Wanted to share a question I received via email: "You don't seem to have any kind of CRM or relationship-tracking tool, which blows my mind! How do you care for relationships and stay in touch with opportunities/deals?
Also no project management sytem?
I'm so intrugied as those are key for me!
Amazing breakdown by the way."
—
Here’s my response:
Google Sheets!! It's a good point though, i didn't list ANY of the free tools I use.
I tried a CRM for a while but didn't use it, and my strategy is more, 'oh if so and so enters my mind I'll reach out to them' - I'm not good at the "I should contact Bob every 90 days" type stuff!
Ha ha, I just can't use CRMs! I've tried a couple and didn't really find them useful / or change my approach to how I engage with people? Maybe there is an opportunity in 2026 to get better at this...
Another question hit my inbox, "Great tech wrap Leanne. I am surprised Notion is not in there - I know you used it before. What changed/replaced it?"
I still use Notion but I'm on the free plan. I don't have any Team Members that require access and I do love it as a tool to share workshop resources and updated with clients, as well as logging some ideas every now and then. But on the daily, I'll use Apple Notes just to add ideas, and this year I had my podcast, Leanne on Demand, so most of my ideas were used on that podcast in real time!
1. I was curious about the move from kit, to Substack?
2. My question is about Substack?? Ive been thinking of making the switch from Mailchimp, but again haven’t really had the time to explore it fully so would love any suggestions that can be my summer homework"
Here's why I made the move to publish my articles Substack this year:
1. I enjoy writing on this platform. The formatting potential is beautiful here. ConvertKit was clunky. I love that I can easily embed images, videos, etc.
2. Everything in Kit was one-way, but now I get the opportunity to gauge likes/interactions and commentary in Substack through the Comments feature (hence why I'm posting my response here). Note though, the analytics in Substack are terrible compared to Kit/Mailchimp.
3. I see 'Work Fame' AS my lead magnet... but I have kept Kit (so far) because I still have PDF lead magnets in there, so can't see myself giving that up. I don't really use automated sequences or funnels rn but that might change in 26, hence why I'm probs going to keep Kit.
4. I am slowly building up my Paid articles and it's nice that readers appreciate my content and want to upgrade! But this is not the main reason.
5. Network effects/recommendations within Substack
6. A lot of my favourite creators are using this platform, so why not?
Did you see Canva has released a feature so you can build beautiful emails and then just bring the code into your email platform? This could possibly solve your Kit formatting challenges. However my second thought in that is it’s a hugely expensive subscription to maintain your lead magnets. Something like ThriveCart has lifetime pricing (or did last time I checked) and can do this and lots of other functionality too.
Yes, I know re- Kit. It's a tough one. I haven't sent out anything from it in so long but it's more of a strategy question - do I want to run more B2C programs in 2026? I don't know. Eeeeeeek! I wish Substack had an API... although that's probably part of it's charm, that it is a closed system. Thanks for your thoughts, Kate!
Also, I think the LinkedIn Premium is an interesting one - I was a premium member for a long time and then even Sales Navigator (that was awful), and now only on free - there is a little tug to go back to Premium, but in reality, do I really use any of the features - not at the moment.
Great list and use quite a few of them - doing a review every so often is so important. I have stepped away from Calendly and Kit and replaced them with TidyCal (yes, does payments) and Sendfox (not so happy with this one yet). You can get both via App Sumo for lifetime pricing.
Oh my gosh I should do this just to audit where all my subscription money is going. So interesting. I need to talk to you about monetising the expensive Hello Audio one - AND LOVED the pic of Voiceprint 🙌😍
What a great review list Leanne. As for CRM, for most people they are more work than benefits. I made something myself. What if you could attach anything to google sheets, keep these “bundles” of data (projects or whatever) easily searchable and accessible - and link them to your calendar for a next meeting or study-hour? I have some people trying it in 2026.
I would say that for anybody using a calendar to organise their day, it fits in the existing workflow. No other software to change and you keep the calendar you have now. If you'd like to be in that trial group, please let me know. I am not selling. Just looking for 10 people who'd like to gain time by finding things faster. There are 4 people in Substack in the group already.
Cheers, Cindy! I paid for lifetime access to Notability a few years ago, and in this article I only focused on the paid tools. Seems like there's an appetite to show my free tools, too (gosh, so many!). Notability is amazing, I also use the free version of Notion, my iPhone notes as well.
Thanks for the breakdown, really love it. Now listen tonyour Meta Episode on private Podcast :) kit ist my biggest Position, curious what haplens when shifting to substack.
Leanne I’m curious about the Oura ring. Is it better or different data than Apple or Garmin? I do like the idea of just taking my Garmin off for awhile overnight!
That's a very good point, Gemini and Nano Banana is just insane, right?! HOW GOOD IS DESCRIPT! Best tool on the planet. Always love your tips as well, Ken. I remember you telling me to join Substack years ago!
Wanted to share a question I received via email: "You don't seem to have any kind of CRM or relationship-tracking tool, which blows my mind! How do you care for relationships and stay in touch with opportunities/deals?
Also no project management sytem?
I'm so intrugied as those are key for me!
Amazing breakdown by the way."
—
Here’s my response:
Google Sheets!! It's a good point though, i didn't list ANY of the free tools I use.
I tried a CRM for a while but didn't use it, and my strategy is more, 'oh if so and so enters my mind I'll reach out to them' - I'm not good at the "I should contact Bob every 90 days" type stuff!
I'm also surprised at the lack of CRM tools. And I'd love to read your list of free tools Leanne 👀
Ha ha, I just can't use CRMs! I've tried a couple and didn't really find them useful / or change my approach to how I engage with people? Maybe there is an opportunity in 2026 to get better at this...
Another question hit my inbox, "Great tech wrap Leanne. I am surprised Notion is not in there - I know you used it before. What changed/replaced it?"
I still use Notion but I'm on the free plan. I don't have any Team Members that require access and I do love it as a tool to share workshop resources and updated with clients, as well as logging some ideas every now and then. But on the daily, I'll use Apple Notes just to add ideas, and this year I had my podcast, Leanne on Demand, so most of my ideas were used on that podcast in real time!
Two related email question(s)
1. I was curious about the move from kit, to Substack?
2. My question is about Substack?? Ive been thinking of making the switch from Mailchimp, but again haven’t really had the time to explore it fully so would love any suggestions that can be my summer homework"
Here's why I made the move to publish my articles Substack this year:
1. I enjoy writing on this platform. The formatting potential is beautiful here. ConvertKit was clunky. I love that I can easily embed images, videos, etc.
2. Everything in Kit was one-way, but now I get the opportunity to gauge likes/interactions and commentary in Substack through the Comments feature (hence why I'm posting my response here). Note though, the analytics in Substack are terrible compared to Kit/Mailchimp.
3. I see 'Work Fame' AS my lead magnet... but I have kept Kit (so far) because I still have PDF lead magnets in there, so can't see myself giving that up. I don't really use automated sequences or funnels rn but that might change in 26, hence why I'm probs going to keep Kit.
4. I am slowly building up my Paid articles and it's nice that readers appreciate my content and want to upgrade! But this is not the main reason.
5. Network effects/recommendations within Substack
6. A lot of my favourite creators are using this platform, so why not?
Did you see Canva has released a feature so you can build beautiful emails and then just bring the code into your email platform? This could possibly solve your Kit formatting challenges. However my second thought in that is it’s a hugely expensive subscription to maintain your lead magnets. Something like ThriveCart has lifetime pricing (or did last time I checked) and can do this and lots of other functionality too.
Yes, I know re- Kit. It's a tough one. I haven't sent out anything from it in so long but it's more of a strategy question - do I want to run more B2C programs in 2026? I don't know. Eeeeeeek! I wish Substack had an API... although that's probably part of it's charm, that it is a closed system. Thanks for your thoughts, Kate!
Also, I think the LinkedIn Premium is an interesting one - I was a premium member for a long time and then even Sales Navigator (that was awful), and now only on free - there is a little tug to go back to Premium, but in reality, do I really use any of the features - not at the moment.
Great list and use quite a few of them - doing a review every so often is so important. I have stepped away from Calendly and Kit and replaced them with TidyCal (yes, does payments) and Sendfox (not so happy with this one yet). You can get both via App Sumo for lifetime pricing.
Yes, I've had a few people recommend TidyCal, so good to know it takes payments. I'll check it out, thanks, Karin!
Oh my gosh I should do this just to audit where all my subscription money is going. So interesting. I need to talk to you about monetising the expensive Hello Audio one - AND LOVED the pic of Voiceprint 🙌😍
It's a really great practice! A lot easier if you categorise it in Xero!
Ah yes. It would all be in there!
What a great review list Leanne. As for CRM, for most people they are more work than benefits. I made something myself. What if you could attach anything to google sheets, keep these “bundles” of data (projects or whatever) easily searchable and accessible - and link them to your calendar for a next meeting or study-hour? I have some people trying it in 2026.
Yes I LOVE that idea, something that integrates into my existing workflow. Keep me posted!
I would say that for anybody using a calendar to organise their day, it fits in the existing workflow. No other software to change and you keep the calendar you have now. If you'd like to be in that trial group, please let me know. I am not selling. Just looking for 10 people who'd like to gain time by finding things faster. There are 4 people in Substack in the group already.
I don’t run a business but just like using tools to help with life stuff. What about note taking or annotation apps like Notability.
Cheers, Cindy! I paid for lifetime access to Notability a few years ago, and in this article I only focused on the paid tools. Seems like there's an appetite to show my free tools, too (gosh, so many!). Notability is amazing, I also use the free version of Notion, my iPhone notes as well.
Thanks for the breakdown, really love it. Now listen tonyour Meta Episode on private Podcast :) kit ist my biggest Position, curious what haplens when shifting to substack.
Yes, that's why I'm keeping both going. I still get a email subs through my existing lead magnets/free downloadables on Kit, so keeping that!
Leanne I’m curious about the Oura ring. Is it better or different data than Apple or Garmin? I do like the idea of just taking my Garmin off for awhile overnight!
Yes, exactly, Gordon! I hate sleeping with a watch on, so that benefit alone is worth it. It's not a cheap investment, though. I think the readings are more accurate as well, given it sits on your finger. I think you can use this link to get 10% off: https://ouraring.com/raf/ddc02f3762?utm_source=user&utm_medium=iac_raf&utm_type=alwayson-cvr&utm_campaign=2026RAF&utm_variant=2026_raf_dec
Very interesting list and have tried about 2/3 of these. Love Descript so much! Hope Canva survives Gemini trying to eat their creative features…
That's a very good point, Gemini and Nano Banana is just insane, right?! HOW GOOD IS DESCRIPT! Best tool on the planet. Always love your tips as well, Ken. I remember you telling me to join Substack years ago!