrate with accounting software, making bookkeeping a breeze.
Going paperless doesn’t just reduce waste—it clears the clutter, both physically and mentally. Plus, digital systems come with features like automated backups and secure encryption, giving you peace of mind.
Start small by focusing on one or two areas of your business. Before long, you’ll wonder how you ever managed with all that paper. Your desk will thank you—and so will your bottom line!
If you’d like direction, advice, or assistance in starting your paperless journey, just hit reply to this email. I’d be happy to help!