You know that moment when your phone starts running out of storage because you’ve downloaded one too many apps? That was me four years ago. I had a scheduling app, an invoicing app, a time-tracking app, and about six different project management tools, all trying to work together like a band with no drummer. To make matters worse, I had multiple free trials of premium apps going on at the same time, each promising to solve my problems. Spoiler: It didn’t work.
At some point, I realized I needed one tool to rule them all—or at least something that didn’t require a PhD in systems management to make sense of. After trying everything from fancy CRMs to an overly-crowded whiteboard, I found 17hats, and it changed everything.
What makes 17hats so special isn’t just that it replaces a bunch of tools—it actually makes your business run better. It’s the all-in-one system I didn’t know I needed but now can’t imagine living without. Here’s how it works.
1. Emailing and Invoicing, Automated (Finally)
Let’s start with something every small business owner knows all too well: the endless follow-up emails. Before 17hats, I spent way too much time reminding (or completely forgetting to remind) clients to pay invoices, sign contracts, or approve proposals. It wasn’t just exhausting—it was eating into time I needed for the creative work that makes Trail Mix Creative tick.
With 17hats, all of that changed. As soon as I send an invoice or contract, the system takes over, sending automated but professional reminders if a deadline approaches. No awkward conversations, no wasted time—it just works.
One client even commented on how polished the entire process felt: “You must have a whole team managing this for you!” Nope—it’s just me and 17hats. If you want to see how automation can save you hours, I recommend exploring 17hats University, which has tutorials to walk you through setting up your own workflows.
2. A Branded Client Portal That Wows
You know that first impression matters, right? With 17hats’ custom-branded client portal, every interaction with Trail Mix Creative feels seamless, professional, and personal.
Here’s how it works: clients can go directly to their portal to view invoices, sign contracts, and see project updates—all branded with our logo and colors. For them, it’s easy and convenient. For us, it’s a game-changer. No more emails asking, “Can you resend that document?” Everything they need is in one place.
I love that this platform elevates the customer experience without adding extra work on my end. If you want to wow your clients while keeping things simple, try 17hats here.
3. Timetracking and Invoicing, Fused Together
As a business that frequently takes on consulting work, tracking billable hours has always been a bit of a nightmare. Before 17hats, I was jotting hours down in a random note on my phone, hoping I wouldn’t forget anything, and then manually adding them to invoices. Spoiler: I forgot things, and it cost me.
With 17hats, all of that hassle is gone. The built-in timer tracks my hours as I work, and when it’s time to invoice, those hours can be added with a single click. No more math, no more mistakes, no more guesswork.
I recently completed a project where I needed to track several short consulting sessions over a few weeks. The timer worked perfectly, and adding those hours to the final invoice was effortless. If consulting or hourly billing is part of your business, this feature is a game-changer. Check out how 17hats makes invoicing and time tracking easy here.
4. Scheduling Made Effortless (and Hands-Free)
Scheduling used to feel like an endless game of email ping-pong. “Does Tuesday at 2 work?” “No, but I’m free Friday at 10.” “Actually, can we push it to next week?” Sound familiar?
17hats completely eliminates that back-and-forth. I simply set my availability, and clients can book meetings directly through my calendar. Once they choose a time, 17hats automatically generates a Zoom link, sends a confirmation email, and even adds the event to my calendar. It’s like having a virtual assistant—but better.
Want to ditch the scheduling chaos? Try 17hats with my referral link.
Why I Recommend 17hats to Every Small Business Owner
When I first started using 17hats, I was skeptical. Could one tool really handle everything I needed? After a year of running Trail Mix Creative with 17hats at the center of our operations, the answer is a resounding yes.
17hats doesn’t just organize your business—it elevates it. From automating emails and invoices to creating a professional client experience and streamlining scheduling, it turns chaos into clarity. And it does it all in a way that feels effortless and intuitive.
If you’re ready to streamline your business and impress your clients, click here to try 17hats. I genuinely believe it can make a difference for you the way it has for me.