When it comes to resources for businesses there’s a lot of choice out there and sometimes the choice is overwhelming. So to help you I’ve put together this list of the things I use in my business and with my clients.
This isn’t intended to be an exhaustive list, I will add to it as time goes on, but every service listed on here is one I’ve personally used and I’m happy to recommend based on first-hand experience. Of course there are other similar services out there, but if they are not on this list then either I haven’t used them or I didn’t like them.
AWeber does a lot of things, but I love it as an autoresponder. So, for example, if someone buys a my digital products AWeber can to deliver it and then automatically send a follow-up message a few days later to see how they liked it. What’s great about AWeber is that it lets you set up an unlimited number of follow-up messages at predetermined intervals; you’re not limited to just one. You set it up your email sequence once and forget about it.
Moo.com prints great quality business cards, postcards, notepads and other printed items. I use moo.com for most of my printed promotional items.
DoodleDirect specialise in whiteboard animation creating videos that make an impact. There’s a range of packages from start up to corporate solutions so that you can use high quality animation to get your message heard. They do it all for you so you can create the perfect video for your company, for a fraction of the cost of traditional animation companies.
I can’t imagine ever having another HTML-based web site because content management systems are so much easier to update. WordPress is easy to use, totally integrated with social media and updates made in one place can be automatically populated across the entire site. Plus it’s search engine friendly too.
I’ve had several themes from Elegant Themes for my website and personal blogs. You get 100% complete access to their entire collection of WordPress themes for a small annual fee.
A simple, free, reliable tool for quickly checking the availability of a domain name across all registrars, including new registrars.
Capsule is a cloud based CRM package that lets me keep track of the people and companies I do business with. It tracks my communications with them, opportunities in the pipeline, and what needs to be done and by when. Best of all it links to my invoicing software, Xero, so I don’t need to re-type all the contact details in Xero.
Dropbox synchs any files you designate, instantly, to “the cloud,” so you can get to them from any other computer or device. I keep all my files in my dropbox folder so it doesn’t even matter what machine I’m using or where I’m located. You can also set up folders to share with other people you designate (great for exchanging large files with other folks).
It claims to be the world’s easiest accounting software and having used it for a long time I can see why, it’s a doddle! No more typing in bank transactions, I can manage my expenses on the go with the iPhone/iPad app, and when I get stuck there’s unlimited, around the clock email support and detailed online help centre. Plus as it’s a cloud based system my accountant has access to it which makes my accountancy bills cheaper.
LinkedIn can be the perfect marketing tool for small businesses independent professionals – if you know what you’re doing. This course helps you learn how to attract high quality clients, get found by potential business partners and boost your personal brand while forming valuable relationships.
Dropbox synchs any files you designate, instantly, to “the cloud,” so you can get to them from any other computer or device. I keep all my files in my dropbox folder so it doesn’t even matter what machine I’m using or where I’m located. You can also set up folders to share with other people you designate (great for exchanging large files with other folks).
Full disclosure: If you click one of these links and sign-up for the service mentioned, I may get compensated by the company in question. But that shouldn’t stop you from having a look at them.
The spindle tree, latin name: Euonymus europaeus, is one of our loveliest woodland shrubs. In myth and legend the spindle tree is said to symbolise creative inspiration and wisdom. Its wood was traditionally used for making spindles for spinning wheels.