Customer service, accountant, social media manager, marketer… once you launch a small business, you start wearing a lot of hats. And if you really want to maximize your potential, then you're going to need to get the right apps to run your direct sales business by mainstreaming a lot of these hats.

Lucky for you, we have a list of the best apps right here. Of course, there are hundreds of other tools and apps available to help you manage your direct sales business. To see a complete list of all our recommendations, visit my toolbox.

5 Must-Have Apps to Run Your Direct Sales Business

1. Evernote

You might think of Evernote as being just another note-taking app. But the truth is that Evernote is a must if you are ever on the move for your business or if you need to track multiple things.

No matter how good you are at being prepared, unforeseen things are still bound to happen from time to time. And Evernote is the perfect app to help keep on top of all those little things (not to mention tracking miles, hostess coaching notes, and party plans).

2. Canva

Although slightly limited when compared to their website version, the Canva app is still a must have for when you're on the go and need to get a photo or graphic set up quickly.

Edit your photo, remove the background, add a watermark, share it to your social media channel, or download it to your device for later.

3. Square

If you need a secure, reliable way of accepting payments online or in person, Square has you covered.

Square makes it easy to accept credit cards right from your mobile device no matter what size your business is. Sign up for just what you need, and your account can grow with you.

4. RescueTime

You ever have one of those days when you're working and working and working and then the day ends and you don't have nearly as much work done as you should? RescueTime changes that.

Rescue time will not only track how much time you're spending on an app, but how you're using that app. Get detailed reports about where your time is going so you can make strategic changes and boost your productivity.

5. Google Cloud

Looking for cloud storage that can hold and protect all your videos, images, books, files, and more? Then check out Google Cloud Storage.

Google helps make sure your files stay protected. Plus, it's already integrated into every other Google app and service out there. Whether you want to serve your live streams or just make it easier to move images from one device to another without having to fiddle with a bunch of different apps, Google Cloud Storage can help you.

What to Look for in a New App

Of course, part of choosing the right apps to run your direct sales business means always being on the lookout for one that will better serve you and your needs. Not all apps will work for all people, no matter how amazing they are.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you want to hunt for a new app for your business:

• Make sure you already have a strategy in place. The best tools will help you follow through on your existing strategy, but if you don't already know what you're doing, you'll end up wasting time and money.
• Think about the specific need that you're looking to solve. What business or marketing process do you need to streamline?
• Make out a list of must-have features before you go hunting for a new app. It's too easy to get sucked into a long checklist of features – mane of which you may not even need – and forget about what you're actually looking for.
• Mark renewal dates onto your calendar, and make sure you spend some time before they renew to evaluate whether or not they are working the way you need them to work, or if they are duplicating a function from another app. Merge and condense whenever you can.

Are there some things you should still try to do from your laptop or desktop computer? Probably. But the truth of the matter is that almost any process you have — or will have — set up for your business can be done over the phone while you're on the move.

It's just a matter of finding the right app for the job.

#EmpowerSocial