How to run a legit business without breaking the bank

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you think about all the tools you think you need.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need $197/month software subscriptions to run a business.

In fact, some of the best tools are totally free.

Over the past 2.5 years, I’ve discovered a handful of free tools covering nearly every business aspect. They’re intuitive, powerful, and—best of all—free to start with.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Notion

For: Planning and organizing
Imagine having all your to-do lists, project plans, and notes in one place. Notion is like your business brain, keeping everything organized so you never lose track of what matters.

I haven’t used Notion too much, but I’m excited to get into it.

2. Canva

For: Design
Do you need a logo, social media graphics, or a sleek presentation? Canva makes it easy to get started—even if you don’t have a design bone in your body.

I use Canva almost daily and I use their templates for inspiration for thumbnails.

3. ChatGPT

For: Brainstorming and content creation
This AI can help you generate ideas, write emails, or even correct complete essays. Whether you're stuck on what to say or need quick inspiration, ChatGPT is your go-to.

4. Google Drive

For: File storage and collaboration
Whether it’s spreadsheets, documents, images, or presentations, Google Drive makes sharing and storing files seamless. Bonus: It’s perfect for collaborating with your team or clients.

I have a Drive full of courses, social media content, and client work. The perfect place to store everything you create.

5. Stripe

For: Payment processing
If you’re charging clients or selling products, Stripe makes accepting payments super simple. It integrates with tons of platforms and ensures your transactions are smooth and secure.

You can also charge your clients in different types of currency like EUR, GBP, USD, etc. This is useful if you have international clients.

6. Slack

For: Communication
Slack is the virtual office your team didn’t know it needed. Keep your business conversations separate from the clutter of texts and emails.

7. Calendly

For: Booking appointments
Instead of asking for a set time and date, and worrying about understanding your time zones. You simply share your link and people can book appointments on your calendar—whenever you’re free of course!

The best part? You can run an entire business with these tools and barely touch your wallet.

The big lesson here? It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how resourceful you are.

A Little Bonus

Here’s how I recommend using these tools together:

• Plan your workflow with Notion.

• Design your assets in Canva.

• Use ChatGPT to craft content and brainstorm ideas.

• Store files in Google Drive.

• Accept payments with Stripe.

• Communicate with your team on Slack.

These tools are all you need to get started—and thrive. So why wait?

Let me know which tools you’re already using or if you’ve got a hidden gem I should add to the list!

Shower thought of the day

For most, the majority of daily conversations are simple enough that a large language model could easily have them.
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