2023 RESOURCES

My primary goal is to help knowledgeable and experienced people like you to share your message. Here are some resources to help you take the next step. Simply scroll on or use the links below to navigate the page.

These are some of the people, products, and services that continue to make a difference in my business and my life as an online entrepreneur. Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase. I’m grateful for your support of this site in this way.

READING LIST

Here are some great reads for communicators.

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip and Dan Heath
How do you make your message sticky so it connects with people and stay with them? This book is one of the best reads on communication in the past 15 years.

If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating by Alan Alda
Alda is a famous actor but also a passionate advocate for communication. He uses lessons from acting and life to demonstrate how empathy is key to connecting with others.

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
StoryBrand is a great model for figuring out how to help others succeed. In so doing, you’ll refine your messaging, brand, and focus.

Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley
This book is as good as it gets for anyone who wants to learn how to write better and more often. It’s clear, fun, and one of those unlikely works that speaks on craft to novices and pros alike. If writing is a struggle you need this book.

This Is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin
Seth might be my favorite marketer. Just love listening to him teach. His latest book emphasizes the need to empathize with others and earn trust as we seek to share our work with the world. If you don’t want to read all his books, start with this one.

Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards
The science of people will never be as fun. Vanessa’s work helps any of us who have ever felt awkward around others. Her human behavior insights will make you excited to do more networking.

Content Chemistry (5th ed.) by Andy Crestodina
If you want to create, develop, or refine your online presence, then begin here. Andy has crammed everything he’s ever learned about content marketing into this excellent and clear book. And he knows a lot. Seriously, if you’re trying to raise your website’s profile begin here.

Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
After her successful TED Talk on body language, Cuddy has continued her encouraging research into how we can change our behaviors in powerful ways. If you want to learn how to become more of a presence around others, read this one.

TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks by Akash Karia
Akash has a few books that benefit anyone seeking to become a better speaker and presenter. He studied over 200 TED Talks and identified the common elements anyone can use to become a more compelling speaker.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Revised Edition by Robert Cialdini
Another classic. If you’re looking to understand how to persuade others to change their behavior, start here.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey
The 7 Habits is just one of those books everyone should read. Lots of good wisdom in Covey’s classic.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Overcome resistance and get your butt in gear with this short, solid read that should motivate anyone.

How the World Sees You: Discover Your Highest Value Through the Science of Fascination by Sally Hogshead
Know thyself. There are a number of books on defining your personality style, temperament, and so on. This book and accompanying quiz is a fun way into the field of study.

WEB SERVICES

A2 Web Hosting – Step one is to create a website, and I absolutely love A2 Hosting. They have fantastic customer service. The “Shared” hosting “Swift” plan is perfect if you are just starting out or have fewer than fifty websites at this time.

AWeber Email Marketing – If you’re communicating to an audience via email, I highly recommend AWeber, the most popular and easy to use system for staying connected to your subscribers at a fair price.

Elegant Themes – Until I discovered Elegant Themes, I had no clue how to build a beautiful, dynamic WordPress website. I’ve been with ET for years now and highly recommend them for all their layouts, plugins, and customer support.

FOR THE HOME OFFICE

A lot of people ask me about my home office setup, since I work form home full-time. A standing desk is a must have for me, in addition to a traditional one. I sit through the morning and stand through the afternoon. You can put together an affordable setup. I started at Ikea for a desktop and legs, then went to Amazon for the rest.

  • Yeti Microphone – Every presenter in the online world needs a great microphone. I’ve been using this one for years and love it. 
  • Adjustable Standing Desktop – This one was perfect for me, since I like to plug in my laptop up high and still have a traditional keyboard below. It all keeps my posture correct, which my body appreciates.
  • Anti Fatigue Mat – But THIS might be the real secret. Too much standing can have negative health affects just as too much sitting can. I absolutely love my anti-fatigue mat from CubeFit, who launched the product from a successful Kickstarter campaign. It’s got all kinds of topography for my feet, legs, and back to enjoy while working.

I’ll update this page regularly as I discover even more excellent resources for you to use in your work.

Clay Morgan