I've been using AllClients or a branded version of AllClients since they opened their doors back in 2004. I love this program for small businesses who need landing pages, email automations and a robust tracking of clients. If you're selling millions of widgets, this isn't the best, imo. However, if you intent to develop a client-for-life relationship with your clients, this is a great tool to attract, capture, and connect with them.
Have you ever seen those cool cartoon-like videos and wondered how you could get one? Doodly.com makes it REALLY easy. You can drag-and-drop and there are lots of tutorials. (You should probably watch them, it's not as intuitive as they make out - but once you learn the moves, it's awesome!)
Cloud storage. Gotta have it. Gotta use it. I back up everything to the cloud. I love the security of DropBox and the ease... it's like having an extra hard drive or filing cabinet that I don't have to keep track of.
Personal account (if paid monthly) is $11.99/mo, if paid annually, it's $9.99/mo
Have you ever wondered how to edit videos - quickly using the cloud... because you don't really have room for ANY THING else on your computer? Flixier is great! Quick, easy, AND links directly to YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and more!
Is it that I have 5 planets in Virgo, or an accountant-finance father... or something else that gives me a love of lists and organization? Is it the artistic-early childhood mother or being the youngest of 4 that makes me creative and resistant to systems? I honestly don't know.
What I do know is that Project.co is giving me a structure to work with several teams on several projects, keeping on top of tasks, while allowing me to rebel and not check it incessantly. (They email me with deadlines. i can see tasks grouped by project (client), by calendar, or by where they are in the process (Kanban-style). The best part. I can, but don't have to upload files, I can simply embed a google doc/sheet/site within the task, and know that it's always up to date. Which is why I say, "It's the shiznit!"
Have you ever wondered how people can create good looking designs quickly? Well, often they have a great starting point. I admit to using SM Calendar templates for inspiration. With Canva, you can easily rebrand by changing colors & fonts with a couple of clicks. Then add your logo. Bada-bing, done! Now, I usually take it a step further and change out the photo and maybe massage the wording, to resonate with the target audience, because that's what I do. But seriously, this can be a game changer if you simply don't have the design skills or desire to create your own, or the budget to hire it out. Secret to Saving: If you're going to order more than one thing, order the first, then look for a coupon code on the receipt before ordering the next. He also has put together some irresistible upsells on the way to checking out.
I'll be honest, I was a little dubious of this one. I like my Paypal invoicing system. HOWEVER, ThriveCart just made my life easier. It has a few features that are amazing. 1. Split pay - VERY easy you can give the option of splitting the cost of your product with the click of a button.
2. The "bump" feature - you know, the upsell. You should always include as the "want fries with that?" option. 3. Pay your own price. Wow. this one gives your buyer the option to choose what they pay for your product. Nice for an auction system or in times where money is tight (like a recession). It's not really the features that are so great, but the EASE of using them! It may seem "spendy" at first, but, in comparing the lifetime cost or the time and effort of having an asst figure out how to make your paypal do all this... it's a no brainer.
Have you ever wondered how to make those cool intro and outro bumpers to attach to all your videos to reinforce your branding?
Viddyoze is awesome for this. They have great templates from classic to full-on feature film-type videos.
IMO... the best damn newsletter in AI. They break down AI topics that matter, open your mind to use cases, and keep you ahead of the curve. And basically, explain what the heck is going on with Artificial Intelligence in a way that "normal" people can understand.
AIPRM is the game-changer for those who can't seem to get the information they want/need from Chat GPT. It's a Chrome Extension (it's only available with Chrome as of 3/21/23) that has categorized prompts that others have written to get you to the exact right answer. Since it's "Open Source" be aware that the prompt may not be exactly right for you.
Since my job is about asking the right question, I only use this sometimes. Usually I use ChatGPT in my Edge browser unless I'm feeling uninspired. (There is a premium pd version available as well that gives access to more prompts)
Honest to goodness, this IS the best thing since sliced bread! We've all faced the blank page and thought "now what?!" You can say goodbye to writer's block and hello to endless creativity. You can use it to learn HOW a campaign or funnel for your industry might look. It's kind of like the first time you asked "Siri" a question and she answered correctly. :D
I do pay for a monthly subscription, because I use it literally every day in my business as a marketing strategist. Is your core business is something else and you don't create new content every day, you could probably get by with a free subscription.
Design anything. Publish anywhere.
Use Canva’s drag-and-drop feature and professional layouts to design consistently stunning graphics. I love using Canva for quick & easy branded content - I use it for creating fliers, eBooks, Insta or FB Graphics, you name it. It's like the layman's version of Photoshop.
Okay, my JingProject is going away, and I've been casting about for a nice & easy screencapture app. Found it! I actually have the app running all the time on my desktop so that I can quickly take a snapshot of something to share. I'm still in the free version, but anticipate upgrading in the future. I'm sure I've only scratched the surface of this one.
Google Drive is a safe place for all your files and puts them within reach from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Files in Drive – like your videos, photos, and documents – are backed up safely so you can’t lose them. Once there, you can easily invite others to view, edit, or leave comments on any of your files or folders.
Did I mention that you can share with others and work on things AT the same time? So easy. No brainer. It's free unless you need additional storage, and even then, really? $1.99/mo for the next level.
Screen Recording made easy and Free!
I use this for quick videos of my screen that I share with my clients to give updates or show them the step-by-steps of how to do a task or use software.
All-in-One Place Project Manager
I had been using a combo of trello and excel and google docs to manage my various projects. At any given time I have 20 clients/projects on the go. And I'm discovering that Project.co can help me keep track of what I'm supposed to be doing when, AND with the embed feature, I never have to leave the project manager to learn more about the project. There is a LOT you can do for free, forever. I chose to upgrade for a lifetime. Totally worth it. (You can also replicate templates, if you do similar projects for multiple clients).
StreamYard is a live streaming studio in your browser. It's so cool. You can host your own Facebook, YouTube, or LinkedIn LIVE TV Show... all you need is an internet connection and a camera and mic and someone to interview. You can bring up to 6 people on using the free version. Need more? You can always upgrade. (It's Super Cool!)
No cost Royalty-Free Images
Honestly, I go back and forth between PIXABAY.com and Unsplash.com
I love them both. Sometimes the searching is a challenge as I don't think the people who codify the images are native English speakers. So I often get creative when searching for an image.
Nonetheless, Unsplash has a bit more modern feel to the images, cleaner lines that seem to resonate with the current aesthetic.
Scheduling Software. WHO would think that you would need such a thing? ANY CONSULTANT. This is a really cool, easy-to-use program that integrates with your google calendar, so that you can easily share your calendar with others, and you don't have to do the back-and-forth... "what about Tuesday at 9am or Friday at 1pm?" Just do it. I use the free version, but if you need more features, you can always upgrade!
In case you've been living under a rock for the past 3 months... Zoom is a great platform for client consultations, meetings, and webinars. From Zoom you can share to Facebook Live and YouTube Live. One cool feature, is the automatic recording feature so that you can share the replay.
This ring light is born for helping your selfie better! There are 3 different kinds of light: Warm light, Cold light and warm-cold light. Adjust at any time according to your needs, $19.99
LED Ring Light 8'' with Stand Tripod for Makeup, Live Streaming & YouTube Video, Table LED Camera Light with Cell Phone Holder, Mini Dimmable Lamp with 3 Light Modes & 11 Brightness Levels $36.99
8" Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Cell Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup, Android $59.99
Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Mic with Easy Clip On System $39.59
USB Gaming Microphone, TONOR Computer Condenser PC Mic with Tripod Stand & Pop Filter $39.99
Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac, 3 Condenser Capsules, 4 Pickup Patterns, Headphone Output and Volume Control, Mic Gain Control, Adjustable Stand, Plug & Play – Blackout $129.99
Emart Photo Video Studio 10Ft Adjustable Background Stand Backdrop Support System Kit with Carry Bag $39.99
Okay, I own this. It's perfect when you have clutter behind you, and need to use a backdrop to hide it.
7x5ft Business Office French Sash Window Backdrop Living Room Sofa Plant Photography Background Interior Casement Work at Home Modern Flat Furniture Apartment Decoration Residence Villa Props $19.99
If you've been on a zoom with me, you'll recognize this as my background.
7x5ft Background for Classic Living Room Photography Backdrop Modern Design Sofa Bright Apartment Home Indoor Interior Clean Wood Floor House Home... $23.99