Each one approaches their work in their own way. You probably do things very differently than I do.

And my business, as a freelance writer, will be quite different from yours.

The actual packages you choose will depend on whether you work on Mac OS (as I do) or on a PC, and whether you trust Microsoft Outlook to organize everything in your life (which I don’t), but these are the ‘slots’ in the one I think you need stuff, anyway:

1. Mail program. Easy. Whichever works for you, but learn how to use your folders, set rules for filing things, and get in the habit of looking for your mail as specifically as possible. If you’re on Mac, you have a platform-wide Spotlight search that looks for your mail anyway.

Switch your mail server from POP3 to IMAP so all your mail-receiving devices stay in sync.

Use the Notes (or similar) feature in your mailing package to save bits of copy that you need to include over and over again in emails. I have about a dozen copies saved which save me a couple of hours every week.

2.Calendar. Crucial. Schedule both meetings and task durations. Always set alarms at the right time before something needs to happen. People notice if you say you’ll call them on Wednesday at 3:00 pm and then they do.

3.Application of pending tasks. So bright that you can’t imagine it until you wear it. I use Things on macOS. A To-Do app is totally different from a calendar. This is your CRM companion, managing your new business inquiries and keeping track of where you are and in what order you plan or need to do things on a day-to-day basis.

4. Accounting package. Sage has ubiquity, although I don’t use it. The best thing about learning how to use an accounting package yourself is that it will integrate all your estimates, quotes, billing, purchases, etc., generate all the paperwork, and also keep your accounts up to date. I enter my own sales and receipts, as well as my purchases of services from other people or companies. I just leave the ad hoc expenses to be entered by my accountant. With this package, I need to have the bookkeeper only one day each quarter to order and do VAT. Even at the end of the year, the package generates everything my accountant needs to prepare the accounts.

5. Microsoft Word or other word processing package to keep templates stored for all your key stationery items (including Avery 4-per-page labels!) Learn how to save a file as a template for future use.

6. Part or all of MSN Messenger, Skype and Facebook Chat. Easy, fast and round-the-clock contact with clients, colleagues and friends.

7. Google. ’nuff said.

8. LinkedIn. It may or may not apply to you, depending on the type of business you run, but I find it good for understanding customer backgrounds.

9. To the blog. Store your thoughts about what you’re doing whenever you get a second, and you’ll quickly create a very valuable marketing asset.

There you go

Use these 9 web packages and applications wisely and you have a virtual support operation that feels like four.