Useful stuff
The world is full of useful stuff – but it can be very hard to find!
As I find or try things, though, I include them here. Let me know if you find anything worth adding.
You may also like to check out my zero budget marketing blog for marketing ideas and inspiration.
____________________________________________________________________
Useful networking events
As my first (and longest) foray into business was running a series of networking events (Networx Marketers Meetings) I am passionate about networking. Whilst I no longer run Networx in Melbourne, retiring it after 8 successful years, it still runs in Sydney and Brisbane.
Check out Networx Marketers Meetings in Sydney>> and Brisbane>>
Whilst nothing is (of course!) as great as Networx, there are some other events I can still highly recommend!
There are also many industry associations and Chambers of Commerce that run regular events, along with your local Council. No excuse not to get out there really!
____________________________________________________________________
Useful online stuff
Cheap email marketing tools
I regularly use iContact and Constant Contact. I prefer the first and the latter is also a lot like Mail Chimp, which you may have already come across. MailChimp have a handy “RSS to email” feature that is perfect for those who never seem to have time to create a newsletter AND a blog. I have hunted for Australian versions that are cost effective for smaller businesses, but haven’t had any luck!
____________________________________________________________________
Free or cheap website
Thanks to WordPress, there really is no longer any excuse not to have a website. Your first website – or second – doesn’t need to cost a bomb, particularly if it’s a “brochure” site. It can cost you as little as a few dollars a month in hosting…just like this website that I built myself using WordPress. The only other cost was access to the theme (from Elegant Themes) and my time in setting it up.
____________________________________________________________________
Database building
Both the email marketing tools above let you build a custom form to collect data, but they’re not very pretty. Whilst you may be able to pay someone to make it prettier, the other option is to use an online forms tool. So now for the tool I love so much I’d marry it if I could – Wufoo. I think this is the coolest marketing and business tool I’ve come across – and so cheap! Why do you need a form tool, I here you ask? Other than database building, you can use it for competition responses, rsvp’s, customer service records. Trust me, you start using this thing, and you keep thinking up more uses for it! Enough raving.
If you want a sales management tool, Salesforce.com is a good bet. I’ve used this for several clients, but like most databases, the information you can get out of it is only as good as what you put in. But it beats running your database in an Excel spreadsheet (you know who you are!).
____________________________________________________________________
Marketing insights
Whilst there’s the standard advertising and industry publications (B and T, Ad News), a lot of the best insight can be gathered from online publications I have found.
Australian sources
Australian Anthill>> Billed as “where ideas and business meet” this site often has great business and marketing advice, for entrepreneurs and employees
Smart Company>> Australian business news, blogs and advice – BRW for the smaller operator.
Mumbrella>> Everything under Australia’s media and marketing umbrella
International
Seth Godin’s blog>> About 70% of what this guy writes is genius. Seriously. I’ve got several of his books but I find the daily bites in his blog are gold.
Springwise>> Business ideas from around the world. Inspiring every time!
____________________________________________________________________
Entrepreneurial Inspiration
The Start Up Daily>> A daily email with one great idea distilled from a different business book every day.
Geekpreneur>>Billed as “make money being a geek” this is an assortment of well written detailed& lengthy blog articles dissecting how many aspects of online business really work.
Video
NYVS>> When I was looking to teach myself a little more about making (online) video, I signed up for New York Video School. Inexpensive, well produced online tutorials on anything and everything video. Lot’s of totally free content too.
Award, Proposal or Grant Writing
Need help with writing an awards proposal, grant / funding proposal or sales proposal? Check out AwardsGrantsProposals.com>>