This is a summary of all the tools I personally use to perform my online business. Keep in mind the sites and tools listed aren't neccesarily the cheapest, or maybe not even the best. These are just the providers I have learned to trust through trial and error and also through the recommendation of others. My intent of this page is to help you. I understand how overwhelming it can be to practically learn a new language and then choose from the hundreds, or even thousands of online providers to meet a specific need.
However, I can assure you that what is listed has met my high standards that I demand before I give people my hard earned money. I don't sacrifice my patience and will for the lowest bidder if they don't perform, and you shoudln't either. Enjoy.
Domain Registration
Go Daddy
By far the cheapest I have seen. I have never paid more than $10 a year for any of my domain names. Customer service is top notch. When I first started it seemed like I was calling them daily, and they were always pleasant.
Website Hosting
Host Gator
The only paid hosting I've ever used. Heard great things about them before I started with them and I still can't say anything bad about them. Customer service is open 24 hours and they're very helpful. If you submit a ticket online they promise a 24 hour commitment but I have never waited more than two.
Accounting Software
MLM Tax Helper Pro
One of the hardest things about business is keeping up with your financial records. I tried others and they were pretty difficult. With everything else you will have to learn a difficult program and you don't want to have to devote hours to learning how to digitally save your receipts. This program is so unbelievably easy that it's laughable. Even though it was created for MLM it's easily adaptable to other forms of online marketing.
Note:This software is not to replace your accountant. It is designed to help you keep records to present at tax time.
Tax Wize
Another program to consider for your records. It was written by a former IRS tax attorney who specialized in auditing small businesses. It will help you maximize your deductions (over 130 tax deductions) and bullet proof your records. Even CPA's have been known to purhase this program. There is also available audit protection at a small monthly fee.
Note:Again, not designed to replace your accountant. This can be used to make you and your accountant's life easier.
Phone Service
Magic Jack
Unlimited local and long distance calls for only $20 a year. You don't want to be stressing out over your minutes on your cell phone or long distance bill. Did I mention it's only $20 a year? You can't beat it for only $20 a year. You will have to buy the equipment and pay a year in advance. A whopping $40. All you need is a computer and a broadband connection. By the way, it's only $20 a year.
Blogging
Wordpress
A great free blogging service that you can customize with thousands of add-ons. To make it easier, if you have a Hostgator account you can install a Wordpress blog with just a few clicks.
Education
Magnetic Sponsoring
A guide that teaches you the proper mindset that every business owner needs written by one of the top income earners in the internet marketing/MLM industry.
Building On a Budget
The main concern for all online marketers when they first start is always cost. Most of them will spend themselves right out of business in less than 5 months! This well written guide shows you how to start generating leads for life for less than $500. Do yourself a copy and make sure you order this book. It will save you thousands of dollars and a lot of heartache.
Black Belt Recruiting
A comprehensive course that will teach you how to recruit new customers and/or reps at an alarming rate.
MLM Traffic Formula
An amazing course that will show you step by step how to create endless floods of traffic to your site at an alarming rate. Remember traffic is the lifeblood of your internet business.
PPC Domination
The fastest way to get traffic to your site is Google Pay per click advertising. You're in total control of how many leads you want. You can set a daily budget and choose your keywords. The dangerous part is if not done correctly it's like throwing good money out the window. This guide will walk you step by step on how to be successful at Google Adwords. It's only available for a limited time so pick yours up today!
Public Speaking For the Faint of Heart
Amazingly, one thing that keeps people from succeeding is the fear that one day they will have to start training others to do the same. They are sabotaging their success! What a shame. If you are scared of speaking in front of a crowd of any size, I highly recommend this guide.
Note about education. You should always invest in your ongoing education. Never stop learning.
Website Traffic Stats Counter
Google Analytics
Use it on all of your web pages to track click thrus and site statistics. Very important to do this. Works great and it's a free service.
Mike T Smith
mail@mikethomassmith.com