We like stuff that’s practical, useful, and valuable to your business. And we’ve read, tried and tested plenty in our time. The products, services and books below were measured against our (pretty high) standards and got our gold stamp of approval. We bet they’ll get yours, too.
Step 1: Get Unstuck
If you truly want your business to succeed, you need to overcome fears (yes, even small ones), face obstacles and create a revolution that unleashes success. Demystify Your Fear lets you smash the enemy inside you that’s holding you back from reaching your goals.
Solopreneur? We know you love procrastination – it’s the curse of the self-employed. Never Procrastinate Again teaches you strategies that help you get started, stay on track and finally finish that project. Awesome!
Discover the ten most common obstacles to your success, learn which hold you back right now and get action tips to shatter the roadblocks between you and your goals. Seek and Destroy is the fantastic free book from Peter Shallard, THE Shrink for Entrepreneurs. (Did we mention it’s free?)
Step 2: Get Started
Learn how to be a freelance writer with expert guidance that helps you avoid the hard road of painful mistakes. Write For The Web is THE “how to be a freelance writer” guide that sets you up to start on the right foot. You’ll be ready to find clients, pitch for gigs and take on good jobs that pay.
See the big picture of your creative career, learn why following your dreams is fulfilling (and smart!), and discover the professional skills and knowledge you’ll need to build a successful, rewarding career – in every sense. (Oh, and it’s free!)
Discover easy techniques that let you use blogging as a marketing strategy to bring real-life customers to your business – any business at all. Beyond Bricks and Mortarteaches you how to blog for business in an easy, profitable and intelligent way so you can profit from more sales and customers.
Step 3: Get Educated
Rework by Jason Fried. This easy read teaches you better, smarter, easier ways to reach your entrepreneurial goals. We loved it, hands down.
Influence by Robert Cialdini. This book is the bible every freelancer needs to own. It’s sales psychology at its best!
The Wealthy Freelancer. Need we say more?
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries and Laura Ries. Discover how to stand out from the competition and avoid dilution.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. These guys took viral storytelling to the max!
Web Copy That Sells by Maria Veloso. The best how-to book we’ve found so far on writing killer web copy that compels buyers easily.
The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly. This resource gives you the step-by-step guide to writing web copy that sells.
A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech. Discover cool tricks, tips and advice on unleashing your creative genius.
Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps by Susan Gunelius. Need to learn to write web copy fast? This 10-step guide takes you there.