Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Living the Dream Overseas with Christine Gritmon Have you had a lifelong dream to live overseas and haven't made that happen yet? Maybe things have gotten in the way like family, jobs, life. My...
Resources
We all need help getting started and I’ve compiled a list of some of my absolute favorite resources when it comes to business, careers, artistic endeavors (I tend to have more related to performance and writing), and of course, my specialty, Facebook and Instagram Advertising.
**Important note: I’m a proud affiliate for some of these tools, which means if you click a link for a tool and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I have personally used ALL of these tools and I am recommending because they are actually useful, not because of the small commissions I may receive.
Tools to Help
Start a Business
Starting a business usually involves needing a website. There are more suggestions for business tools in my free Top Tools guide but here are some of my favorite website tools to get you started. In my Top Tools guide I dive a bit deeper into creating a one-page business plan and considerations for new businesses.
LeadPages
I’ve used LeadPages for years and while I think getting your website onto a WordPress site is the best thing, LeadPages can be a way to get a site up and running quickly without a lot of design work needed.
GoDaddy – Hosting
I have tried a number of hosting sites and they all have their “quirks” but I have come back to GoDaddy. Their customer service is reliable and I also use them to buy domains. I use WordPress to build my sites and the Divi Theme.
Divi Theme
All of my sites are built using WordPress and then I use the Divi theme to customize them. I love Divi because it’s relatively easy to use and customize (everything has a learning curve).
Canva
If I could marry Canva I would. I’m not a designer but Canva makes designing images, flyers, Powerpoints, Ads and even ebooks SO much easier. They have templates and elements to make everything fast and professional. They have a free version but I use the Pro version for the extra tools.
Freshbook – Invoicing
If your business will need to invoice clients, I recommend Freshbooks. You can also use them for accounting and bookkeeping. Easy to use and good customer service.
Product Launch Formula
Product Launch Formula by Jeff Walker is something I’ve used for years and I’m also a part of his Launch Club. He has a lot of great free information he gives away. The full course is more expensive and has a lot in it – I would only do that if you are looking to get a faster start on your business and are already making some money.
Starting a Creative Endeavor is best with some guides or a workshop if possible.
When I started my standup, I took a workshop from a super funny comedian (Kristina Hall), when I started my acting, I signed up for an acting class with Todd Babcock (and am still going 2 years later). If you can find something in person with a successful teacher, I would recommend that. But books can be a great way to learn more as well.
Tools to Help
Start Your Creative Endeavor
Big Magic
One of my all-time favorite books – hands down. Especially great for writers but it definitely applies to anyone attempting to do anything creative.
The War of Art
This is a book I read almost every year and it dives deep into the “resistance” of sticking with your art. I highly recommend this for entrepreneurs as well.
The Actors Life
I thought this was a great overview of what it really can take to break into acting on a day-to-day practical level from Jenna Fischer. A fun read.
Successful Self-Publishing
Joanna Penn is a master at teaching profitable self-publishing (and a really great person – we spoke at the same event). My first book (Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies) was with Wiley but then my second book (Facebook Ads Made Simple) was self-published and does very well. It’s a great avenue to get your book out into the world!
Final Draft
Final Draft is a great tool for screenwriting. It automatically formats exactly the industry standard way and they have a lot of how-to videos that makes the software easy.
The New Comedy Bible
A great overview of everything from writing comedy, getting gigs, and the mindset you need to get started in comedy.
Books
I Love
I read a LOT of books. These are some of my absolute favorites around midlife in general and I have more books listed in my Top Tools guide.
Please let me know if you have suggestions for great books to add to this list.
Hidden Blessings
I found this to be one of the most helpful books around the journey of midlife. It’s got a spiritual side which may be too “woo-woo” for some but I loved the concepts.
I Could Do Anything
I love all of Barbara Sher’s books. She’s so tapped into how our brains work and this is the perfect book for discovering what the next step might be for you.
Pivot
This is a great book for someone wanting to make a change. I was coached by Jenny Blake for a few years and she is absolutely wonderful!
Any endeavor that needs marketing can benefit from an ads campaign.
Here are some of my resources to help you get started with Facebook Ads and I also run Instagram, Google, and YouTube ad campaigns.
Tools to Help Create
Facebook Ads
Facebook Ads Made Simple
Are you frustrated with trying to figure out how to use Facebook Ads for your business? Facebook Ads Made Simple is a book for business owners and marketers who want to learn the right way to approach their Facebook Ad campaigns.
Facebook Advertising Secrets
If you really want to get the most out of Facebook, you need to understand Facebook ads. This online course includes Facebook Ads Strategy for a variety of businesses, Facebook Ads Tactics to execute that strategy, and more!
One-on-One Consulting
I can help you come up with a Facebook advertising plan that will best fit your business. In the last two years I’ve helped my clients with Facebook Ad campaigns that have resulted in over 2 MILLION dollars in sales directly from Facebook.
Tools to Help
Start a Healthy Lifestyle
There are so many ways to start something new athletically or to start a new healthy habit. Here are just a few of the things I’ve used.
Camp Gladiator
I’ve worked out with Camp Gladiator for a few years and love it. They have sites around the country and virtual workouts too. I highly recommend competing in the Camp Gladiator Games too.
Fit Feels Good
I used Oonagh Duncan’s Fit Feels Good method awhile ago and still incorporate it today. Great meal plans and motivation.
Marathon Trainer
This is a great guide for people who want to run a marathon but don’t consider themselves a “runner”. I used the plan to complete 2 marathons.