Working from home comes with a ton of perks and an equal set of unique challenges. If you’re a freelancer or remote worker, then you know the dread of mounting disorganization—the guilt and brain fog that comes from being unproductive in your day-to-day.

Wouldn't it be great if you had a virtual assistant to keep you on track—someone to help you manage your calendar, invoices and expenses, and projects? Though hiring a virtual assistant may not be in the budget for the solopreneur, chances are you already have one: Alexa.

Alexa is Amazon's voice-controlled AI available on many devices, including the Amazon Echo smart speaker. Thanks to these Alexa skills (essentially apps), you can boost Alexa's capabilities and turn it into a powerful virtual assistant.

1. Calendar

When you connect your Google, Microsoft, or Apple calendar, you can use Alexa to manage your events. It will remind you of upcoming events, with the option to disable notifications outside your working hours.

This is an integrated ability, so you don't need to download a skill. To use it:

1. Open the Alexa app and select the More tab at the bottom.
2. Tap Calendar.
3. Select the gear icon in the top-right corner.
4. To add your calendar account, tap the plus icon.
5. Once there, choose which provider you want to connect and follow the instructions.

2. Reminders

With this integrated ability, Alexa can remind you to do something that isn’t on your calendar at any time you specify. Say, "Alexa, add a reminder" to prompt it.

You can also add and edit within the Alexa app, under Reminders in the More tab.

This is an essential Alexa voice command. It replaces the need for sticky notes littering your workspace that you swear you’re going to get around to cleaning up.

For example, ask Alexa to remind you to call your client by saying, "Alexa, remind me to call Bob at 1:30 pm." You can also ask it to remind you to switch tasks, or even to eat and go to the bathroom. Hey, we all get so engrossed in work that sometimes we forget these simple things!

3. Todoist

Todoist is an easy-to-use project management tool (free for individuals) that can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, and it integrates with Google Calendar.

Once you connect your Todoist account to the Alexa skill, you can manage your task list, add tasks, or have Alexa read them to you with commands such as:

• "Alexa, add call Jane tomorrow at 1pm to my to-do list."
• "Alexa, add an HDMI cable to my shopping list."
• "Alexa, what's on my to-do list?"

Depending on the command, the task is added to your Alexa to-do list or shopping list, which you can access and edit in your browser or the Todoist app. Simply ask Alexa to add the task to one of these lists.

4. Note Taker

It takes a long time to refocus after a distraction. Note Taker is the perfect companion when you have an idea that you need to jot down in the middle of a project, so you don’t break your flow.

After enabling the skill, simply ask Alexa to “take my note,” and it’ll ask you what you want the note to say.

This is ideal for quick ideas, as the recording time isn’t long. Ask, “What’s my note?” to have it read your notes to you. To delete or edit, you’ll have to go to the Alexa app to manage specific stickies.

5. Time Zone Converter

Remote workers often interact with each other and businesses from different countries. In some cases, converting time zones is a simple task, but when you're working with someone on the other side of the world, the time difference can get difficult to gauge without some help.

Rather than waste time checking your phone's multiple world clocks, have Alexa assist. Ask Alexa to convert the time now in New York to Tokyo time, or from Eastern Standard Time to Indian Standard Time. You can even go as specific as to ask for the time difference on a particular date and time.

6. Math Calculations

Alexa’s quick to the draw when it comes to math calculations. Using this integrated skill, ask it to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, or solve a complex equation hands-free while you work. It'll save you plenty of time instead of reaching for the calculator.

As an example, Alexa can help you draw up your invoices faster—ask it to multiply your hours worked by your hourly rate. This is particularly useful if your hourly rate is different per type of service you provide, or if your rates differ between clients.

7. YNAB

YNAB (You Need a Budget) is a fantastic budgeting service that syncs to your bank accounts and records your transactions, so you can see where your money is going. It's not free, but it has a reasonably priced monthly and annual plan.

You can connect your YNAB account to Alexa and use it to record spending, check expenditure, see how much money is remaining in particular categories, and more.

To begin, sign up/in to YNAB and build your budget. Then:

1. Enable the YNAB Alexa skill via the Alexa app or your browser.
2. Link your YNAB account.
3. Authorize the budget you want Alexa to track.

Once done, you're good to go. Try out commands like, "Alexa, ask YNAB what's the balance of Transportation?” or "Alexa, ask YNAB how much money I have left to spend in the Gas category."

8. Alexa for Zoom Rooms

Zoom Rooms provide a remote conference room experience; they bring teams together and are particularly useful for the freelancer or remote worker who collaborates with multiple people within an organization.

To use this skill, enable it and link your Zoom business account. Then, use it to start, end, and join meetings. For example, say, "Alexa, start meeting."

This skill only supports Zoom Rooms, not regular Zoom meetings. It requires a Zoom business account.

When to Choose Alexa Over a Human Assistant

Alexa is a fantastic virtual assistant for some basic tasks, such as managing your calendar or note-taking. When your needs extend beyond this, it may be time to consider hiring a human virtual assistant. They can help you with graphic design, video editing, social media management, and more.