Many small businesses have been using Zoho, a popular automated invoicing solution. However, they face issues like lack of operability, inability to integrate the solution with other Zoho applications and limited invoice generation.

The most common challenges with the Zoho invoice generator and invoice tracking tool are difficulty customising or editing automatically generated invoices and the lack of customer support.&nbsp;

Therefore, using Zoho invoicing can be a challenge if you plan to expand your services internationally. Instead, you can try Skydo, a free invoice software for seamless payment life cycles.

Let's understand the common problems faced in Zoho invoice management and how Skydo, a free invoice generator is a more efficient alternative.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1. 500 invoices per year&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2. users per organization

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3. custom fields per module

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Billing for up to 3 projects

The limited features in the free invoicing plan work better for newly set-up businesses. However, as your business grows, you will either have to get a paid plan or use another payment solution.

Difficulty in integrating Zoho Invoice makes it difficult for users to optimise their payment processes and increases inefficiency.

Therefore, smaller businesses that lack infrastructure and technical expertise can have a tough time managing payments through Zoho Invoice.

These challenges make small business invoicing difficult and impact business scalability. How can you avoid them? Use Skydo, an invoice generator free for small businesses and freelancers.&nbsp;

Skydo: The Free Alternative to Zoho Invoices

Skydo is a modern payment solution that allows quick and cost-efficient cross-border payments. With Skydo, you can open international bank accounts in different countries where your clients can transfer money locally and you can add it to your domestic bank account. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/a-quick-guide-to-using-the-skydo-platform">Here</a> is a quick guide on using Skydo for invoicing and payment management.

You can create unlimited invoices using customisable templates

Navigate through the user-friendly dashboard to track all your invoices and find a summary of payments received, outstanding payments, and payments in progress.

Skydo can be easily integrated into your existing payments or accounting infrastructure.

4. Withdraw Payments from Upwork and Freelancer at low costs

Small businesses and freelancers who use platforms like Upwork and Freelancer can integrate Skydo with their account and reduce withdrawal fees by up to 50%.

With the intuitive dashboard, you can export all payment data in an Excel format and use it to derive financial analytics. Thus, it facilitates effective decision-making.

In addition to automated invoicing, Skydo also provides <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">automatic FIRA generation</a> for GST compliance purposes.

Let's see a detailed comparison of Zoho and Skydo based on their features and use cases.

While Zoho offers various invoicing features, it may not be suitable from a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/scale-faster-with-skydo-payment-solution?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">business scalability</a> perspective because of lower transaction visibility and a cap on adding clients and sending invoices.

On the contrary, Skydo is a holistic invoicing solution for businesses offering goods/services globally. It streamlines your payments end-to-end, saving a lot of time, costs and effort. Moreover, the automated payment flow boosts business efficiency and productivity.&nbsp;

Now that you have detailed information about both Skydo and Zoho Invoice generators, you can decide between the Zoho invoicing solution and Skydo based on your business needs and requirements.&nbsp;

Sign up <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">here</a> for a free Skydo trial!

Q1. What is the key difference in invoicing between Skydo and Zoho?

Ans. The main difference between Zoho invoice and Skydo is that Zoho is an invoicing solution for creating, sending and tracking invoices. It facilitates international transactions through PayPal or Stripe.&nbsp;

However, Skydo is a comprehensive payment solution that simplifies cross-border transactions for small businesses and freelancers by helping them open multicurrency bank accounts in other countries.&nbsp;

Ans. Both Zoho and Skydo are free invoice software with an automated invoice system. However, deciding which of them is better depends on your business goals and requirements.&nbsp;

If you plan to expand your business globally, Skydo is a better option because it maximises <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-forex-savings-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Foreign Exchange (FX) savings by charging zero margin</a>. Zoho is more suitable in cases for businesses that cater to domestic clients and want to simplify generating, sending and tracking invoices.

Q3. How to use Skydo for small business invoicing?

Ans. Skydo is an all-in-one payment solution for small businesses. It can be used as an automatic invoice creator, invoice tracker and payment reminder tool.&nbsp;

You can open <a href="https://www.skydo.com/features/international-accounts?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">international bank accounts with Skydo</a> to receive international payments timely and with low transaction costs. Moreover, real-time payment tracking through Skydo helps you take prompt action for payment settlements.

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Throughout 2022 and the beginning of 2023, new large-scale AI tools like <a href="https://chat.openai.com/">ChatGPT</a>, <a href="https://support.google.com/bard/answer/13275745?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid">Bard</a>, <a href="https://openai.com/dall-e-2">DALL-E-2</a>, and <a href="https://www.midjourney.com/home?callbackUrl=%2Fexplore">Midjourney</a>, among others, were introduced to the world. Since then, professionals, especially <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-find-freelance-job-quickly?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">freelancers</a>, have started using such tools to make life easier.

From predicting the weather to driving safely on the roads, AI is weaving into the fabric of one's daily life. This blog lists the top AI tools that make your life easier.

AI tools wield unparalleled power by harnessing advanced algorithms to streamline tasks, revolutionising industries and enhancing efficiency. With algorithms capable of processing vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, it brings automation to tasks that were once time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Industry experts acknowledge the transformative impact of AI tools. <a href="https://fortune.com/2023/04/17/sundar-pichai-a-i-more-profound-than-fire-electricity/">Sundar Pichai</a>, CEO of Google's parent company <a href="https://abc.xyz/">Alphabet</a> considers AI likely to be the most important thing humanity has ever worked on, overpowering electricity or fire.&nbsp;

The numbers also speak for themselves, with a <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/data-and-analytics/publications/artificial-intelligence-study.html#:~:text=Total%20economic%20impact%20of%20AI%20in%20the%20period%20to%202030&amp;text=AI%20could%20contribute%20up%20to,come%20from%20consumption%2Dside%20effects.">PwC report</a> estimating that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

AI tools excel in many areas, from healthcare to finance, from <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/supply-chain-optimization">optimising supply chains</a> to enhancing customer experiences. It is the driving force behind the fourth industrial revolution, propelling the world into an era where intelligent machines collaborate seamlessly with human capabilities.&nbsp;

The power of AI tools lies not only in their algorithms but in their potential to redefine how professionals work, solve problems, and innovate for a brighter future.

Let's explore 10 amazing AI tools to simplify your work life!

Top 10 AI Tools to Revolutionise Your Life: Boost Productivity, Creativity, and Efficiency

Reclaim is a Google Chrome extension for mastering time management effortlessly. With intuitive features, such as smart scheduling and automated task prioritisation, Reclaim ensures optimal productivity. You can seamlessly integrate their calendars to analyse commitments and suggest ideal time slots.

According to Todd Turner, “Reclaim.ai has been a game changer for me. Projects are broken down and time is estimated in ClickUp. Then Reclaim tells me what I need to do and when. The hardest part of time blocking for me has been sitting down to do it. And if I do it, I feel like I can ignore it. Reclaim does that work for me.”

Cleo is an AI assistant dedicated to personal finance. This iOS and Android app prioritises delivering engaging and trustworthy financial advice. Cleo's smart AI assistant makes budget management accessible, offering personalised insights and products.&nbsp;

With seamless integration into daily life, Cleo analyses spending habits, providing a clear overview of financial health. Its commitment to user-first solutions sets Cleo apart, making it a must-have for those seeking a proactive approach to budgeting.

Invoicer.ai elevates invoicing efficiency across various platforms. With a user-friendly interface, Invoicer.ai ensures seamless integration, making it a versatile tool for simplifying financial transactions. Invoicer.ai lets you–

4. Lovo: AI Voice Generator and text-to-speech software&nbsp;

Lovo eliminates the need for expensive studios or voice actors, democratising professional voice production. Its hyper-realistic AI voice and extensive language support make it a go-to solution for content creators seeking high-quality audio content.

Lovo’s introduction Genny, has all the features required to create a compelling video with integrated AI features. You can find–

Lovo, a popular AI software can be used in various business disciplines from advertisements to product demos to audiobooks, and many more.

5. Durable AI: Website Builder and Small Business Software

Durable is a popular AI software that simplifies the web development process. In just 30 seconds, users can construct professional websites without any coding expertise. Durable empowers individuals and businesses to establish an online presence effortlessly.

6. Lyne.AI: AI-powered Sales Personalisation at Scale

Lyne employs AI to craft personalised, attention-grabbing cold emails. It automates the prospect research process for you, generating unique personalised insights in just 1 click, saving hours of human research.

Lyne helps boost your cold email campaign and enriches databases, systems or apps with its API. It also extracts leads from LinkedIn Sales Navigator and discovers their work emails. Lyne enhances response rates, aiding professionals in building meaningful connections and closing deals effectively.

7. RescueTime: Fully Automated Time-tracking Software

<a href="https://www.rescuetime.com/">RescueTime</a> <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-14-productivity-tools-for-freelancers-to-optimise-workflow?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">enhances productivity</a> by automatically tracking computer activities. It provides valuable insights into time management, identifying distractions and optimising workflow for enhanced efficiency.

This popular AI application works with Mac, iOS,&nbsp; Android, and Windows. RescueTime improves your focus by–

Futurenda is a popular AI application that leverages AI to analyse schedules and suggest optimal task times based on energy levels and priorities. This intuitive approach enhances productivity by aligning tasks with individual preferences and peak performance periods.

It is currently available on iOS only. Its key features include–

9.&nbsp;GrammarIn: A Perfect Proofreading Assistant

GrammarIn is a web-based platform, offering a <a href="https://www.grammarin.com/grammar-checker">grammar checker free</a> that helps professionals make their write-ups flawless. Its AI-powered mechanism ensures to detect all kinds of grammatical mistakes existing in emails, memos, reports, or any other tasks.

Besides detection, this tool also suggests corrections to fix the errors. It's AI-based suggestions also make the structure and choice of words better that make the content compelling and engaging for the readers.

Logopony is an AI-powered logo maker that enables users to generate 1000s of professional logos effortlessly for social media, business cards, and others in just a few clicks.

This tool caters to businesses and individuals looking to create impactful brand identities seamlessly. It can create timeless designs which are simple yet complete with detailed orientation.

Super.So transforms Notion pages into functional websites with its no-code website builder. This AI-powered tool simplifies the website creation process, making it accessible to individuals without technical expertise.

It claims to create websites in under a minute that are easy to manage with instant page loads, personalised branding, and SEO optimisation. All you need to do is create a Notion page, paste that web link in Super and publish.

<a href="https://www.edrawmax.com/ai-flowchart.html">Edraw AI</a> serves as a creative brainstorming application, facilitating ideation with its features. It is a user-friendly platform that empowers users to visually organise and develop ideas efficiently.

<a href="https://invideo.io/">Invideo AI </a>allows users to create polished videos using simple text prompts, enabling anyone—regardless of video creation skills—to produce high-quality content in minutes with a powerful<a href="https://invideo.io/make/online-video-editor/"> video editor.</a> By simply typing a topic, users receive a complete video package, including a script, visuals, subtitles, voiceover, and music, tailored to their specifications.

AI tools assist in writing effectively, provide exceptional <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-optimise-financial-operations-with-skydo">financial operations optimisation</a>, and offer many capabilities. These tools are meticulously designed to significantly simplify lives. AI represents a novel approach to work and improvement. Embracing AI in everyday life allows you to enhance your capabilities and efficiency.

The listed AI tools redefine productivity across various domains, showcasing the versatility and innovation AI brings to simplify tasks, enhance efficiency and make life easier. If used properly, AI tools can be your leverage rather than a threat.&nbsp;

Ans: AI tools are applications or software that utilise algorithms to perform specific tasks, automate processes, and enhance decision-making, efficiently.

Ans: Most AI tools work on a freemium model, i.e., offer a free trial for a period. You can explore options like <a href="https://web.meetcleo.com/">Cleo</a>, <a href="https://www.rescuetime.com/">RescueTime</a>, and <a href="https://www.logopony.com/">Logopony</a> for free or freemium models.

Ans: AI automates repetitive tasks, providing valuable insights, optimising workflows, and offering personalised solutions, ultimately saving time and improving overall efficiency.

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A quote and an invoice are necessary for any transaction, yet they serve distinctly different purposes.&nbsp;

A quote is a preliminary offer extended to potential clients, allowing them to weigh their options before committing to a service. If the client accepts the quoted price and terms, you can issue the final invoice, formally requesting payment.

These documents are pivotal in keeping your endeavours organised, maintaining a <a href="https://skydo.com/blog/freelancer-earning-potential-in-2024?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">steady cash flow</a>, and serving as a testament to your reliability as a freelance professional.&nbsp;

The blog includes an overview of Quote vs Invoice, best practices for quoting and invoicing, and the key differences.

A quote, often known as a quotation, is a formal document that sellers or service providers give to potential customers. Its primary purpose is to convey the rendered services, payment terms, and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/5-best-global-payment-solutions-for-international-payments?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">available payment options</a>. It enables customers to make informed decisions about purchasing your services.&nbsp;

The types of quotes include the following.

Let's break down the key elements of a quote.

These elements ensure professionalism, build trust and contribute to a successful quoting process.

An invoice is a formal and legally binding document created after a sale detailing products, costs, and payment terms. This document requests payment from the customer and serves as recorded proof of the transaction.

Its key components include the following.

Quotes and invoices serve distinct roles in business transactions, each with key differences that impact their timing, purpose, content, and legal implications.

Understanding the difference between invoice and quotation is vital for businesses to navigate the various stages of a transaction, from providing initial cost estimates to formalising payment requests after the successful completion of services or delivery of products.

Now that the difference between invoice and quotation is clear, let's delve into some essential tips tailored specifically for freelancers to optimise their client interactions and financial processes.

Tips for Freelancers to enhance your quotes and invoices

For freelancers, maintaining clarity and professionalism in your client interactions is crucial. Here are some key tips to enhance your quote and invoice processes.

Understanding the distinctions between quotes and invoices is pivotal for freelance professionals. It lays the groundwork for transparent client communication and efficient financial management. You can enhance your professionalism by differentiating when to issue a quote and when to provide an invoice.&nbsp;

Clear document types, professional templates, accurate descriptions, and transparent payment terms contribute to smoother interactions. This knowledge empowers freelancers to establish trust with clients, fostering successful and sustainable freelance endeavours.&nbsp;

For those seeking continuous improvement, additional resources and learning opportunities, such as online courses and communities, offer valuable insights. Embrace these distinctions, refine practices, and embark on a journey of professional growth in the dynamic world of freelancing.

Q1. Do I need a quote and an invoice for each project?

Ans. It is advisable to have both. Quotes provide estimates before work begins, while invoices formalise payment requests after project completion.

Q2. Can I change the cost on my invoice compared to the quote?

Ans. It's crucial to maintain transparency. While slight adjustments may be necessary, significant changes should be communicated and agreed upon with the client.

Q3. What if my client refuses to pay my invoice?

Ans: Establish clear payment terms in advance. If issues arise, communicate openly and consider legal assistance if necessary.

Q4. Can I use the same template for both quotes and invoices?

Ans: A consistent quote or <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transforming-your-invoicing-experience-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">invoice template</a> maintains professionalism. However, ensure clarity by specifying whether it's a quote or an invoice.

Q5. What software can I use to manage quotes and invoices?

Ans: Various tools like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a>, Tally, and others streamline the process. Choose software that aligns with your business needs for efficient management.

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Imagine this: you put a lot of effort, time, and creativity into a project for a client, only to get delayed or ignored when it comes to payment. Freelancers face this common and frustrating problem, especially when working with new or unreliable clients. A staggering<a href="https://www.chaserhq.com/blog/87-of-businesses-paid-late-insights-from-2022-late-payments-report"> 87% of businesses reported being paid late</a> in 2022.&nbsp;

Late payments can hurt your cash flow, motivation, and reputation as a freelancer. Then, how can you deal with this issue and ensure you get paid on time for your work?&nbsp;

This blog post shares some tips and strategies that can help you prevent and handle late payments and some communication strategies to use when dealing with the same.

How To Prevent Late Payments In The First Place?

Here are some tips to help you avoid payment delays and ensure timely payments from your clients.

Despite your best efforts, you may still get late payments often. Follow the steps below to handle the situation professionally and effectively.

Communication Strategies To Use When Dealing With Late Payments

Communication is key to managing and resolving late payment issues. Here are some ways to communicate with your clients effectively and professionally about payments.

If the client doesn’t resolve the late payment issue after following the steps above, you may need to escalate the matter and take more drastic measures. However, before you do so, you should consider the following factors.

Late payments are a common challenge for business owners and freelancers, but you can mitigate them with proper communication and preventive measures. To deal with late payments, start by preventing them with reliable clients and clear contracts.&nbsp;

If payments are late, evaluate the situation, resend invoices, and consider halting work. Finally, maintain open communication, offer incentives, and escalate the issue if necessary.

Q1. How do you tell a client they are late on payment?

Ans. By sending a friendly and polite reminder via email, phone, or text message, you can notify the client that they are late on their payment. Attach the invoice copy for reference, along with the invoice number, amount, and date. You should ask them to acknowledge receipt and inform you of the payment status.

Q2. How do I professionally ask for a late payment?

Ans. You can professionally ask for a late payment by following the communication strategies mentioned above, such as offering incentives, highlighting the due date, sending reminders, approaching the client with empathy and professionalism, and presenting solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Q3. How do I assess the financial reliability of potential clients before engaging in a project?&nbsp;

Ans. To determine their financial stability and creditworthiness, consider using credit check services or financial analysis tools. You can also ask your network for referrals from freelancers or professionals.

Q4. How can technology and software help in managing and tracking payments efficiently?&nbsp;

Ans. Technology and software can enhance your ability to manage and track payments. For example, invoicing software can automate invoicing, send reminders, track payments, and generate reports.&nbsp;

Accounting software can help you manage your income, expenses, and cash flow. Payment gateways can facilitate online payments and provide secure and convenient payment options for your clients. Project management tools can help you track the progress of your projects and the associated payments.

Remember, dealing with late payments is a common challenge for many businesses and freelancers. However, with the right strategies and tools, you can ensure timely payments, maintain healthy client relationships, and improve your financial well-being.

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“You don’t need to have a 100-person company to develop that idea.”&nbsp;~ Larry Page, Co-founder of Google&nbsp;

When you, as a sole proprietor, cover all aspects of your business (finance, resource management, branding, technology, and customer satisfaction) you must solve all major challenges, too:&nbsp;

On top of these, staying relevant and above the competitors is needed to grow an excellent business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://professionalprograms.mit.edu/blog/design/why-95-of-new-products-miss-the-mark-and-how-yours-can-avoid-the-same-fate/#:~:text=The%20tech%20giant's%20Google%20Glass,professor%20at%20Harvard%20Business%20School.">95%</a> of the 30,000 new products introduced each year fail due to poor innovation. With millions of <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/exploring-sole-proprietorship-is-it-the-right-business-structure-for-you?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">sole proprietorship businesses</a>, delivering successful product after product remains a tall order. &nbsp; Here’s how you can identify challenges and their consequences and develop strategies for successfully implementing innovation in a sole proprietor business.&nbsp;

Embracing Innovation as a Sole Proprietor

Innovation is a key marker for staying relevant and achieving success in any business; sole proprietorship is no different. As a proprietor, you must constantly iterate and reiterate your marketing and product strategies, business models, processes, etc.

Look at <a href="https://www.apple.com/in/">Apple</a>, <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-in">Microsoft</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>, and other big corporations that began small, in a garage or a rented room. They embraced innovation and did things differently when no one else dared to. Apple’s partnership with Microsoft, a competitor, was a risk-taking move that gave us the iMac and changed the company’s fortunes.&nbsp;

There are so many aspects a proprietor can explore. Some different forms of innovation can be:

Here are some benefits of exploring such innovations for sole proprietors:

Data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs finds that <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/india-incs-survival-rate/survival-of-companies/slideshow/71076821.cms?from=mdr">55%</a> of businesses do not survive despite the sole proprietors' passion, funds, and talents. Either the owners cannot translate their idea into a substantial product, or they can’t stay in the loop with the changing times.&nbsp; Recognising the inevitability of market changes is mandatory while aligning the processes and products.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.amazon.in/">Amazon</a> showed this by realigning its strategy of promoting itself as the biggest bookstore against competitors like Barnes &amp; Noble and Waldenbooks. Next, we knew Amazon was dominating as the e-commerce and cloud computing giant.&nbsp;

Thus, it is important to monitor industry trends and stay informed. Here is how&nbsp;

Once you are aware of the industry scenario, these are some strategies for effective adaptation -&nbsp;

Leveraging Technology for Competitiveness

Have you ever heard of Chipotle Mexican Grill – the fast food player? Earlier running on a counter-service model, the brand modified itself into a drive-thru pickup lane. The company heavily invested in technology to develop these ‘Chipotlanes’ for mobile pickup orders.&nbsp;

Legacy businesses carry tradition as a bedrock of their corporate identity. Tradition lies in the essence of the brand and its history, but shouldn’t get in the way of innovation. Acknowledging the value of traditional business practices is as essential as integrating innovation without compromising on your core values.

Innovation doesn’t mean a mass upheaval from the old to the new processes. It is more about identifying aspects open to evolution. Figure out how the existing processes can be refreshed and adapted to modern needs while still rooted in tradition and old values.&nbsp;

Being single owner-led identities, sole proprietorships enjoy the flexibility and dynamism. See that there is a gradual implementation of changes rather than a hurried attempt without considering <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/customer-journey-mapping-the-secret-sauce-of-global-companies?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">customer expectations</a> and business needs.&nbsp;

Resistance to change is inevitable, especially for sole proprietors managing all aspects of their business. Addressing potential challenges is crucial for smoothing the path toward innovation.

People tend to resist change due to comfort with the status quo. Overcoming this requires addressing a lack of skills and knowledge in handling new technologies and managing unrealistic expectations and timelines.

General Electric underwent a complete overhaul under CEO Jack Welch between 1081 and 1998. But the overhaul wasn’t just in terms of reducing the defects in products and processes. Welch worked on people issues. He formed a team of employees unified in values, beliefs, and vision. From the successful Six Sigma company, an international powerhouse, General Electric was born.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Innovation is the cornerstone of growth and development for any business entity, and sole proprietorship is no different. While staying relevant is the key to staying competitive as a sole proprietor, you cannot compromise your business’s sustainability.&nbsp;

Innovation isn’t a standalone attempt. It should be brought as a business model innovation where each element of your business should be involved in the process. Learning and upskilling for employees, data analytics to gauge the scope for innovation in business processes, and handling customer expectations – all form part of the innovation cycle.&nbsp;

Proprietors must understand the dynamic nature of business and the ongoing journey of staying competitive. Being resilient and flexible, fostering an innovation culture, and celebrating failures as a learning opportunity – you know what it takes to see the new and better.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Q1. Which is better: a sole proprietorship or an LLC?

Ans: Choosing between a sole proprietorship and an LLC depends on your needs. Sole props are simple and cheap but offer no personal liability protection. LLCs cost more but shield your personal assets from business debts. Consider potential risks and growth plans to pick the best fit.

Q2. Is Being a Sole Proprietorship the Same As Being Self-Employed?

Ans: Yes, sole proprietors are self-employed. Both terms describe individuals working for themselves, not someone else's payroll.

Q3. How Do I File Taxes As a Sole Proprietor?

Ans: As a sole proprietor, file your income tax return using Schedule BA alongside your personal return (ITR 3 or 4). Report your business income and expenses within this schedule. Deduct legitimate business expenses to reduce taxable income. For specific deductions and regulations, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-can-the-right-chartered-accountant-help-your-tech-export-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">consult a chartered accountant</a> for tax preparation guidance.

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<a href="https://remote.com/blog/freelancer-report#the-top-10-challenges-of-going-freelance-according-to-independent-freelancers">Remote’s Global Freelancer Report 2023</a> revealed that 58% of the surveyed freelancers find time management a significant challenge in growing their business.&nbsp;

While freelancing offers flexibility and autonomy, working independently can impact efficiency and productivity as freelancers are sole entrepreneurs. They face challenges in setting priorities and focusing on urgent tasks.&nbsp;

Hence, productivity tools, project management tools, or collaboration tools are the best catalysts to improve freelance workflow.

This guide explains how to manage freelance workflow using productivity tools and strategies. It also suggests various tools for automating repetitive tasks.

Essential Productivity Tools for Freelancers

The list of the most popular productivity tools to streamline workflow and increase freelance efficiency is as follows.

a. <a href="https://trello.com/?&amp;aceid=&amp;adposition=&amp;adgroup=141920707379&amp;campaign=18422629121&amp;creative=672183050583&amp;device=m&amp;keyword=trello&amp;matchtype=e&amp;network=g&amp;placement=&amp;ds_kids=p73319086671&amp;ds_e=GOOGLE&amp;ds_eid=700000001557344&amp;ds_e1=GOOGLE&amp;gad=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw1OmoBhDXARIsAAAYGSFKcEDL4OoWitBnL3O8nBcN0VdZbuCKHQ7rk_AhgJLsUFB5tzrJ7FYaArfDEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Trello</a>

A popular cloud-based project management tool, Trello converts projects and tasks into a visual landscape by creating different cards. It allows you to create multiple boards for various projects using customisable templates. 

You can add a checklist for each card and mention the start and due dates to track your projects.

b. <a href="https://asana.com/?pkw=&amp;pmt=b&amp;opti_key=&amp;utm_campaign=&amp;utm_source=&amp;utm_medium=&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw1OmoBhDXARIsAAAYGSGEZVo-UHsUp83Hg77_97LhYPle4Yq4ziOutXXKHhzBQuikeTQrg6caApecEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Asana</a>

Asana is similar to Trello, where you can create different boards and cards to manage your tasks. However, Trello is a <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/agile/kanban/boards">Kanban board</a>, more suited for freelancers and small teams. (Kanban is a Japanese workflow management method that works on four functions - visualise the work, limit the work in progress (WIP), focus on flow and continuous improvement.)

Asana, on the contrary, can work better for freelancers managing a large team as it streamlines collaboration and allows better customising.

c. <a href="https://basecamp.com/personal">Basecamp</a>

This minimalistic tool allows freelancers to manage all their activities in one place. Basecamp provides a message board for important updates and a to-do list for each project that the entire team can access.

Moreover, Basecamp offers several features like group chat, call/event scheduling and automated check-ins. The most significant Basecamp feature is that it facilitates seamless integration with other collaboration tools like Slack and Google Workspace.

a. <a href="https://slack.com/intl/en-in">Slack</a>

Clear and effective client communication is one of the highest hassles for freelancers. Misaligned expectations lead to challenges in producing desired results. To avoid these hurdles, use Slack, one of the best collaboration tools that enables real-time client communication.

Slack also provides a customisable and comprehensive workflow builder for automating repetitive tasks.

b. <a href="https://zoom.us/">Zoom</a>

Client communication has never been easier for freelancers. Rather than communicating with clients over long email threads to understand their requirements, you can conveniently get on a Zoom call and record meetings for enhanced communication.

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