These are the resources and tools that I have found the most helpful in running my business. Don't miss my book recommendations at the end—especially those on the social justice side of things, they're inspiring for all who are passionate about making a difference in their community and on the other side of the globe.
BUSINESS TOOLS
Evernote: This is how I keep track of everything! Business + personal. I save resources and things I want to remember (much easier to search/find here than web browser bookmarks OR Pinterest) plus I keep track of a lot of my business management details here.
Asana: this is a tool I use for client project management—communication, due dates, deadlines, feedback. It's a central place that helps in keep track of things when email inboxes are overflowing!
Namecheap: Registering domain names? This is my go-to recommendation. I've got all my domains registered here and recommend them to all my clients (even for domain transfers). Plus, their site is so nice to look at!
Websavers: They are a small company with really affordable hosting plans and stellar customer service (a feature that is highly prized in a hosting company). Websavers includes a free SSL certificate with their hosting plans.
TIP: if you run an eCommerce shop look into paid SSL certificate options to make sure you have the highest security for financial transactions.
TIP: if you run an eCommerce shop look into paid SSL certificate options to make sure you have the highest security for financial transactions.
MailerLite: for email lists and newsletters, this is the better option to go with if you've been considering MailChimp. ALL the features are available on the free plan when you're starting out and the pricing is lower overall once your list is large enough you need to pay for email services. PLUS, if you're already paying for email services and want to switch you'll receive a $20 credit when signing up from my link.
Dropbox: I use this for transferring large project-related files. It's also a great tool for housing downloadable graphic files and PDFs—also, it's the perfect way to access photos you have on your computer that you want to post on Instagram. Sign up for your own account to gain file storage accessible from all your devices. Dropbox is fantastic.
Wave: this is a fantastic free financial/accounting website with apps for your mobile devices. Wave is an easy-to-use tool that is great for online businesses to use for invoicing as well as tracking receipts and expenses.
MyFonts: when you're looking for typefaces this is always the top resource I mention … their explanation of font licensing is one of the best out there!
Creative Market: AND, if you want to find great design elements to use in your DIY season of creating graphics, I highly recommend signing up with Creative Market. You'll gain access to their weekly freebies, great paid bundles of art/illustrations … even templates. Most of the individual pieces (or bundles) are affordably priced by their makers (who create stuff to sell via Creative Market).
Biz Book Recommendations:
These are a few highlights from my list of 100+ business books.
+ The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
+ Make It Happen by Lara Casey
+ Pricing & Ethical Guidelines Handbook by the Graphic Artists Guild
+ Write.Publish.Market. by Jodi Brandon
+ The Handmade Marketplace (2nd Edition) by Kari Chapin
+ Grow Your Handmade Business by Kari Chapin
+ Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
+ Creative, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco & Joy D. Cho
Books on Making a Difference + Life Inspiration:
These are a few books that have had a big impact on my life...I highly recommend them all! Grab yourself a copy and cozy up in your favorite reading spot.
+ The Myth of Equality by Ken Wytsma
+ Love, Skip, Jump by Shelene Bryan
+ No Longer A Slumdog by K.P. Yohannan
+ The Green Book by Elizabeth Rogers & Thomas M. Kostigen
+ Cupid Is A Procrastinator by Kate Hurley (soooo good for anyone, single OR married)
+ Wrecked by Jeff Goins+ The Gate Seldom Found by Raymond Reid
+ The Power of Uniqueness by Arthur F. Miller
+ Scary Close by Donald Miller
+ Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them by John Ortberg
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Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Galatians 6:4-5 (MSG)
Galatians 6:4-5 (MSG)