5 low-tech tools for high efficiency business management
While there are some of us who 100% nerd out on digital tools, I recognize that’s not for everyone! And sometimes there are just tried and true methods that you can’t beat. At the end of the day, simplicity is the key to staying organized and maintaining high efficiency, especially as you’re scaling. While digital tools can be powerful, there’s a lot to be said for the effectiveness of low-tech solutions. Here are five low-tech tools that can make a big difference in how you manage your business.
1. Post-it Notes
If you know me personally, you know I was raised by a “Post-it Dad”. Every major decision included post-it notes on the sliding glass door. Post-it notes are more than just colorful office supplies—they're a versatile tool for business management. Whether you use them to jot down quick reminders, create to-do lists, or organize thoughts, Post-it notes help keep important information front and center. They’re especially useful for brainstorming sessions, where ideas can be moved around and reorganized easily. I also love starting with Post-it notes to map out a high level system. After all, this is what we used before Mural came around!
Tip: Dedicate different colors to different tasks or projects. For example, use yellow for urgent tasks, blue for long-term goals, and green for follow-ups.
2. Physical Planner
A physical planner is a tried-and-true method for staying on top of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Unlike digital calendars, which can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of apps and notifications, a physical planner provides a tangible way to track your schedule and deadlines. Writing things down can also help reinforce memory and provide a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks. This was something I struggled with the most to convert to digital. I have now done this, but that’s also why I created The Working Mom Journal!
Tip: Choose a planner that suits your style—whether it's a simple daily planner or a more complex one with space for goals, notes, and reflections.
3. Whiteboard
Whiteboards are excellent tools for visual thinkers. They offer a large, clear space to map out ideas, track progress on projects, and plan ahead. A whiteboard in your office can serve as a central hub for your team, where everyone can see what's happening and contribute ideas.
Tip: Set up your whiteboard like a Kanban board (think Asana/Trello) to better organize your tasks or clients! If you’re feeling super fancy, combine your color coded Post-It Notes on your whiteboard!
Or divide your whiteboard into sections—one for daily tasks, one for weekly goals, and one for brainstorming. This way, you can keep your priorities straight and your team aligned.
4. Notebooks
Despite the rise of digital note-taking apps, many business owners find that nothing beats a good old-fashioned notebook. Whether you’re in a meeting, on a call, or simply brainstorming, a notebook allows you to capture thoughts, ideas, and action items quickly and efficiently. Plus, there’s something satisfying about flipping through pages of notes and seeing how far you’ve come or even checking off a task on your list.
Tip: Use different notebooks for different purposes—one for meetings, one for personal reflections, and one for project planning.
5. Colored Pens
Colored pens are a simple yet effective tool for enhancing organization. They allow you to categorize and highlight important information, making it easier to navigate your notes and documents. For instance, you could use red for action items, green for financials, and blue for client-related tasks. This not only helps keep things organized but also adds a bit of creativity to your work. I love incorporating color in business systems, especially for my creative clients!
Tip: Keep a set of colored pens handy at all times, so you can easily code your notes, planners, and documents.
If you’re interested in some best tips on how to color code within your business - I also loved this blog post by The Productivity Zone!
Low-tech tools like these may seem basic, but their simplicity can be a powerful asset in managing your business. By incorporating these tools into your daily routine, you can maintain high efficiency and stay organized without the need for complex systems. Sometimes, it’s the most straightforward solutions that make the biggest impact.
At Tyler Jane & Co we can also help you build out your systems, whether it be high or low tech!
