The Essential Tool Stack for a Solo Consulting Firm

I’ve tried dozens of tools over the years. The ones that survive are the ones that do one thing well and stay out of my way.

My Current Stack

• Accounting: QuickBooks Self-Employed → simple, handles quarterly estimates
• Invoicing: Built into my accounting tool
• Contracts: A single Word template I’ve refined over years
• CRM: A spreadsheet. Seriously.
• Calendar: Google Calendar with strict time blocks
• Communication: Email and one video call tool
• File Storage: Cloud storage with a ruthless folder structure

The Intentional Stack

Every tool you add is a tool you need to maintain, update, learn, and pay for. I focus on what each tool earns its place by doing well - and regularly ask “what can I simplify?”