Top 10 Technology Tools to Tame Your Troubles

This is the view from my seat as I type todays post. In it is so much technology that I would have only dreamed about in the past.

My good friend and speaker buddy, Dave Staughton asked me a couple of weeks ago, what are the top 10 technologies that I use in my business. I could only narrow it down to 19 – some of them I use constantly and others intermittently.

Here is the list for you: (Click on the heading for more details. No affiliate links just more info!)

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones.

I use these every time I fly, for making phone calls (did you know they have a mic in them and are great for phone calls?), in co-working spaces and in cafes. I have the old version with the cable, and still I am a huge fan.

Zoom.us

This software is GOLD! From recording podcasts, meetings, connecting with absent friends/family, webinars, integrating with Facebook, it is fabulous. Starting price is…. FREE! I am fortunate, my professional association, Professional Speakers Australia is currently finalising a deal so it’s members get a substantial discount.

Rode Video Mic Me shotgun mic

I bought this to use with my phone but then set it up so that it records into the computer. A discreet microphone so that when I do webinars and online work, you don’t see a microphone but you hear it’s impact. (It is the small mic resting on the red handled prop in the picture)

Shure SM58 mic

That is the big mic on the boom arm. While it is not the ideal mic for recording podcasts (loving the look of the new Rode PodMic) this one makes my voice sound smoother and deeper. Just what I want for my recordings. I had the mic from my singing work so thought I may as well use the good gear I already have before I head out to buy something else.

Zoom H4n Digital Recorder

I have a few of the Zoom Recorders. Originally I bought them for my choir performances but this H4n is brilliant for recording face to face podcast interviews and also for recording my speaking performances.

Smart Phone

I mean, who hasn’t got one nowadays. Even the biggest luddites are conforming. Even though it is mainly used to watch cat videos, there is so much that it can do.

Video editor (I use iMovie)

On both the phone and the computer, this software is easy to use and does amazing things.

Sound Editor (I use Garage Band but have a hot spot for Adobe Audition)

Same, same as for the Video Editor comments.

Canva

Such an intuitive service. Easy to create some amazing graphics, slides, posters, marketing collateral and so on.

DropBox

I barely know it’s there yet it automatically backs everything up, including my photos from my smart phone. I could smash my phone and my computer right now, go out and buy another one and within an hour or less I would be good to go without losing any of my data, images, video or anything else I hold dear.

Honorable Mentions

  • Send Pepper (Part of Ontraport) – for CRM and Newsletters
  • HostGator for hosting all my websites and podcast
  • Laptop for doing all the work on (I use a Mac but the next one probably won’t be a Mac)
  • LinkedIn for networking
  • Green Screen and Box Lights (so much more video nowadays, so these are essential)
  • Selfie stick/tripod
  • Pen and Paper (Sometimes, you have to go old school!)
  • G Suite for email, calendar, docs, sheets, etc
  • The DPA Headset mic that I talked about here.

 

What about you? What are your favourite technologies that help make your life easier?