Essential Tools for Organizing Your Neurodiverse Creative Business

Running a business is hard for anyone, but when you’re neurodivergent, it can feel like everything is on ‘hard mode.’  Between juggling ideas, remembering deadlines, and managing the ever-growing to-do list, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. What I’ve found? There are tons of tools out there designed to help keep folx like us focused, organized, and productive - almost too many! Never fear, I’ve done the testing so you don't have to and I'm only sharing the tools that made my life easier. From one neurodivergent creative (me!) to another - these are my essential tools for organizing your neurodiverse creative business.

Time Tracking Software: Toggl Track or Harvest

If time-blindness is your superpower (or super weakness, depending on how you look at it), time tracking software like Toggl Track or Harvest can be your new best friend. These tools allow you to track exactly how long tasks take, which can be a game-changer if you’re always surprised by how five minutes of email turns into an hour-long rabbit hole.

• Toggl Track: Super easy to use, and you can categorize your work by client or project. It’s perfect if you’re trying to get a handle on how you’re spending your time—spoiler alert: it’s probably not as efficiently as you thought.

• Harvest: In addition to time tracking, Harvest also has invoicing capabilities. So not only will it tell you where your time went, but it can also help you get paid for it.

  
  

Interactive Task Tracker: Microsoft To Do

Ever wish you had a digital sticky note that couldn’t get lost under the couch? That’s basically what interactive task trackers are.  There are LOTS of options for task trackers, but I like the simplicity of Microsoft To Do. You can create color coded to-do lists for everything from daily chores to long-term business goals and there’s a good chance it’s already installed on your computer. Free .99!

Pro tip: Set reminders for everything—meetings, tasks, breaks (yes, breaks!). The satisfying little ding that sounds after ticking off completed tasks is pure dopamine!

Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Trello

If like a lot of us neurodivergent folx you like to multi-task or your business juggles multiple projects at once, project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello are clutch.

• Trello: Think of Trello as a visual board for your projects. You can drag and drop tasks between columns, create checklists, and set deadlines. It’s the perfect solution for visual thinkers who need to see everything laid out in front of them.

• Asana: Ideal for larger projects, Asana helps break down big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. You can assign tasks, set priorities, and follow project progress step-by-step keeping them in sight and top of mind.

• Jira: More on the techy side, but incredibly useful if you’re managing complex projects with multiple team members. Great for tracking bugs, too, if software is your thing.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: HoneyBook, Dubsado

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like HoneyBook and Dubsado are essential if keeping track of clients feels like trying to herd cats. CRMs help you manage communication, follow-ups, and project timelines, so nothing falls through the cracks.

• HoneyBook: Designed with creatives in mind, HoneyBook integrates proposals, contracts, invoicing, and task management into one platform. No more frantically searching for that email thread about last month’s project.

• Dubsado: Similar to HoneyBook, but with more customization options. Dubsado allows you to tailor your client management system to your unique business processes—because let’s be honest, cookie-cutter solutions don’t always vibe with how neurodiverse folx like to accomplish work.

Scheduler: Calendly or Google Calendar

With all the chasing and coordinating that scheduling can require, this is where balls can get dropped – especially for us neurodivergent folx. Tools like Calendly and Google Calendar take the headache out of back-and-forth emails and double bookings by allowing clients to book time with you in real time, based on your availability.

Video Conferencing: Zoom

The age of video meetings is here to stay, and platforms like Zoom let you connect with clients and collaborators face-to-face.  I like Zoom because it’s widely accessible, has a browser option, and the standard account offers free meetings up to 40 minutes long. It’s perfect for quick check-ins or consultations. Plus, no need to leave my house.

File Sharing and Storage: Google Drive or Dropbox

With Google Drive and Dropbox, you’ll never have to deal with “I can’t find that file!” again. Both platforms let you store, share, and collaborate on documents in the cloud. Whether you’re working with a team, a client, or need to access files from different devices.

eSignature Management: Dropbox Sign

If your CRM doesn’t have contract management and eSignature capability – you’ll want to invest in an eSignature solution.  Dropbox Sign (formerly HelloSign) makes contract management pretty painless. Easily send contracts for electronic signatures without the hassle of printing, signing, and scanning.

Invoicing Software: Wave, Zoho

If your CRM doesn’t already handle invoicing, tools like Wave or Zoho can step in. With built-in templates, you can create professional invoices in minutes and automate reminders for late payments. No more chasing down clients for overdue invoices—well, at least not manually.

Accounting Software or Expense Tracker: Various

You can avoid the dreaded tax time scramble and make informed financial decisions for your business year-round when you’re using accounting software or at the very least an expense tracker in your business. Tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks make it easy to categorize expenses, send invoices, and track your income.

Customizable Data Tracker: Excel, Google Sheets

For the data-lovers out there, Excel and Google Sheets can be your secret weapon. Whether you’re tracking expenses, organizing potential clients, or planning content calendars, these customizable spreadsheets let you organize information in a way that makes sense to you.

Pro tip: Color-code everything. It’ll make sorting through data way more fun, and it’s a great visual cue for prioritizing tasks. Who says spreadsheets can’t be exciting?

Grammar, Spelling, and Plagiarism Checker: Grammarly

As a business owner, your writing is everywhere—from client emails to social media posts. Grammarly ensures that your grammar and spelling are on point, so your message is clear, and you look professional, polished, and put together.

Bonus: It can also catch accidental plagiarism, which is super helpful when you’re multitasking and pulling inspiration from various sources.

Online Graphic Design Platform: Canva

If graphic design feels like rocket science, you’ll want to choose a very user-friendly platform with little to no learning curve.  I like Canva as a ‘plug-and-go’ solution because it offers customizable drag-and-drop templates for everything from social media posts to business cards, making it perfect for the creatively-inclined but artistically-challenged.

Bonus: Canva Pro even gives you access to stock photos, videos, and design elements, so you’ll always have the perfect image or effect at your fingertips. It's basically your all-in-one design toolkit without needing to learn complicated software like Photoshop.

Stock Photography, Royalty Free Video & Music: Various

Need visuals but don’t have the time (or skill) to shoot your own? Stock photography and video platforms like Unsplash, Adobe Stock, or Storyblocks have you covered. Whether it’s a quirky photo for your blog, a slick video for a social media campaign, or background music for your podcast intro, royalty free media can elevate your brand without requiring hours of effort.

Password Manager

You’ll want a secure password manager to keep all your passwords for these tools (and more) straight. Trust me on this. LastPass is my secure, free to low cost, extension compatible go-to.

Final Thoughts: Find Tools That Work for YOU (Or Let Me Help You Do It!)

I overstand, the trial and error of finding and implementing the perfect tools that work for your neurodivergent brain in your neurodivergent-run business can feel daunting and time consuming (and maybe boring).  But building your systems and streamlining your processes have been on your to-do list for a while. I have good news!  You don’t have to do it alone!  You don’t have to do it all, if you don’t want to because I’m here to help!

Let’s talk! Book a free 30-minute discovery call with me, and we’ll figure out where your biggest pain points are. I’ll assess what’s working, what’s not, and make recommendations tailored to your brain. Need help setting up workflows? I’ve got you. I’ll even beta test the implementation for you, so you can take things on little by little until you’re soaring through your to-do list like a productivity pro.

No more trying to wrestle with time tracking or fumbling through client management systems on your own. I’ll custom-build a system that actually works for you—because real talk, trying to make cookie-cutter solutions work for your unique needs are a waste of everyone’s time.

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your free call today, and let’s get your business (and sanity) back on track—one workflow at a time!