People often ask how I manage to juggle The Growth Nexus, ikandoo, client work, and still occasionally remember to eat something that isn’t toast.
The honest answer? I don’t – not perfectly, anyway.
But I do have a handful of tools and systems that stop everything descending into pure chaos. They’re not glamorous or fancy, but they keep me organised, creative, and just about sane enough to keep all the plates spinning.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what I actually use to run my business behind the scenes, here’s a peek at my go-to toolkit – the real stuff that helps me make sense of the madness.
💻 WordPress + Divi – My Digital Home Base
If my business had a beating heart, it would be WordPress.
Both The Growth Nexus and ikandoo (as well as all the sites I operate for clients) run on it – it gives me total control to create, update, and tweak things exactly how I want.
I’ve used all sorts of website builders over the years, but I always come back to WordPress. It’s flexible, reliable, and lets me build something that feels mine rather than a cookie-cutter template.
I host everything through Krystal (use code c1854328 at checkout for £10 off), who I’ve used for years. They’ve been brilliant – super helpful, quick to respond when I’ve needed support, and solid value for money. (I’ve tried others. Never again.)
And with Divi (affiliate link), it’s visual enough that I don’t have to wrestle with code every five minutes (though I’ve done my fair share of CSS swearing).
Between the three – WordPress, Divi, and Krystal – they’ve helped me build websites that can evolve as my ideas do. Because let’s face it, I never stop bloody evolving.
🎨 Canva + Adobe Creative Suite – Where Ideas Become Something Pretty
Canva is honestly my second brain at this point. I use it for everything – social media graphics, workbooks, journal inserts, Pinterest pins, flyers, you name it.
It’s fast, intuitive, and full of templates I can tweak in seconds. No more staring at blank pages wondering what size the Facebook banner is supposed to be this week.
That said, when I need to design something more complex – like signage for Birchgrove, or the Business Spotlight magazine – I still dust off Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
They’re overkill for everyday use, but unbeatable for detailed design work. Canva is my quick-win tool; Adobe is my “let’s get serious” mode.
📋 Trello – My Brain Dump with Labels
I’d lose my mind without Trello. It’s basically my digital whiteboard – and it’s far less messy than the real one above my desk.
I’ve got boards for everything:
- Growth Nexus content planning
- Product development and insert packs
- ikandoo features and Lowdown posts
- Client work and marketing schedules
It’s how I keep track of ideas before they escape into the abyss of “I’ll remember that later” (spoiler: I never do).
I love that I can move things around, tick them off, and get that little dopamine hit when I drag something to the “Done” column. It’s the small joys.
🤖 ChatGPT – My Brainstorming Buddy
Alright, confession time. I use ChatGPT a lot.
Not to write my business for me, but to help me think.
Sometimes I get stuck staring at a blank screen, and it’s like having a brainstorming partner on tap — one who never rolls their eyes or tells me I’m overthinking again (which, to be fair, I usually am).
I use it to bounce ideas around, draft outlines, come up with better headlines, or untangle messy thoughts that I can then rewrite in my own voice.
It’s a time-saver, a thought organiser, and occasionally the kick up the arse I need when I’m spiralling into perfectionism.
AI isn’t a replacement for creativity – but when used with intention, it’s a bloody brilliant amplifier for it.
💌 HubSpot – My Low-Stress CRM
Now, before you roll your eyes – I’m not one of those “automation funnel” people. HubSpot is just my simple, free CRM that helps me keep track of contacts, leads, and follow-ups.
I use it for everything from managing potential clients for ikandoo Business Focus features to staying on top of Growth Nexus connections and collaborations.
It’s not about “sales pipelines” for me; it’s about remembering who I’ve spoken to, when, and about what — without relying on my frazzled menopausal brain.
🗂️ Google Workspace – My Digital Filing Cabinet
Google Workspace, (affiliate link) which includes Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets keep everything organised and accessible – whether I’m drafting blog posts, creating templates, or storing client files.
I’ve tried fancier project management tools, but honestly, Google still wins for simplicity. It syncs across everything, autosaves my ramblings, and means I can work from anywhere — even if “anywhere” sometimes means a coffee shop with questionable Wi-Fi.
💌 Email Platforms – Mailerlite, Brevo & Mailchimp
I’ve dabbled with a fair few email platforms over the years – mostly because I seem incapable of sticking to just one project at a time.
At the moment, I use:
- Mailerlite for ikandoo (If you use this link you earn $20 credit when you sign up).
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) for The Growth Nexus and one client.
- Mailchimp for a couple of other clients
They all get the job done, but each has its quirks and sweet spots.
Mailerlite is clean, simple, and great for beginners – ideal if you just want to create something that looks good without needing a manual to do it.
Brevo has become my favourite, though. It’s incredibly versatile, with a proper CRM-style contact system, automations, and beautiful drag-and-drop design options. Plus, it’s brilliant value for money and feels far more flexible than most.
Mailchimp… well, it’s fine. It’s the one most people have heard of, and it’s solid, but the free plan is stingy and the templates are limited. I still use it for a couple of clients, but I don’t reach for it by choice anymore.
Whichever one you pick, the main thing is consistency – write like a human, show up regularly, and stop overthinking every subject line. (Yes, that last bit is a note to self.)
⚙️ The Real Secret: Systems Over Perfection
Here’s the truth: none of these tools matter without systems.
Tools are just… well, tools. It’s how you use them that makes the difference.
The point isn’t to find the fanciest app – it’s to create habits that make your life easier.
Little processes that stop you reinventing the wheel every time.
Templates that save you hours.
Checklists that mean you can get back to actually doing the work.
That’s what my Business Systems Audit and One-Page Business Map are built for – helping you see where things could run smoother, without turning your life into a spreadsheet.
💬 Final Thought
I’m not a tech genius or a productivity guru. I’m just someone who’s learned the hard way that “winging it” only works for so long.
These tools – and the little systems that go with them – help me spend less time faffing and more time creating.
And that, to me, is the real goal:
Less chaos. More flow.
Less busywork. More impact.
If that sounds like the kind of shift you need, maybe it’s time to find your own system that fits.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. I only recommend tools I personally use and find helpful – if you decide to give them a try, I may earn a small commission (and I’ll be very grateful for your support!).
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