RESOURCES

There’s a lot that goes into running a small business, or even running a tiny business. Here are some links to business that I work with myself because they have good service and great prices. Some of these are affiliate links, but they are all services or sites that I would use anyway.

CreativeLive: Online Learning

I’ve gotten so much value from watching workshops on CreativeLive. Their life and business channel is especially helpful for small business owners both online and offline.

SSD Hosting: A2 Hosting

SSD stands for Solid State Drive, which is the very fast type of disk drive that A2 uses for their hosting servers. If your looking for a host with the service and speed for a growing website, A2 Hosting is a great choice.

Budget Hosting: JustHost

This is the web host I use for my business website and my personal blog. I’ve had no issues with their hosting, and the price is right. If you need to have a very fast server to support a lot of site traffic, JustHost wouldn’t be the right choice for you. But for a small business owner who needs a brochure-style site, it’s a great bargain. They also offer any add-on service that you might need– domain names, private SSL, dedicated IP, and more.

Cloud Storage: Dropbox

Dropbox is a basically-free cloud storage option. Cloud storage is a great way to share files with your colleagues– such as sharing photos of your business with me so I can include them in your print or web materials! Use this referral link to get half a gig of free Dropbox space.

Local Print Shop: Express Copy and Printing

I’ve always been more than impressed with the service at Express Copy and Printing on Western in Sioux Falls. I was able to get a large format black and white design printed for just three dollars, and even with such an inexpensive item they double-checked every detail before and after printing.

Online Print Shop: Vistaprint

Vistaprint offers some of the lowest prices on business cards, fridge magnets, car magnets, banners, and other printed promotional items. Several of my clients have used their printing services to print professional labels for their products. Use this link to get $10 off your first order from Vistaprint.

A Smarter Smart Phone: Republic Wireless

My husband I both have smartphones through Republic Wireless. They are a very different cell phone company– they won’t get you tangled up in a web of contracts, warranty offers, or “free” upgrades. You pick the smartphone you want (they now have three options, each a good value) and the level of service you want. There are no contracts. The plans range from $5 to $25 a month (or $40 if you want unlimited 4G). The reason Republic Wireless is so affordable is that they wire these phones to send calls and data over wi-fi whenever possible. Since I work from home, I have the $10/mo plan. My husband, who sometimes needs to get directions to his next worksite while standing on the roof he’s helping to shingle, chose to go with the $25/mo plan. We are both super happy to be able to own smartphones without being owned by an expensive cell phone contract. I highly recommend Republic Wireless to small business owners who are looking to keep their costs low. By the way, Republic Wireless coverage is great in Sioux Falls.

Health Insurance Alternative: Christian Healthcare Ministries

Since my husband and I are both self employed, finding affordable healthcare coverage is kind of a big deal. We decided to go with Christian Healthcare Ministries because it’s much more affordable than regular insurance and the coverage is actually better. That’s because it’s a more direct system (members fees simply go to pay other members bills) and it’s a non-profit. Read more about it on Christian Healthcare Ministries’ website. If you decide that it’s the right plan for you, make sure to let them know I recommended it to you when you sign up!