What's one project management tool that you couldn't live without, and how has it enhanced your effectiveness?

Question

In the quest for peak productivity, we've gathered insights from eight seasoned professionals, including a Business Transformation Consultant and a CEO, on the project management tools they deem indispensable. From the versatility of Notion to the organizational prowess of HoneyBook, discover the tools that have revolutionized effectiveness in their work.

Rachel Magasweran · Answer

I have led technical projects for over 13 years. I've used everything from Microsoft Project, Jira, Excel, Asana, Trello, Smartsheet, and more. However, my favorite tools were not project management-specific tools, but instead: Notion. 
I used Notion for project management by using a database for tasks and subtasks, linking tickets from Jira as well, and syncing my tasks in Jira and Notion to Miro. I also created a Notion front page to share updates, videos, status, and sync all the team's updates.

Giovanni della Ventura · Answer

Ever since I discovered Motion AI, I can't do without it. I use it for both personal purposes and for my sales team. It's incredible because it uses artificial intelligence to organize your week, improving productivity.
For instance, I add a specific task to my daily calendar, and the tool will schedule it based on the priority and the length. Essentially, it is like having a personal assistant organizing my day.
It also has a Project Management view where I can see my team's progress and the upcoming deadlines. The only downside is its high learning curve, but it's worth it!

Akshay Shah · Answer

One of the most important project management tools for me is Microsoft Excel. I have used Excel to create and maintain a Project Plan, prepare estimates and business cases, and even maintain and track Project Risks and Issues. With Excel's built-in formulas, conditional formatting, real-time BI, and data visualization capabilities, the list is endless. 
The best part is that MS Excel is part of the O365 suite, so it is not heavy on the pocket but can help you manage billions with ease. Also, it's best for collaboration; you can have your Excel sheet shared with others in the organization on SharePoint, OneDrive, or even Teams, and multiple people can work on the same file simultaneously. The features that Excel has can be used to create a macro- or Python-based tool to do complex calculations.
I believe MS Excel is very similar to the human brain in the sense that we only use less than 10% of MS Excel's capabilities.

Will Mitchell · Answer

As an entrepreneur and consultant who has built multiple successful e-commerce companies, I couldn't live without ClickUp. It provides a single space for task management, document collaboration, spreadsheets, and more. 
For example, when launching a new online course, ClickUp allows me to map out the multi-month process from content creation to launch. I can assign tasks to my team, set deadlines, and monitor progress in real time. If there are any delays, I can bring in extra resources or adjust the schedule immediately. This visibility and flexibility have been key to delivering complex projects on time.
Whether working with internal teams or clients, tools like ClickUp drive productivity and customer service. For fast-growing startups, project management platforms are essential to gaining control and insight into key business processes. I highly recommend ClickUp or a similar solution.

Phil Laboon · Answer

One project management tool that I've found indispensable is Monday.com. It's like my digital Swiss Army knife for organizing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration. The visual boards and customizable workflows make it easy to see where every project stands at a glance, which is crucial when juggling multiple ventures. 
I remember a particularly chaotic period where deadlines were looming and communication was scattered—Monday.com helped streamline our processes and keep everyone on the same page, literally. Plus, its flexibility allowed us to adapt as our projects evolved, whether we were launching a new product or refining our marketing strategy. It's not just a tool; it's become an integral part of our workflow, saving time and sanity with every click.

Fahad Khan · Answer

Trello has become indispensable to our operations, significantly enhancing our management of e-commerce projects. Its visual board system simplifies task organization and progress tracking.
In our e-commerce endeavors, managing multiple projects concurrently—from product launches to marketing campaigns—is routine. Each project is allocated a Trello board with distinct lists like 'To Do,' 'In Progress,' and 'Completed,' offering clear visibility into tasks and their current status.
Trello's card feature facilitates the breakdown of projects into manageable tasks, with each card detailing checklists, due dates, and attachments. This meticulous approach ensures thorough oversight and prevents oversights.
Another asset is real-time collaboration, which allows team members to comment on cards, upload files, and progress tasks seamlessly. Since adopting Trello, our project completion rates have soared, streamlining operations and boosting efficiency across our e-commerce ventures.

Kelli Anderson · Answer

With many clients and several projects on my plate at once, Asana is essential for keeping everything on track. It helps me organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress effectively, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. By providing a centralized platform for managing all my projects, Asana allows me to stay organized, prioritize efficiently, and maintain clear communication with my team, boosting overall productivity and coordination.

Elisabeth Hedge · Answer

HoneyBook has completely transformed my workflow, and I genuinely can't imagine a day without it! As a creative professional, I've experienced firsthand how it supercharges projects with an incredible organizational boost. From solid legal protection through contracts, seamless automations, to an efficient project task tracker, HoneyBook puts everything at your fingertips. It has centralized all my client communications, invoices, and contracts, allowing me to finally say goodbye to scattered files, emails, and notes.
Before HoneyBook, project deadlines would sometimes sneak up on me, and I would jump from task to task, trying to ensure nothing was missed—a process that cost me a lot of time and energy. Now, I have streamlined processes and stay ahead of deadlines. It's more than just a tool; it's a creative partner, empowering you to realize your vision and achieve your goals with excitement and confidence.

Which Project Management Tool is Essential for Productivity?

Which Project Management Tool is Essential for Productivity?

Notion: A Versatile Project Management Hub

Motion AI: AI-Powered Scheduling Assistant

Excel: The Multi-Functional Project Tracker

ClickUp: All-in-One Project Management

Monday.com: Visual and Flexible Task Organizer

Trello: Visual Boards for E-Commerce Management

Asana: Centralized Task and Deadline Manager

HoneyBook: Organizational Tool for Creatives