Links for the week: Small Business Tools We Use

• Batchbook - Over the last three years we’ve shifted Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications three times, and we finally found one that sticks. We loved Salesforce, but it was difficult to write the check every year for our Team license. We tried using Sugar CRM, but found it’s open-source nature too slow and clunky. We love Batchbook because it is simple, quick and does everything we need it do to.
• GetClicky - Although we still use Google Analytics, we prefer Clicky. We love the reporting features of GetClicky (especially the spy component that let’s us track users navigate the site in real-time).
• Gimp - The only desktop application in the group. We’ve been using the Gimp for years to edit photos and create buttons, banners and templates. Simple and intuitive for a novice Photoshop user. But it’s free.
• Mailchimp - Their API makes it easier than ever to create e-newsletter mailing lists. Add a simple sign-up form and create campaigns using their What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor. Creating graphic HTML emails is like making a flyer in Word. Simple and easy. Mailchimp also has a great Wordpress Plug-in to easily integrate sign-up forms into any Wordpress blog.
• DimDim - We have tested and tried just about every online presentation tool. We loved Yugma but outgrew the free version, so we searched and found DimDim. DimDim is a free webinar tool that lets users schedule meetings and host video conferences online.

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