Resources

Welcome to my Resources Page

I often get asked about the tools I am using to create and run Family Before Fortune (quite a few). I thought you would find it helpful to see them all listed in one place. I keep this page updated as I learn more and find better ways (and tools) to use. While not a complete list I hope you will find it helpful.

Please note:  some of the links on this page are affiliate links, at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.  Please know that I personally use every tool on this page and I recommend them because I like them, not because of any commission.

 

What I use for my Blog

  • Get Noticed Theme – For a year I followed Michael Hyatt on his website and always found in so easy to navigate. I even originally asked my web developer for ways I could have the elements I wanted on my page. At about that exact same time (coincidence?), Michael released his template, the Get Noticed Theme, for WordPress. I immediately bought it and became one of the first to install it on my site.

 

  • WordPress.org – I have my website built on WordPress. I am not a techie and programming code is a foreign language to me. I love how easy WordPress is to use, pretty drag and drop. Additionally, it is an open source code so other, smarter, people keep improving it and adding functionality in the form of plug ins- below I will share the plug ins that I use.

 

  • Bluehost – I use Bluehost to host all of my domains (I have a number of them). They have been great for me and the price cannot be beat. When used with WordPress it is sooo simple to use.

 

  • ConvertKit – I have used both Aweber and Mailchimp to send out my newsletters and I recently switched to ConvertKit. I really like how easy it is to use, so intuitive. If you send a lot of emails out or want to create an autoresponder, ConvertKit is the way to go.

 

  • Leadpages – Leadpages has changed my outlook on life making landing pages on my website so simple to create. I also love the Leadboxes templates. If you want to save time and create landing pages that really convert I think Leadpages is a great option.

 

  • WordPress plug ins – I have a whole bunch of plug ins that I use on my sites, especially this one. If you want to see a list and how I use them click here.

 

  • Godaddy – Every domain name that I have purchased over the last 10 years I have gotten through Go Daddy. It has been super easy to click and purchase, maybe a little too easy.

 

What I use for my podcast

  • Equipment – It really doesn’t take a whole lot of equipment to get up and running and record your first podcast. In fact, you could just start with your smartphone and hit record. I have a few items that I use and a few more that I would like to use in the near future. To see a list of my equipment click here.

 

  • Libsyn – I use Libsyn to host my podcast episodes. I recommend not uploading episodes directly to your website as it will really slow down the user experience. Much easier to use a service like Libsyn and then link to it on your page.

 

  • Smart Podcast Player – Created by my friend Pat Flynn, this webplayer really makes my sire look sharp. While technically a wordpress plug in, it really has improved the user experience of my podcast listeners (see example here). It was money well spent.

 

  • Audacity – This free software for pc is the software I use for actually recording and editing each podcast episode. I had to watch a couple YouTube videos on how to get started but now I find it quite easy to use.

 

  • Levelator– Also free software. I run all my completed episodes through the Levelator before uploading to Libsyn. This software levels out all of the audio in the podcast so one person is not louder than the others or if I get excited while recording and my volume goes up.

 

Websites I love

 

  • Audible.com – I consume about a book a week and I love the mobile app for Audible. If you love audiobooks you should check out audible. They have a huge collection available and the prices are pretty good.

 

  • Netflix.com – If you don’t know what I am talking about….then Netflix isn’t for you J

 

  • Pandora – Pandora is great for background music while I work. I have a few stations that I like that really focus in my concentration. Anything classical or Dax Johnson work really well for me.

 

Books I love- The “Essential Eight” and my Bookshelf

 

  • The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy– I have a very detailed routine that I follow with my goal setting and weekly accountability. That discipline comes from multiple readings of this great book on building step by step to success.

 

  • Winners Never Cheat by Jon M. Huntsman– Talk about an example of integrity, Jon Huntsman walks through a number of real world scenarios where cheating and dishonesty seemed the easiest course. He became a billionaire philanthropist through hard work and never compromising.

 

  • Start With Why by Simon Sinek– There is no better book on the sales cycle and creating lifelong raving fans than Start With Why. It is a must read for any business and employee.

 

  • Smartcuts by Shane Snow– You may have heard me rave about this book on my podcast (episode 012). This book was so transformational for me that I read it twice…back to back. The premise is how the most successful rise to the top of their game through strategic “shortcuts with integrity” (smartcuts).

 

  • The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall– A short but impactful parable about a young man discovering his value through lessons his deceased uncle Red left as his inheritance.

 

  • Rule #1 Investing by Phil Town– I think the easiest to understand investment book on the market. Rule #1 comes from Warren Buffett’s famous quote about investing “Rule #1- Never lose money. Rule #2- Never forget rule #1.

 

  • See You at The Top by Zig Ziglar– If you know me then this comes as no surprise. I love anything and everything from Zig and this book launched his career. The motivation and inspiration needed to reach your full potential and a blueprint for making it happen.

 

  • My Bookshelf – Every week on my podcast we discuss a book that I am reading. I call it my bookshelf and every week I post about it here on the bookshelf

 

Webtools I love

  • Dropbox – I am a HUGE fan of Dropbox. I use it many times a day and don’t know what I would do without it. All my computers have it, my tablet and my smartphone. Great product.

 

  • Dashlane – I hate remembering all those passwords. I always forget if this is one that needs letters, numbers symbols, a blood sample etc. Since discovering Dashlane my life happiness has gone up 3x. It is a secure password management system that can be accessed on the web or even a phone app.

 

  • Evernote – My online brain and filing cabinet. I love to clip articles to Evernote for later reading or access on my smartphone.

 

  • Chrome – Yes, this is the web browser that I use and have become a fan of.

 

  • Google Docs – It is amazing what you can get done for free with Google Docs. A word processor, a spreadsheet maker and slide presentation. I have even used it to create surveys.

 

  • Boomerang – A gmail plug in that allows you to send delayed messages or be reminded when recipients don’t respond

 

  • Canva.com – So easy graphic design tool. I love the drag and drop features.

 

Social Media tools

  • Bufferapp– for scheduling social posts
  • Click to tweet– great for giving those visiting your website an easy way to tweet (and link back to you) try it out here
  • Hootsuite– I use this every day and love how easy it is to batch schedule social media posts.
  • Feedly– I follow all the blogs I am interested in right here. Helps me curate content to share on Twitter
  • Tweriod– A great tool for finding out when your Twitter followers are on Twitter. Helps to know when the right time to post is.
  • Manageflitter– I hate when people “fake” follow me and then bail in a day or two. I use manageflitter to eliminate those fake followers.