Tools I use
I’m frequently approached by companies wanting me to try their software, and I typically decline most of these offers. However, I’m happy to share products and services that I genuinely use and find valuable. Below are affiliate links for tools I personally use and can honestly recommend.
Note: The links on this page are affiliate links
Tana for powerful note-taking (14-day free trial)
Tana transforms how you manage your notes and information by streamlining your workflows and making your systems more efficient. Its unique object-based note system lets you capture, organize, and connect information seamlessly, eliminating the clutter and inefficiencies of traditional note-taking methods.
Readwise Reader is a game-changer for managing and retaining what you read. It streamlines your reading workflow by consolidating articles, PDFs, newsletters, and more into one intuitive platform. With built-in tools for highlighting, annotating, and tagging, Reader ensures you can effortlessly capture and revisit key insights. Combined with Readwise’s powerful integration features, it transforms fleeting information into lasting knowledge. Whether you’re reading for work, study, or personal growth, Reader helps you stay organized and make the most of everything you consume.
Rize.io for time tracking
(Use DARIO to get 25% off on all payments within the first 3 months)
Rize.io is a smart time tracking tool that works in the background while you’re on your computer. It automatically records what apps and websites you use throughout your day, so you can see where your time actually goes without having to manually log anything. Rize helps you spot your most productive times, identify what’s distracting you, and find ways to focus better on what matters.
Xero for all your accounting needs (90% off for 6 months)
Xero is an intuitive and powerful accounting software solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. I use Xero to manage key financial tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and generating reports. Its cloud-based platform ensures that all my financial data is accessible anytime, from anywhere, and integrates seamlessly with a range of third-party apps to streamline workflows. For businesses that need reliable accounting tools with smart automation, Xero is the perfect financial hub.
Wise for business banking and online transfers
Wise is a cost-effective platform for sending and receiving international payments. I use it to transfer money across borders with low fees and real exchange rates. It also allows me to hold and convert multiple currencies, making it useful for managing international transactions efficiently.
Systeme.io for an affordable all-in-one solution for online courses
I wish I had discovered Systeme.io earlier. It’s cheaper than competitors like Thinkific, Teachable and Kajabi, but offers more value for money, with course hosting, email campaign management and website-building functionality. Setting up funnels and landing pages is quick, and the integrated email marketing is intuitive and easy to configure. The support team also have a good turnaround time on customer issues. There are some elements that could do with a bit of polish, but it’s unbeatable when it comes to value for money.
Shortform for high quality book summaries
There are thousands of non-fiction books out there, and everyone is convinced that the current book on their nightstand is a ‘must-read’. Whilst I take note of these recommendations, there is only so much time in the world. We also all know the book that could have been a blog post, but then got padded with anecdotes to fill some page quota. Shortform’s book summary service saves me a ton of time and FOMO. Their one-pager summaries are excellent and have spared me many laborious reads. My current go-to recommendation for a book to start with is “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown (not a laborious read, but a good summary nonetheless.)
KeySuite Excel Plugin
TheKeySuite transforms Microsoft Excel from a powerful spreadsheet into an analyst’s dream workstation. Developed to mirror the custom toolbars used by elite management consulting firms, KeySuite puts professional-grade Excel functionality at your fingertips. The precedent tracker is worth the price of admission alone. Whether you’re building complex financial models or analyzing data sets, KeySuite will elevate your Excel game.
KeySuite PowerPoint Plugin
Like its Excel counterpart, this powerful plugin incorporates the specialized tools and shortcuts used by top management consulting firms to create polished, professional presentations with remarkable efficiency. Get access to a range of purpose-built tools and eliminate the tedious manual work (e.g. aligning boxes – if you know, you know)
