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When you’re running a business, every second counts. An opportunity cost arises each time you or your employees complete a mundane task that could be automated. Why drive across town to the post office to mail paper checks when you can pay your contractors online in seconds using inexpensive cloud-based software – before you head to a local networking event?

Many businesses have started to use cloud software to streamline their processes. They choose to outsource their cloud infrastructure services to save costs, and this has led to a new kind of data storage system. This helps businesses keep track of all their data, and it also makes recovery very easy. To scale up your business, stop the hustle and instead leverage the resources available to you. Learn about six tools that will help you boost productivity and lower your bottom line.

Wagepoint

If you’re handling payroll yourself or paying someone to do the job for you, a better and more cost-efficient way to pay your employees and independent contractors exists. Wagepoint is a holistic payroll automation platform that handles complex calculations while making sure you stay compliant with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

Venmo

According to a recent Gallup report, 43 percent of employees worked remotely in 2016. If you need to pay Gillian in Gibraltar, don’t drive 5 miles to mail a paper check and hope it finds its way. You can pay securely in seconds using Venmo. This digital wallet draws funds from your bank account and deposits them in the recipient’s Venmo account. It also eliminates the need for expensive postage.

Venmo is also useful for collecting payments for goods or services rendered. Customers can pay via the mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android.

Credible

Need to secure a loan to purchase inventory or gain working capital? Don’t waste hours calling around from bank to bank. Rather, compare lenders quickly and securely for free using Credible. Credible offers a personal loan comparison tool to help you find the loan option that fits your needs so that you can grow your business.

Google Drive

The ultimate cloud-based, file-sharing tool, Google Drive allows team members to collaborate on documents regardless of their location. Features include Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, photo storage, document scanning, and more. The service is free if you use less than 15GB of storage per month. Otherwise, monthly plans start at $1.99 per user.

Basecamp

When a project requires the contribution of multiple stakeholders, you run the risk of a bottleneck. Eliminate the uncertainty and improve workflow with Basecamp, a web-based project management and team communication software. With a quick glance, you’ll see which individual is completing what task.

Hootsuite

According to recent research from the Pew Research Center, 69 percent of Americans use social media, so it’s no wonder businesses are marketing themselves on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. However, despite its many benefits, maintaining an active presence on social media is a time-consuming task. Enter Hootsuite, the social media management platform that schedules posts, curates content, monitors comments, and measures ROI on various social networks.

Remember, as a business owner, your time is a valued commodity. Pare down your responsibilities by automating tasks and do only the work that requires your expert hand.