Today, business owners must adopt tools that make collaboration, connection, and visibility not only easier, but smarter. This past week, I checked out a variety of platforms ranging from collaboration suites and networking hubs to review-based sites and niche social platforms. My goal was to figure out which ones are worth the time, and which might actually help the way I work and connect.
The first set of tools I'll write about were collaboration platforms, and I have to admit this is an area where I’ve previously underestimated the potential. While I'm comfortable working independently, there's no denying that cloud-based tools like Slack, Trello, Notion, and ClickUp have made remote teamwork smoother and smarter. I quickly tested a few and found Notion to be the most flexible for my own work. It feels less like a project manager barking deadlines and more like a digital whiteboard, great for organizing ideas, tasks and research in one place. If I was managing a team, I’d absolutely rely on one of these to keep everyone moving in the same direction.
Shifting focus to professional networking, I returned to LinkedIn with fresh eyes. I’d created a profile a while back but never fully tapped into the potential of its group communities. This time, I joined a few groups related to entrepreneurship, sports tech, and AI. The conversations happening there—ranging from discussions about ethical AI to niche grant opportunities for athletic startups—were Kind of useful, however feeling a little transactional. For anyone looking to find strategic partnerships, this platform still has plenty of value.
Next, I explored Meetup, which felt like stepping into the analog world from a digital doorway. Unlike LinkedIn, Meetup is less about resumes and more about shared tech and creative talks, entrepreneur groups, and even athletic meetups. I found a group for sports tech founders and another for AI startups that occasionally meet online and in person. What I enjoyed most is how organic it felt. You're not there to pitch, just to connect. And the most meaningful partnerships come from a conversation that doesn’t start with “Let me sell you something.” If used intentionally, Meetup can be a great supplement to more structured platforms like LinkedIn.
I also revisited Yelp and Google Reviews. Many years ago I launched my tennis instruction business based on a review of my sole student's father. He mentioned: "Great with children" somewhere. His words gave life to a business that has kept me and my family blessed to this day. I feel indebted, forever. These days I work out of private clubs and am not allowed to bring in guests or provide services to non members. If I were to to start out of city parks again one day. Google and Yelp would be my first station.
Finally, I dipped into the vibrant and chaotic world of TikTok and live streaming platforms like Twitch. Though my work doesn’t revolve around music or gaming, I saw how these platforms could be adapted to fit a wide range of content. I watched coaches break down sports drills in bite-sized clips, artists livestream their creative process, and small business owners share behind-the-scenes moments that felt more authentic than any polished ad. TikTok, in particular, has a unique ability to make something go viral with just a few seconds of well-timed storytelling. While I may not adopt these platforms immediately, I can absolutely see their value in building trust and engagement, especially with younger audiences.
In the end, what stands out is how each of these tools carve out a different space in the digital world. No solo platform does it all, but together, they create a network of possibility.
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