In the interest of full disclosure, please be aware that some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. Please take note that this commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please also realize that I have experience with these companies and products, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the commissions I make if you choose to purchase something. Please do not spend a single penny on these products unless you think you need or intend to use them.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is the graphic design software that most professional designers use to create logos, book layouts, magazine layouts, webpages, and virtually any graphics for their design projects.
Affinity by Serif (Photo, Designer, and Publisher)
Affinity by Serif offers is a great alternatives to the Adobe Suite for high powered vector or photo editing and publishing software. While still much younger than Adobe and lacking many features of Creative Cloud, Affinity Photo is similar to Photoshop, Affinity Designer is likened to Illustrator, and Affinity Publisher is similar to InDesign.
Copywriting Secrets
Copywriting is the #1 skill every business owner needs. This book explains what copywriting is and how to do it better.
Graphic Design Solutions
Graphic Design Solutions by Robin Landa is a textbook I was assigned in college for my basic graphic design courses. Throughout this book, the basics of graphic design are explained such as creativity, graphic design process, and composition as well as the application of many of the principles discussed.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Because many people do not have access to Creative Cloud, and many have it installed on their computers, they use the Microsoft presentation alternative. If it is learned properly, the capabilities of PowerPoint are quite impressive. Be prepared though, file setup is not as intuitive as Adobe's design products. If this is not done correctly, it could end up costing extra at printer to correctly setup the file.
Inbound Marketing
This book is gives a full guide explaining how to increase online visibility and engagement.
Influence by Robert Cialdini
This book, written by an expert in influence and persuasion, explains the psychology behind why people say "yes" as well as how to use these compliance tactics effectively and ethically. Using stories and examples everyone can relate to, Cialdini will persuade you why you need to know this material.
Love Beyond Degree
Love Beyond Degree by J. Todd Murry and George J. Zemek is a study on the book of Hosea in the Old Testament. The book divides into fourteen chapters, each covering a chapter in Hosea. Each chapter divides into two sections. The first is an exposition of the biblical text and the second is the application of the same text. If you’re looking for commentary on Hosea, this book is a great choice.
Ready Set Go!
Ready Set Go! by Shawn Waller is a book for people with early onset Parkinson's Disease. This book will help those with Parkinson's learn more about their disease and how to overcome movement difficulties.
Remember
This in-depth book on the brain explains what memory is, what it consists of, and how to improve it.
Social Media Engagement for Dummies
A beginner's guide to social media engagement.
Social Splash
If you are specifically a freelancer looking to use social media to find clients, this book by Nesha Woolery explains how to use several of these platforms effectively.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al and Laura Ries is a helpful introductory book for any business owner seeking to build their company into a brand. With real-life case studies exhibiting how to - and how not to - build successful brands, this book provides steb-by-step instructions on how to build your product or service into a world-class brand.
The Storyteller's Secret
The Storyteller's Secret by Carmine Gallo teaches the importance of stories in selling ideas. Full of both examples and tips, this book explains and shows the effectiveness of storytelling when running a business.