You know that moment when you sit down at your desk, coffee in hand, and think, “How am I supposed to do all of this?” Running a business can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But here’s the thing: the right tools don’t just make life easier—they make it possible. Over the years, I’ve tried and abandoned a bunch of so-called “game-changers,” but a few have truly earned their place in business. These aren’t about flashiness or gimmicks—they’re about functionality, practicality and, my sanity.
So, here’s a peek into the tools I rely on and simply can’t live without:
iMac 27-inch – My Creative Command Centre
If my business had a headquarters, this would be it. The iMac 27-inch is where everything comes to life—design, writing, content creation, and more. That stunning Retina display, gives me the space to see everything at once (and let’s be honest, keep far too many tabs open). It’s fast, smooth, and reliable—qualities I wish applied to every part of my life.It’s not just a computer. It’s the engine that keeps my business running smoothly.
Email (on my phone & computer) – The Necessary Evil
I’ve got a love-hate relationship with email. It’s the lifeblood of my business but it’s also where all the unnecessary spam ends up. I’ve got filters, folders, and the classic “mark unread so I don’t forget” trick to keep everything organised. Having email accessible on both my phone and computer means I can keep up with things whether I’m at my desk or out and about.
Canva Pro – My Design Sidekick
Not everyone is a designer, but with Canva Pro, you don’t have to be one. It’s my go-to when I need a quick social media post, or just a polished visual for a project. Drag, drop, done. The brand kit feature keeps everything cohesive, whether it’s my own or my clients’—no more digging through emails to find the right colour codes or fonts. And the magic resize tool. an absolute game-changer. One click, and my graphics are resized perfectly for every platform, every time. and the features and benefits just keep coming!
Google One – Because I Refuse to Delete Photos
‘Storage Full’ notifications? Not anymore. I happily pay for extra storage so I don’t end up spending days deleting and cleaning up files just to make room for new stuff. It’s a small investment that saves me from the chaos of constantly managing storage and keeps my workflow smooth. Now, I can keep everything I need—documents, photos, client work—all in one place without the constant stress of running out of space.
Divi Lifetime Membership – The Website Whisperer
Web design doesn’t have to be a headache, and with Divi’s lifetime membership, I have access to all the tools I need to create stunning, high-performance websites without the stress. It’s not just about drag-and-drop simplicity—what I get with Divi is endless customisation options, regular updates, and access to top-tier features that keep me ahead of the curve. With a lifetime membership, I’m always equipped to deliver the best results, fast, and I can pass that same value on to my clients.
ChatGPT – My Backup Brain
Let’s be real—some days, my brain just isn’t firing on all cylinders. That’s when I turn to ChatGPT. Whether I need help brainstorming, writing, or just getting unstuck, it’s like having a creative partner who never sleeps, never runs out of ideas, and definitely doesn’t need a coffee break. It’s not about replacing my ideas; it’s about refining them.
WhatsApp – The Convenient Connector
I don’t use a separate WhatsApp for work—it’s all in one, which makes it super convenient. It keeps everything organised and makes sure I can easily access client chats, project updates, or any quick communication without missing a beat. No matter where I am, everything is right there, and it helps me stay on top of things. Boundaries? Absolutely. But convenience and accessibility are a must for me.
My Mobile Phone / Handy Camera – Content Happens Everywhere
The best ideas don’t always come when you’re sitting at your desk. My phone is my on-the-go notepad, camera, and emergency Google or ChatGPT machine. Whether I’m capturing a moment, jotting down an idea, or snapping a photo for content, it’s always within reach. Inspiration doesn’t keep office hours, and neither do I.
What’s in Your Toolkit?
The right tools don’t need to be complicated or expensive. They just need to work for you. These are the ones I use every day to keep my business running smoothly and my sanity (mostly) intact.
Leigh Carnell
Creative Director at Expansion Zone
expansionzone.co.za
info@expansionzone.co.za
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