Connect with us

Uncategorized

Start Smart: Shalom Lamm’s Top Free Tools Every New Founder Should Be Using

Published

on

Shalom Lamm

Starting a business is an exciting yet resource-strapped journey. New founders often wear multiple hats—marketing, operations, sales, customer service—and every dollar counts. But thanks to an ever-expanding ecosystem of free digital tools, early-stage entrepreneurs can now access powerful resources without breaking the bank. According to serial entrepreneur Shalom Lamm, the right tools can be the difference between spinning your wheels and building momentum.

“When I launched my first venture, I didn’t have access to fancy software or a massive team. I had hustle, a vision—and smart tools to help me stay organized, visible, and connected,” says Lamm.

In this blog post, we break down top-tier free tools that every new founder should be using, based on practical experience and insights from Shalom Lamm’s entrepreneurial playbook.

1. Canva – For Stunning Branding & Design

Need a logo, pitch deck, Instagram post, or business card but can’t afford a designer? Canva is your best friend. With a drag-and-drop interface and thousands of professional templates, even non-designers can create polished visuals.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “Branding matters—even at day one. Canva lets you present your idea with confidence before you have the budget for a creative agency.”

Free features include:

  • Logo creation
  • Social media templates
  • Presentations and infographics

2. Trello or Notion – For Task Management & Collaboration

Founders need to juggle tasks, manage timelines, and track progress. Trello (kanban-style project boards) and Notion (a customizable all-in-one workspace) are two of the most versatile tools for organizing chaos.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “When you’re starting out, your brain is your business. You need a system to keep your ideas, goals, and to-dos out of your head and into action.”

Both platforms are great for:

  • Weekly planning
  • Team collaboration
  • Product roadmaps
  • Launch checklists

3. Mailchimp (Free Tier) – For Email Marketing

Even with a small list, email marketing remains one of the highest-ROI channels. With its generous free plan, Mailchimp allows you to create newsletters, automate campaigns, and track performance.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “If social media disappeared tomorrow, would you still have a way to reach your audience? Your email list is your safety net.”

Great for:

  • Early lead nurturing
  • Building a waitlist or beta user group
  • Launch announcements

4. Google Workspace (Free Gmail Account + Tools)

Before upgrading to a paid G Suite plan, new founders can get far with just a regular Gmail account and access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. The cloud-based suite is perfect for collaboration and bootstrapped operations.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “I’ve launched entire ventures from a free Gmail address. Don’t overcomplicate your stack in the beginning.”

Use it for:

  • Documenting your business plan
  • Pitch decks
  • Budget tracking
  • Collaborative notes

5. Buffer or Later (Free Plans) – For Social Media Scheduling

Consistency is key to growing a brand on social media—but posting daily can be time-consuming. Tools like Buffer or Later offer limited but useful free plans for scheduling posts across multiple platforms.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “Your presence needs to outpace your product. These tools help you stay top-of-mind without living on your phone.”

Benefits:

  • Batch scheduling
  • Post previews
  • Analytics (limited on free plans)

6. HubSpot CRM (Free Tier) – For Sales & Customer Management

HubSpot’s free CRM is a game-changer for new founders who need to track leads, manage contacts, and keep communication organized.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “If you’re not tracking your leads from day one, you’re leaking opportunity. A CRM creates structure before the chaos hits.”

Features include:

  • Pipeline tracking
  • Contact and company management
  • Meeting scheduler integration

7. Grammarly – For Polished Communication

Whether you’re writing emails, investor updates, or landing page copy, clarity matters. Grammarly’s free browser extension helps catch spelling, tone, and grammar errors.

Why Shalom Lamm recommends it: “Words build trust. Poor writing can cost you credibility—even when your idea is brilliant.”

Final Thoughts: Let Tools Work for You

While there’s no tool that can replace hustle, vision, or grit, the right digital support can make your journey smoother—and more scalable. Shalom Lamm believes that today’s founders have an advantage that wasn’t available just a decade ago: access.

“Free tools level the playing field. You don’t need funding to get organized, branded, or connected. You just need to start.”

So, if you’re building your business from scratch, arm yourself with these free tools. Use them to maximize your time, focus your energy, and bring your startup dream to life—without spending a dime.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Summer Travel & Temporary Moves: How Self-Storage Helps

Published

on

By

Summer is here, and with it comes the allure of travel, adventure, and change. Whether you’re planning an extended road trip, moving for a temporary job, or taking a summer semester abroad, one challenge looms large: what to do with your belongings. For many, the answer is simple and convenient—storage rental.

This article explores how 1 can make your summer plans stress-free while keeping your belongings safe and secure.


Why Choose Self-Storage for Summer Plans?

Summer is a season of movement. College students leave dorms, families plan relocations, and travelers hit the road or the skies for extended getaways. These shifts can leave you wondering what to do with your stuff. Here’s why storage rental is a perfect solution for these scenarios:

  • Convenience: Renting a storage unit gives you a secure place to keep your belongings, freeing you from the hassle of moving everything to a friend’s basement or cluttering up a temporary space.
  • Flexibility: Many storage facilities offer month-to-month leasing options, meaning you only pay for the time you need.
  • Security: You can relax knowing your items are protected with advanced security features, including surveillance cameras, gated access, and on-site staff.

How Self-Storage Simplifies Common Summer Scenarios

Self-storage isn’t just a “nice-to-have” option during summer; it can solve many logistical headaches. Here are a few scenarios where it can be a lifesaver:

1. Adventurous Travelers

If you plan to spend the summer backpacking across Europe or road-tripping through the U.S., you likely can’t take all your belongings with you. A storage unit allows you to safeguard your items while you explore the world.

Example:

Imagine you’re departing on a three-month European tour. Instead of paying rent for an apartment you won’t use, place your items in a secure storage unit and save big.


2. Temporary Moves for Work or Study

Seasonal jobs, internships, or summer semesters abroad often require temporary relocation. Hauling everything you own to your new (and potentially smaller) accommodations can add unnecessary stress.

Solution:

A self-storage unit lets you downsize without sacrificing your cherished belongings. Keep only essential items with you and store the rest until you’re ready to return.


3. College Students Between Semesters

When the school year ends, many college students have to vacate their dorms or student apartments. Instead of carting everything home—which can be miles away—self-storage becomes the go-to solution.

Benefit:

Students can store their electronics, furniture, and personal belongings near campus, ready for their return in the fall. Storage rental companies even offer special student discounts!


Tips for Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Not all storage rental options are created equal. Here are some tips to find the perfect match for your needs:

  1. Pick the Right Size

Evaluate how much space you’ll need to avoid paying for a unit that’s too large (or cramming everything into one that’s too small). Most facilities offer a range of unit sizes.

  1. Climate Control

For items like electronics, artwork, or leather goods, a climate-controlled storage unit ensures your belongings are safe from extreme heat or humidity.

  1. Accessibility

Find a facility that offers convenient access hours, especially if you anticipate needing to retrieve items throughout the summer.

  1. Read Reviews

Look for testimonials and ratings to ensure the facility provides excellent security, cleanliness, and customer service.


Store with Confidence This Summer

Self-storage rentals are the ultimate solution for freeing up space and easing the stress of summer plans. No matter where your adventures take you, you can relax knowing your belongings are safely stored and ready for your return.

Looking for a stress-free storage rental? Find the perfect unit today and focus on making the most of your summer!

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Summer’s Here: Is Your Home Ready? Self-Storage Can Help

Published

on

By

Summer often brings an urge to refresh your living space, whether it’s preparing for outdoor gatherings, taking on home improvement projects, or simply making room for summer activities. But where do you put all your off-season items like bulky winter coats, skis, or holiday decorations? Enter self-storage. The convenience of storage rentals can be a game-changer when it comes to decluttering and organizing your home for the sunny season.

Here’s how self-storage can help you get your home ready for summer and why it’s the ultimate solution for maintaining a functional, stress-free space.


Make Room for Summer Activities

When summer temperatures rise, your family naturally gravitates outdoors, and so do your activities. To fully enjoy your space, both inside and out, you’ll want to create room for bikes, patio furniture, and pool gear without sacrificing an organized home.

Store Off-Season Items

Bulky items like thick blankets, winter boots, shovels, and ski equipment have no place in your summer lifestyle but take up a lot of valuable space. Consider a self-storage unit where you can safely tuck these things away until colder months return.

Create a Summer-Optimized Space

Declutter storage rooms, garages, and closets and replace these spaces with summer essentials like gardening tools, camping gear, and picnic supplies. A self-storage rental ensures you can rotate seasonal items efficiently.


Ideal for Home Renovation Projects

Summer often feels like the perfect time to tackle home improvements or renovations. Whether you’re repainting, upgrading your kitchen, or building a dreamy outdoor deck, you’ll likely need extra space to keep furniture and valuables safe and out of harm’s way.

A nearby self-storage unit acts as a secure and convenient holding area during renovations. This not only protects your belongings but also allows work crews to move freely, keeping your project on track.


Maintain an Organized and Stress-Free Home

Summer fun can get chaotic, especially if you’re entertaining guests, hosting backyard barbecues, or having family over for a few weeks. The last thing you want is clutter ruining the breezy ambiance of your home.

Short-Term Flexibility

Self-storage rentals aren’t just long-term solutions. Many facilities offer month-to-month lease options, so you can rent a unit for just the summer months while keeping everything accessible for when you need it again.

Decluttering for Guests

Hosting overnight guests? Open up guest rooms and shared spaces by temporarily moving extraneous furniture or belongings into self-storage. It’s an easy way to make your home look and feel more inviting.


Choosing the Right Self-Storage for You

When selecting a storage rental, keep the following in mind:

  • Location and Accessibility: Choose a facility close to home to make dropping off or picking up items hassle-free.
  • Size Options: Assess your storage needs carefully. Do you need a small unit for just boxes of stuff, or a larger one to fit furniture?
  • Climate Control: If you’re storing sensitive items like photographs, electronics, or leather furniture, look for a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage from summer heat.
  • Secure Facilities: Ensure the rental includes security measures such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit locks.

Start Your Summer Strong

Self-storage rentals can make your living space ready for all the summer fun ahead. Whether you’re decluttering, preparing for home renovations, or simply finding extra room for seasonal items, self-storage is the smartest solution. By freeing up space in your home, you’ll have the extra peace of mind to focus on making memories that truly matter.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

How Managed IT Could Transform Your Technology Approach

Published

on

By

Technology is the backbone of almost every business today, regardless of size or industry. But managing IT infrastructure effectively can be a challenging and time-consuming endeavor. Whether you’re a small startup or an established business, adopting fully managed IT could completely transform how you leverage technology within your company.

This post dives into the benefits of fully managed IT services, explaining how they streamline operations, bolster security, and free up valuable time for your team to focus on strategic growth.

What is Fully Managed IT?

Before we jump into the benefits, let’s clarify what “fully managed IT” actually means. Fully managed IT involves outsourcing your company’s IT needs to a third-party provider. From routine maintenance to advanced network monitoring and cybersecurity, managed IT service providers handle the bulk (or all) of your technology operations.

This hands-off approach ensures your business maintains functionality, security, and efficiency, with minimal input needed from your internal team.


Benefits of Fully Managed IT

Transitioning to managed IT services can modernize your approach to technology, helping you stay competitive in a digitally driven world. Here are the key advantages to consider.

1. Lower Costs and Predictable Spending

Maintaining an in-house IT team can be costly. Salaries, ongoing training, and hardware expenses can quickly add up. Managed IT providers typically operate on a subscription-based model, meaning your costs are predictable every month.

Additionally, they proactively monitor your systems to catch and fix small issues before they become costly problems. Over time, this preventive approach saves money and eliminates surprise expenses.


2. Enhanced Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats are increasingly sophisticated, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. Fully managed IT providers offer access to advanced cybersecurity solutions, from 24/7 monitoring to implementing robust firewalls and anti-virus software.

For instance, managed IT specialists can perform vulnerability assessments to identify potential weak spots in your system and offer solutions to keep sensitive data protected. With increasing regulations around data privacy, having experts safeguard your business is essential.


3. Reduced Downtime

Unplanned downtime is a nightmare for any business. Whether caused by server crashes, software glitches, or cyberattacks, downtime can lead to lost revenue and productivity.

Fully managed IT services include constant monitoring and quick response times, so problems are identified and resolved before they disrupt your operations. Many providers also offer disaster recovery and backup solutions to ensure continuity even in the face of unexpected events.


4. Access to Cutting-Edge Technology

Keeping up with the latest technological advancements can be overwhelming, especially for businesses that lack dedicated IT expertise. Managed IT providers have access to state-of-the-art tools and emerging technologies, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve.

From cloud computing and advanced analytics to automation tools, these experts help integrate systems that align with your business goals, offering a competitive edge.


5. Focus on Your Core Business

One of the most significant advantages of fully managed IT is the ability to redirect your team’s time and energy. With IT operations in the hands of experienced professionals, your internal staff can shift their focus back to strategic initiatives and value-driven projects rather than troubleshooting tech issues.

Whether it’s expanding your services, scaling your operations, or enhancing customer experiences, managed IT ensures your team stays focused on what they do best.


Should Your Business Switch to Fully Managed IT?

Fully managed IT isn’t just a service; it’s a partnership. By entrusting your technology needs to external experts, your company gains peace of mind, reduced operational stress, and access to cutting-edge resources. Whether you’re scaling your business or looking to optimize current processes, managed IT can play a vital role in supporting your growth and success.

If you’re ready to modernize your business and simplify your IT strategy, consider speaking to a managed IT provider to explore how they can customize solutions for your unique needs.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Facebook

Tags

Trending