These entrepreneurial tools are ones I either have direct experience using or have a strong recommendation from a trusted colleague. For the most part, these are free or relatively low-cost solutions to help you grow your business. Of course, there are many more tools, apps, and platforms available beyond what I list here. Use these as a starting point in your search for efficient and effective solutions to your software and platform needs. These are not affiliate links; I receive no benefit (except for the satisfaction of pointing you towards helpful resources!) if you choose to register or purchase any of these services. Resources and links current as of June 2015.
Information Management
Brown Paper Tickets (online event registration): www.brownpapertickets.com
Carbonite (data back-up): www.carbonite.com
Dropbox (File Sharing/Storage): www.dropbox.com
Eventbrite (online event registration): www.eventbrite.com
Evernote (information management/paperless office): www.evernote.com
Communication
Constant Contact (Email marketing): www.constantcontact.com
Free Conference Call HD (Conference calling): app.freeconferencecallhd.com
MailChimp (Email marketing): www.mailchimp.com
Skype (VOIP): www.skype.com
Scheduling
Doodle (Scheduling): www.doodle.com
TimeTrade (Scheduling): my.timedriver.com
Marketing
Moo (business cards/marketing printing): www.moo.com
QR Code Creator: createqrcode.appspot.com
Tatango (SMS marketing): www.tatango.com
Publishing
CreateSpace (print-on-demand): www.createspace.com
ISBNs (For print and electronic publication): www.isbn.org
Kindle Direct Publishing (eBook publishing): kdp.amazon.com
Smashwords (eBook publishing): www.smashwords.com
Financial
Kickstarter (crowdfunding): www.kickstarter.com
PayPal (online/mobile payment): www.paypal.com
Quickbooks (bookkeeping): quickbooks.intuit.com
Square (mobile payment): www.square.com
Freelancers
99Designs (freelance designers): www.99designs.com
Elance (freelancers/independent contractors): www.elance.com
Odesk (Freelancers/independent contractors): www.odesk.com
Content Creation and Sharing
Audacity (Audio recording/editing software): audacity.sourceforge.net
Call Recorder (Skype recording software, Mac): www.ecamm.com/mac/callrecorder
Camtasia (screen video recording/editing): www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
Canva (Graphics creation/editing): www.canva.com
Creative Cloud (Adobe products): www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html
iStock Photo (royalty-free images): www.istockphoto.com
Jamendo (Royalty-free music): www.jamendo.com/en
Monosnap (Screencapture): www.monosnap.com
Obsurvey (online surveys): www.obsurvey.com
PicMonkey (Graphics creation/editing): www.picmonkey.com
Podbean (Podcast hosting): www.podbean.com
PowerGramo (Skype recording software): www.powergramo.com/products.htm
Ruzuku (Online Learning): www.ruzuku.com
Snagit (Screencapture): www.techsmith.com/snagit.html
SurveyMonkey (online surveys): www.surveymonkey.com
WordPress (website): www.wordpress.org
Books
The following is a list of selected books about introversion, personality types, and topics related to entrepreneurship. These books – and more – are also available for purchase through my Amazon store.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
I’m at a Networking Event, Now What??? by Sandy Jones-Kaminski
Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Make Your Contacts Count by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon
Power Questions by Andrew Sobel and Jerald Panas
Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead by Nancy Ancowitz
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Splash: An Introvert’s Guide to Being Seen, Heard and Remembered by Carole Cameron
The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World by Sophia Dembling
Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe
Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler
Introverts at Ease: An Insider’s Guide to a Great Life on Your Terms by Nancy Okerlund
The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney
The Introvert’s Guide to Success in Business and Leadership by Lisa Petrilli
Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected by Devora Zack