As a professional wedding and event planner, there are many tools I use to run my business and manage clients. Here are a few of the electronic tools I use on a regular basis:

Dropbox – Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. Any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, phones, and even the Dropbox website. Dropbox also makes it super easy to share with others including sharing files with your staff and clients. It is also a fantastic option to back up files.  In my business, I use Dropbox to share files with my team and with my bookkeeper. I also use it as a back up for important business documents and files. The first 2 GB on Dropbox are free and if you need more space, it’s inexpensive.

Toolbox – I use the files from the Wedding Planner’s Toolbox on a regular basis including the timeline templates, consultation form, questions to ask vendors list, planning checklist and the linen/rental worksheet. When I book a new client for event planning, I drop a fresh copy of the timeline templates, planning checklist and linen/rental worksheet in their electronic file then update the files throughout the planning process for each client.

Solid Legal Contracts – Having a strong services contract and a good independent contractor agreement in place are critical to the success of every wedding and event planning business.

iPad – I use my iPad to read all of my business and personal books using the Kindle app. I also use it during client consultations to show my portfolio of work including pictures from past events. The iPad is great for accessing files and email when I am out of the office. If you have an iPad, there is a Dropbox app so that you can have all of your key files with you wherever you are.

iPhone – Not sure how I ever lived without my iPhone. Having the ability to check email, social media and a variety of apps anytime is fantastic for both business and personal use. I have all my notifications turned off to prevent constant distractions. I tend to get distracted easily and prefer to check email and social media on my own time.

Pinterest – How did we ever plan weddings without Pinterest? I send my Pinterest account to clients so they can browse inspiration ideas I have pinned. I also create shared boards with clients so we can both pin ideas for their wedding or event. Pinterest also gives potential clients a feel for our style and design before booking.

These are just a few key tools that I use to run my event planning business. What tools do you use to manage your business and keep track of clients?