Ep. 6 Your New Business – Software & Subscriptions Checklist 

Navigating the world of software and subscriptions for your new business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! This checklist is designed to give you a quick, actionable overview of essential digital tools and services across various categories.  

Use it to identify what you already have, what you might need, and what you’ll want to explore as your business grows. For more extensive details and insights into each category, including specific recommendations and tips on how these tools can empower your business, be sure to check out our comprehensive blog post, “Your Essential Guide to Software & Subscriptions for New Business Owners,” available on our website at https://www.havinsconsulting.com/ 

I. Foundational Productivity & Collaboration 

• [ ] Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams) 

• [ ] Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Workspace, Google Business, Google Drive) 

II. Project Management & Workflow 

• [ ] Microsoft Planner 

• [ ] Basecamp 

• [ ] Monday 

• [ ] Tick Tick 

• [ ] Asana 

• [ ] Trello 

III. Communication & Connectivity 

• [ ] Professional Email Service (e.g., Outlook, Gmail with custom domain) 

• [ ] Internal Team Messaging (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) 

• [ ] Video Conferencing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom) 

• [ ] Internet Provider 

• [ ] Phone Provider (e.g., Ring Central) 

IV. Financial Management & Payment Processing 

• [ ] Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks) 

• [ ] Payment Apps (e.g., Cash App, Zelle) 

• [ ] Payment Processors (e.g., Square, PayPal) 

• [ ] Payroll/HR Software (e.g., Gusto) 

V. Marketing, Sales & Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 

• [ ] Social Media Platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 

• [ ] Social Media Management Tool (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) 

• [ ] Website Builder & Hosting (e.g., Wix, Go Daddy) 

• [ ] Online Reviews & Local Presence (e.g., Yelp, Google Business) 

• [ ] CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM) 

VI. Email Marketing & Automation 

• [ ] Email Marketing Platform (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Salesforce) 

VII. E-commerce & Online Selling 

• [ ] E-commerce Platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce) 

• [ ] Online Marketplace (e.g., Etsy) 

VIII. Business Operations & Administrative Essentials 

• [ ] HR/Hiring Tools (e.g., Checkr, Indeed) 

• [ ] Legal/Compliance Tools (e.g., Termageddon, DocuSign) 

• [ ] Secure Document Management (e.g., Smart Vault) 

• [ ] Identity & Security (e.g., Microsoft Authenticator) 

• [ ] Business Insurance (e.g., Hartford, Next Insurance) 

• [ ] Mail/Office Solutions (e.g., Virtual Mailbox, PO BOX) 

• [ ] Government & Regulatory Accounts (e.g., TX Comptroller, TX Sec. of State) 

IX. Creative & Design Tools 

• [ ] Graphic Design Software (e.g., Canva, Figma) 

• [ ] Video Editing Software (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro) 

• [ ] Stock Media Resources (e.g., Unsplash, Pexels) 

X. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Productivity Enhancers 

• [ ] AI Assistant (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) 

XI. Analytics & Data Insights 

• [ ] Website Analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console) 

• [ ] User Behavior Analytics (e.g., Hotjar) 

XII. Cybersecurity & Data Protection 

• [ ] Password Management (e.g., Dashlane, LastPass) 

• [ ] VPN (e.g., Nord VPN) 

• [ ] Malware Protection (e.g., Malwarebytes) 

• [ ] Cloud Backup & Storage (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox Business) 

XIII. Scheduling & Appointment Booking 

• [ ] Scheduling Software (e.g., Microsoft Bookings, Calendly) 

XIV. Idea Generation & Business Planning 

• [ ] Brainstorming/Whiteboard Tools (e.g., Miro, Mural) 

• [ ] Business Plan Software (e.g., LivePlan) 

XV. Professional Development & Well-being for Entrepreneurs 

• [ ] Time Tracking (e.g., Clockify) 

• [ ] Learning/Content Subscriptions (e.g., Spotify, Audible, LinkedIn Learning) 

• [ ] Wellness Apps (e.g., Headspace) 

XVI. Business Networking & Local Engagement 

• [ ] Local Chamber of Commerce Membership 

• [ ] Local Business Directories (e.g., Champlocal) 

• [ ] Professional Networking Platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) 

XVII. Physical Resources & Purchasing Channels 

• [ ] Office Supply Retailers (e.g., Office Depot, Staples) 

• [ ] General Retailers (e.g., Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon)