Resources

I often get asked for recommendations and details of the resources I use in my business and consultancy life. I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always come to for details of the products and services I use.

I recommend bookmarking these links for your future reference and convenience.

Disclosure: Occasionally some of the links I provide will be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. I will only ever recommend products and services which I genuinely believe bring great value to their users.

MY MOST RECOMMENDED

If you look at nothing else on this page, these are the four that you should know about. I find myself recommending these resources again and again. I use them because they make my life easier, and I’m confident you’ll agree too.

Dropbox  https://dropbox.com
The quickest, easiest and most reliable way to file and share documents. Works across all devices and platforms with ultra-reliable sync. I would not be half as effective in my work if Dropbox did not exist. See my Dropbox blog post.

Evernote  https://evernote.com
Notes forever on any platform. In my opinion the very best of the electronic notebook applications. It can store text, images, video and sound. Allows collection of notes from almost anywhere including clipping from any web site. See my Evernote blog post.

Apple Mac  https://apple.com/mac/
Since moving from a PC to an Apple Mac way back in 2012 I have realised just how much difference a Mac makes to your personal productivity. The whole Apple ecosystem (I also use an iPhone and iPad) provides a complete experience which is unrivalled and I firmly believe makes me more productive.

Todoist  https://todoist.com
This task management software is loosely based on the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. It controls all my projects and tasks, both business, client and personal. The software has Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android and iPad apps and is available in any web browser.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Web Site Building and Blogging

WordPress  https://wordpress.org
The #1 web site content management and blog publishing platform. Free and easily customizable with thousands of plugins. All of my web sites and blogs currently use WordPress.

Theme Forest  https://themeforest.net
A great resource for premium and free WordPress themes. Also a huge range of plugins and other web site development tools. Why pay a developer when you can download a brilliant theme for less than $100?

ConvertKit  https://convertkit.com
In my opinion, the internet’s most powerful email opt-in service and email marketing/broadcasting tool. This is what I use to build my email list and run my newsletter. The automation and scheduling tools are excellent.

Siteground  https://siteground.com
A hosting provider that specialises in WordPress sites. Great value and lots of tools to fine tune your sites. Note that a degree of technical knowledge is needed.

Paypal  https://paypal.com/
One of the originals and excellent for payment processing. Convert your personal account to a Business one, for more features and reporting.

Other Software and Cloud Services

Kashflow  http://www.kashflow.co.uk
A cloud based accounting software platform. Based in the UK, this service simplfies accounts for small businesses. It has a portal where your accountant can log in and prepare annual returns.

Envato Elements  https://elements.envato.com
This is a subscription stock photography and graphics service. Quick and easy to set up an account, it is based on an annual subscription which then lets you download unlimited photos, graphics and template. If you use a lot, this saves considerable money over the course of a year.

ScreenFlow  https://www.telestream.net/screenflow/
Great screen capture software for producing screen casts, only available on the Mac though. PC users can use Camtasia Studio which is reported to be just as good.

Getting Help From Others / Outsourcing

Upwork  https://www.upwork.com/
An outsource website for freelancers, virtual PA’s, IT companies, programmers and web designers. The resources are based around the world and are usually very cost effective.

99 Designs  https://99designs.co.uk/
This is another website that you can use if you need a logo or other graphic designed. Submit the description of what you want and the site will pair you up with designers who can complete the brief.

Fiverr  https://fiverr.com
A mini version of Upwork with thousands of ‘gigs’ on offer. Very useful for graphics, virtual PA work, articles, authoring and loads of other tasks.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

I listen to many podcasts each week and find it excellent for keeping up with the latest thinking, learning new skills and general entertain for long commutes.

Mac Power Users  https://www.relay.fm/mpu
Probably the best of all the Mac and Apple related podcasts. Hosted by two lawyers who are Apple aficionados. Great, high quality content.

Pat Flynn / Smart Passive Income  https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/podcasts/
A great podcast covering podcasting, blogging and creating sources of ‘passive income’. Hosted by Pat Flynn, a well know character in online marketing circles. Check out his ‘income reports’ showing how much he earns online each month.

Chris Ducker / Youreneur  https://youpreneur.com/podcast/
Another excellent podcast in the personal branding, online marketing and new economy space. Hosted by Chris Ducker.

Online Course Masters  https://onlinecoursemasters.com/blog
Hosted by Phil Ebiner and Jeremy Deighan, this podcast features an in depth look at creating and earning from online courses.

Audiobooks https://www.audiobooks.co.uk/
If you don’t actually read very many books, why not try to listen to them! Check out audiobooks.com for a free trial and get a free book of your choice to listen to as well.

Audible https://www.audible.co.uk/
Another well known provider of audio books, owned by Amazon. A huge range of titles with a 30 day free trial.