Business-Management Tools for the Beginner

There is limited Excel support, which is really a cardinal sin for the serious business. Invoices, for example, are not integral to the package. And don't expect strong support with organizational tools like Outlook or Google Apps. There is almost no automation that I could find. Everything had to be upgraded by hand as situations changed, which is an instant bore. And with its relative youth and small market size, you cannot expect the base of third-party applications that you would find with Basecamp or other more popular packages.

Action Method Online is pretty much an entry-level organizational tool. As you grow, this is not the software to use.

Bottom line

Action Method Online is the end of excuses for not using project management software.

Yes, it's not perfect. And more sophisticated enterprises definitely should stay away. But for the small business astronaut who has just found him or herself crash landed here on Planet Small Biz, it is a very important first step.

If you are struggling with the basics of the strange new world of sole proprietorship, by all means spend this afternoon getting organized with Action Method Online. It may not improve your actual situation. But at least you will get a clear picture of the challenges ahead. And trust me, that's where success begins.

Put another way: I wish I had these tools 10 years ago when I first struggled through getting the hang of independent business life. I would have much less gray hair.