This is a list of tried, true, and trusted resources for entrepreneurs that I’ve personally benefited from. No, it’s not everything; to get a complete education, I believe you need to purchase some home study courses or paid networks (some I recommend here). The problem is they can be expensive, more than you might be able to afford early in your career.

Books, on the other hand, only cost around $9.99. Podcasts and blogs are free. I’ve used every single one of these resources and stand fully behind them. Let’s jump in.

Books: Business & Leadership

• The Consulting Bible – a must for consultants and/or freelancers
• EntreLeadership – small business wisdom
• The Personal MBA – skip business school!
• Never Eat Alone – great networking book
• Deep & Wide – church leadership done right
• Thou Shall Prosper – new perspective on money

Books: Marketing

• Duct Tape Marketing – the Bible of small business marketing
• Ogilvy on Advertising – a must read for every marketer (print recommended)
• Tested Advertising Methods – marketing copywriting classic (print only)
• The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing – marketing psychology
• Tribes – the importance of growing a following, then getting out of the way
• On Writing – best book on the craft of writing in our lifetime
• The Copywriter’s Handbook – copywriters, start here
• Advertising Headlines that Make You Rich – headlines are the most important
• Writing Riches – great overview on copywriting and product launches

Books: Personal Development

• The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth – habits for growth
• Reinventing You – what to do when changing careers
• Quitter – the courage you need to leave your day job
• Necessary Endings – how to say “no” – one of the best I’ve ever read
• Paid to Speak – great for public speakers that want to grow

Courses / Coaching (Paid)

• Platform University with Michael Hyatt – building your blog and online presence
• Serious Bloggers Only with Jon Morrow – hardcore blogging site
• AWAI Course – amazing copywriting course
• Podcasting A to Z with Cliff Ravenscraft – launch your podcast (use “MikeKim” for $500 off!)

Podcasts

• This Is Your Life with Michael Hyatt – leadership and platform building
• The Ray Edwards Show – marketing, business, personal development
• The EntreLeadership Podcast with Dave Ramsey – small business leadership
• Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast – church leadership
• Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn – making money online
• Starve the Doubts with Jared Easley – personal and career development
• The Charged Life with Brendon Burchard – motivational content

Web Design & Graphics

• Red Letter Design & Jason Clement – I use Jason for my blog and contract him for nearly every other consulting client, including the company where I work as chief marketing officer.

Web Hosting & WordPress Setup

• Bluehost – use this link and follow my video tutorial for discounted rates, a free domain name, and setup your blog in under 7 minutes!

Web Services (WordPress etc.)

• LeadPages – software to grow your email list, create landing pages, and more. The single biggest difference-maker in my blog business.
• Gravity Forms – this is the service I use for my contact page and other forms I build online. Simple, sleek, and efficient.