Conquering the Never-Ending To-Dos with Trello

Oct 1

Running a business is challenging. Running multiple businesses? Managing multiple to-do lists? That’s a whole new level of complexity. As an owner of an accounting firm and other ventures, I’ve faced the overwhelming reality of juggling client work, internal operations, strategic planning, and countless tasks that don’t always fit neatly into traditional systems.

That’s where Trello has become my secret weapon. Trello isn’t just another task management tool; it’s a dynamic platform that has redefined how I handle the to-dos that fall outside of my accounting practice management software and into the broader landscape of running multiple businesses.

The Problem with Rigid Systems

Practice management platforms are great for organizing client-specific workflows and meeting compliance requirements, but they often fall short for anything outside their core purpose.

I needed a tool that could handle everything else:

Internal projects like onboarding team members or documenting processes.
Marketing initiatives, including content calendars and social media planning.
Strategic planning for new ventures or growth initiatives.
Day-to-day operational tasks like coordinating schedules or tracking personal to-dos.

These “other” tasks are vital to running my businesses, but without a system to manage them, they often felt scattered and overwhelming.

Why Trello Works for Me

Trello stood out because of its flexibility and visual appeal. It’s not tied to a specific industry or workflow, which means I can adapt it to fit the unique needs of each business I own.

1. Visual Organization Across All Ventures

Trello’s boards, lists, and cards make it easy to organize tasks visually. This structure allows me to switch between businesses seamlessly while keeping everything in one place.

2. Flexible Workflow Management

Not all tasks are created equal, and Trello’s flexibility lets me customize workflows for each venture. The ability to create custom workflows ensures that every task, big or small, has a home.

3. Seamless Collaboration Across Teams

Trello’s collaboration features are invaluable. Each card can include checklists, attachments, comments, and due dates, making it easy to delegate tasks and track progress. Trello ensures that no matter who I’m working with—or which business I’m focusing on—communication is clear and efficient.

How Trello Fits into My Broader Workflow

Trello doesn’t replace our practice management software within our accounting firm; it complements it. My accounting clients’ deadlines and projects are still managed within our dedicated platform. Trello, on the other hand, handles everything else that is not recurring or special projects.

The Benefits of Using Trello Across Businesses

Using Trello has transformed how I approach the chaos of running multiple businesses. Here’s what it’s done for me:

Reduced Overwhelm: With a clear system in place, I can tackle tasks one at a time without feeling scattered.
Improved Clarity: Trello’s visual layout makes it easy to see the status of every project at a glance.
Enhanced Productivity: By streamlining workflows and centralizing to-dos, I spend less time managing tasks and more time getting things done.
Better Work-Life Balance: Trello helps me organize personal and professional priorities, making it easier to balance the demands of both.

Final Thoughts

Managing multiple businesses requires more than just hard work—it requires a system that keeps everything organized, aligned, and actionable. Trello has become that system for me. It’s not about replacing the tools that already work for specific parts of your business but finding a way to manage everything else with clarity and efficiency. Whether you’re running one business or many, Trello’s adaptability and ease of use can help you stay on top of your to-dos and reimagine your workflow. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of moving pieces in your business, I can’t recommend Trello enough. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I believe it can be for you too.

Let’s reimagine how we work—one board at a time.