Like others have said, a ticketing system may be a bit much.
I use Allthings (http://www.allthings.io) to do exactly what you've described, using lists instead of tickets. Web-based with phone/tablet app. Every day I have a summary list presented to me with what needs to get done.
I use AllThings (http://www.allthings.io) for project/to-do/reminder management.
Toggl when I need a generic timer.
Charlie (http://www.charlieapp.com) helps research prospects.
I use the Intro app from About.me to send my complete contact info to people I meet at conferences and networking events. I also look up prospects there.
HubSpot's CRM has a database of companies and their information that has been very useful when prospecting.
HootSuite for social media.
Gliffy Online (http://www.gliffy.com) for network diagrams, floorplans, flowcharts. For client documentation, handouts for procedures, and even just for planning things like service packages.
Microsoft Office. Several Excel worksheets track what services my clients are receiving, social networking activities, marketing, etc. My company manuals and documentation are written in OneNote templates for easy access. Clients are also provided with OneNote notebooks for their documentation. Outlook (O365 web app) for email and calendar.
Aside from MaxFocus, ServiceDesk, and Quickbooks, those are the majority of my daily usage.
Not sure if this will completely fit what you're envisioning, but I use a task manager called Allthings (http://www.allthings.io). I've created several main lists for things that need to be done (for example: ClientWork, Calls, Purchases, BizDev).
Each thing can be assigned priority, tags, due date, contain sublists (which will create a progress bar on the main item as they get checked off), have documents attached, note and comments added.
Lists can be saved as templates for processes/tasks that you use often.
Multiple users can be setup for project tracking and collaboration.
Since I started using it, I don't really use a calendar for much, since it gives me a master list of stuff that's due soon (timeframe is configurable). Cloud-based, with apps for iOS and Android. Free account for five lists, or an annual subscription (for $25 or so, can't remember offhand).
Support is very responsive when I've had questions or remarks.