My Best Resources for Business
When I started my business 3 years ago, I was overwhelmed and constantly searched for resources to help me stay afloat. In today’s blog, I compiled all of my favorite findings that I couldn’t do without! You will also find links to each one so you can check them out if you think it might be helpful for you too. Okay, let’s get started!
Best-Self Journal
The Best-Self Journal is a daily planner that helps with goal setting and tracking habits.
The problem it solves: Finding focus and getting what needs to be done, DONE.
Why I love it: The Best-Self Journal is basically a planner on steroids. Each journal lasts for 3 months and helps you set up and achieve the goals you write out when you first crack it open. I look at my journal every morning before I start my day and I can’t even tell you how many goals it has helped me accomplished. As a side note, some people find it to be too in-depth and are overwhelmed by it. However, it has worked wonders for me so this totally depends on your personality. If you love to-do lists and look forward to planning out your goals, do yourself a favor and BUY THIS IMMEDIATELY.
The Online Genius
The Online Genius* is run by a lawyer who specializes in helping online entrepreneurs. He sells an assortment of legal documents and forms with videos that assist you in personalizing them for you or your business.
The problem it solves: Gives you a customized Privacy Policy, Disclaimer and Terms of Use that’s written just for you. The Online Genius sells these 3 documents for a flat fee of $197.
Why I love it: As a web designer, most of my clients do not have legal documents ready to put on their website. I love using the Online Genius’ forms because I know they are high-quality and should cover my clients if any website-related legal issues ever come up.
*This is an affiliate link but I used these templates long before I was an affiliate! They really are the bees knees.
AndCo
AndCo is an online software that assists with invoicing, time tracking and sending out new job proposals.
The problem it solves: You can bill clients, track hours and write up proposals for the best price: FREE.
Why I love it: In my first year of business, I learned that small monthly bills, like $25, add up. Fast. That’s why I was on cloud 9 when I found an invoicing software that looks great, is simple to use and best of all, it’s FREE.
MailChimp
MailChimp assists in sending out mass emails that can be personalized to each individual person.
The problem it solves: The list of email addresses is kept secret from each sender so there is no need to worry about accidentally leaking the personal information of those you are emailing.
Why I love it: MailChimp allows you to schedule your emails in advance so I never have to worry about remembering to send out emails every week. I’m also able to write me emails in bulk which is a big time saver. Another thing? It’s FREE and who doesn’t love free?!
Calendly
Calendly is an online scheduling service.
The problem it solves: Have you ever emailed someone back and forth 5 times before finding a time that works for both of you? This is why scheduling softwares were created! There’s no more back and forth; you just send the link and they can pick an available time that works for them!
Why I love it: Calendly is incredibly easy to set up and use for both you and the person who receives your link. It also looks very professional which is great for those important first impressions. Also…should I dare say…it’s free? Because it most certainly is.
Dropbox / Google Docs
Dropbox and Google Docs are online storage websites that allow you to share documents with others.
The problem it solves: Emailing large file sizes is either not possible or it significantly degrades the quality. Both Google Docs and Dropbox allow you to maintain the quality of your files while also making them accessible to others.
Why I love it: I share a lot of files with my clients and it’s important that the files maintain their high-quality during the transfer. Using Google Drive and/or Dropbox allows me to do that which makes this an invaluable resource. Both platforms have paid options but it is only necessary if you need to increase the amount of your storage space.
Evernote
Evernote is an online notebook that allows you to organize your notes into categories and folders.
The problem it solves: Have you ever written notes on your computer and then wanted to access them when you’re away from your desk? This was the idea behind Evernote and why it is such an incredibly popular platform. Each document stored in Evernote is accessible on the internet by just logging into your profile.
Why I love it: I can take notes on my phone or iPad and it automatically syncs to my computer (and vice versa). This is especially perfect for those who work in the creative world since you never know when inspiration will strike. The best part? It’s free!
And there you have it! Those are my “can’t live without” resources that I use on a daily basis. Now it’s your turn: what resources are you unable to live without? I would love to hear what you have found so be sure to leave it in the comments!
With love,
-Heather
Heather Brockell is a Web Designer and Copywriter based out of North Dakota, USA. When she isn’t designing websites or writing, she performs as a professional figure skater and singer in ice shows all around the country.
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