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I researched and experimented with a variety of products and services before selecting these resources for my business.   I considered features and functionality, as well as customer service and price. I only recommend products and services that I use or have tested myself.   Occasionally I discover a product or service that I feel will be beneficial to share that I have not used myself.   If I recommend something here that I have not tried it will be noted.

Many of the links on this page are affiliate links.  That means if you decide to purchase something using my link I may receive a referral fee.  There is no additional cost to you.  The referral fee is never added to the price.  The banners along the right side of the page are links to free content.

For Everyone

Tune into Inspiration with Reminders to Pause and Breathe

Stillness Buddy is a computer application that offers little reminders to pause and breathe as you sit in front of your computer.  It is easy to get absorbed in something when you are using your computer.  You might notice that your body gets tense as you focus (not to mention if you get irritated).  Occasional reminders to pause and breathe help you stay relaxed and aware.  If you sit in front of the computer much, I highly recommend trying this out.

Training:  On-line Video Library

Lynda.com offers an extensive on-line library of training videos for a low monthly subscription price that can be canceled at any time.  This is a grea resource.  Clicking on the banner will take you to a special promotion for a 7-day free trial.

The Entrepreneur’s On-line Tool Kit

I recommend the following resources to build your business on a small budget.

Website and Blog

WordPress.org is a free website and blogging platform. It provides information to walk you through how to get your own website started.  It is designed to get do-it yourselfers up and running quickly. If you are totally new to website development you may want to get some technical support.  I encourage you to choose someone that knows WordPress and is willing to teach you how to use it.  There are some things you will want to be able to do yourself.  You can learn it as you go.

Free training videos are available at wpapprentice.com.  I have not yet tried these training videos.

Do not get this confused with WordPress.com.  WordPress.com offers you a blogging site through their domain.  So, you would have a URL like YourName.wordpress.com.  I recommend getting your own domain name and web hosting provider.  See my suggestions below.

Web Hosting and Domain Registration

I use 1 and 1 for both web hosting and domain registration.  I am happy with their service and prices.  They have 24/7 technical support by phone which is important to me. Their technicians have walked me through a number of tasks.

They often run domain registration specials. I recommend securing your own name as a domain even if you are not sure what you are going to do with it yet.

Email List Building and Auto-Responder

I use Aweber for my email services.  They have phone technical support, an important feature for me. It is the most recommended service by successful information marketing experts.

E-Commerce

I currently use Paypal.  It is sufficient to cover my needs and I am pleased with their service.  It has options for invoicing and tracking. I am not using a shopping cart service at this time, so I will reserve recommendations.

Social Media Marketing

As you build your email list and create your community of followers, social media is a valuable tool if used strategically and with integrity.  There are other social media sites popping up, but Facebook, Twitter and Linked In are currently the top three that I would recommend starting with (unless you are already using something else).

Facebook and Twitter

I highly recommend Laura Roeder for Facebook and Twitter advice.  She offers strategy advice as well as how-to information.  I am impressed with her approach and integrity.  Her programs are well done and she includes updates as part of the package. With the constant facebook changes, this is a real benefit.  She also offers a wordpress program.

Linked In

For Linked In guidance I recommend Lewis Howes.  He provides strategy as well as basic how-to information.

You Tube

Posting video to You Tube is one of the most effective ways to share your message and help people find you and learn about what you offer.  Lewis Howes and James Wedmore created a video that provides a great overview about using You Tube effectively.  Click here for the You Tube Video or the image on the right.

Images and Illustrations

The sites I use to obtain royalty-free images for my website, blog, and other content are Dreamstime, Photocase, Istock Photo and Getty Images.  They offer unique selections and reasonable prices. Dreamstime is the least expensive I have found.

On-Line Coaching and Training Platforms

Are You New to On-line Business Development?

If you are new to on-line business development and have not created a website yet, some of this information may be confusing or overwhelming.  I can help you understand what this all means and how to put the pieces together.  Contact me.