10 Tools To Add An Extra Hour To Your Day

Boosting your productivity may be challenging, but there are a variety of tools available to help you along the way.

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those “work-well-under-pressure” type of entrepreneurs. I just can’t seem to function without having a lot on my plate.

One thing that annoys me the most is repetitive tasks. They could and should be automated. I’m always looking for ways to improve my productivity. There are a variety of benefits from sharing five minutes off of something I do every day.

Here are 10 tools to help you create an extra hour to your day:

1. ActiveInbox

For Gmail or Google Apps users, this plugin is a must have.

I have read every variation of Getting Things Done (GTD) there is. I try to live by the general principles of the teachings. In a nutshell, your goal is to organize your to-do list. Most of my to-dos exist within your email – so why not turn your email into a GTD system?

ActiveInbox does just that by letting you categorize tasks: Action Items, Waiting On, Someday Tasks. The rest of the GTD principles become a layer within your Gmail account. The utility can range from basic principles that take 15 minutes to advanced methodologies for the super-organized. ActiveInbox is my only to-do system. The best part is that adding a personal to-do is done by simply sending an email to yourself!

2. Glympse

When you're on the go, informing others of where you are can be a challenge. Glympse is a mobile app that allows you to quickly share where you are, with whomever you like. You don’t even have to sign in or require the other user to have an app or even a phone.

Glympse only shares your location around a specific time interval, unlike other location sharing apps. In fact, it can even stop sharing automatically when you get to your location. If you have a scheduled meeting, clicking on button will send an email or text to the attendees. This will give them a link with a Google Map showing your location. Now your meeting attendees will be able to see how fast you’re going and when you’ll arrive.

3. SwiftKey

Are texts taking time out of your day? Try SwiftyKey. It’s a record-breaking solution to typing on your touchscreen Android. Instead of touching each letter to type, you just drag your finger from letter to letter.

4. Touchbase.it

Finding a meeting time that works for a group of people can be time consuming. With Touchbase.it, everyone can easily see your availability (or unavailability) and select options for the time and duration of each meeting. This tool will work as your personal scheduling assistant. You can also easily incorporate it with Google Chrome and your Google Calendar.

5. Buffer

When it comes to managing my personal brand on social media, it’s important that I have a consistent flow of content. I’m usually strapped for time, so I use Buffer to help me. Buffer automatically queues content that I select and posts it at the time I choose. It's pretty handy for when I find something interesting through aimless browsing.

6. Skype

Skype is by far the best free video-chat software available, and almost everyone in a business setting is using it. With Skype, I don't have to wait to know when someone is available and I can get a message through quickly and know it's been received.

Skype has both free and premium accounts available. You have plenty of options to contact someone by instant message, or by calling (just voice or with video). For free, you can also add Skype to your mobile device: Android, iPhone, and iPad, allowing video calls and IM over 3G or WiFi.

7. Writethat.name

Keeping track of all the new names when I'm networking is exhausting. I tell people to email me because WriteThat.Name will help me to get their information organized and saved. This tool gathers information from the signatures of emails to sort and archive contacts automatically. Operating on cloud architecture, it only requires your email to use the service. I've saved hours of tedious updating through this tool.

8. Unroll.me

A cluttered inbox is similar to a cluttered mind. Sorting email is a distraction for me. Luckily, Unroll.me helps to cut time by allowing me to mass unsubscribe from lists, and organize the emails I do receive into one single email.

9. Imgur

Whenever I want to quickly share and image I used Imgur. It’s a free image hosting site that requires no sign in. The link provided to you can be used in emails, IMs, and through social media.

10. Wikisend

Wikisend is like Imgur—but for sending files. Sending files through email can be a hassle, but with Wikisend you can upload and share files up to 100MB.

When looking to maximize my time, I try to examine the details rather than the big processes, for that is where you have the most opportunity to become more efficient. These tools will allow you to cut down even the few minutes you are spending on certain daily tasks. In the long run, the time your saving will add up.

What are some time-saving tools you’re currently using?

Image courtesy of Lel4nd; Flickr

About Ilya Pozin:

Founder of Ciplex. Columnist for Inc, Forbes & LinkedIn. Gadget lover, investor, mentor, husband, father, and '30 Under 30' entrepreneur. Follow Ilya below to stay up-to-date with his articles and updates!