With the integration of Messages across devices, it’s more convenient than ever. Other than email, I spend more time using Evernote (free and paid) than any app I can think of. I collect everything there – to-do lists, content ideas, business plans, notes for meetings, notes during meetings, research, travel plans, and so on. Arnie Kuenn, CEO, Vertical Measures Bit.ly – when you want to track your URLs Having a URL shortener like Bit.ly (free and paid) has helped me track specific messages I want to draw people to. As a tracking tool, I have used this for years. I don’t recommend that to anyone but, even if you only travel a few times a year, there’s an app I’ve been using since apps began that still sits in my most-useful category. Simply enter the blog post URL and Lumen5 summarizes the content, matching each scene with relevant royalty-free photos, video, and music (or you can upload your own). Videos don’t have to be based on articles. Please note: All tools included in our blog posts are suggested by authors, not the CMI editorial team. Feel free to include additional tools in the comments (from your company or ones that you have used).
Finding a great app or tool sometimes can feel like winning the lottery – maybe not the Mega Millions, but at least a $20 scratch-off ticket. Here are some winning picks from some of our favorite sources.
MotoRead – when you can’t or don’t want to read with your eyes
I’m always scouring Feedly, BuzzSumo, Twitter, and the blogs of super awesome folks for articles that are entertaining and useful. But it’s not always easy to find the time to read all that great content. Instead, I send each article to the immensely epic app, MotoRead (free). That way, I can listen to a robot voice reading the article to me as I scoot to a meeting or cook the kids’ dinner.
When I’m in super-focused research mode, listening to a blog post also allows me to take furious notes underlining keywords and drawing pictures – like a more manic and messy version of one of those professional sketch-note drawers I see at conferences.
Jon Burkhart, founder, TBC Global
Apple Messages – when you don’t want to dial or wait for email
Apple Messages (free) has become a massive part of my work life. (Believe me, no one is more surprised than me.) With staff spread across three continents and 13 time zones, it’s a quick way to get an answer or deliver a bit of news when you don’t want to pick up the phone or don’t have time to wait for email.
With the integration of Messages across devices, it’s more convenient than ever. I refuse to have mail on my phone because I never get a break from work. Instant messaging allows those people closest to me – family, friends and work colleagues – to get me in real time.
Sarah Mitchell, director of content strategy, Lush Digital Media
Evernote – when you need a place for every note and list
My favorite app – one that I could not live without – might seem boring to most. Other than email, I spend more time using Evernote (free and paid) than any app I can think of. I collect everything there – to-do lists, content ideas, business plans, notes for meetings, notes…
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