Cool Companies

Cool Businesses, Tools, People

I’m pleased to be associated with a select group of companies whose products, services, integrity and support I use, depend upon, greatly admire and like to recommend. I have varying experience with, affiliation with, and a lot of knowledge about these products and services and the people and entrepreneurs who provide them.

StudioPress (formerly Revolution) WordPress Themes

studiopress-125x125It was ironic that after I’d finally learned CSS and upgraded my web site that I discovered WordPress and decided to do it all over again. The only thing missing was the “perfect” theme that would allow me to integrate my business, my programs and my blog. And then I found it – Revolution. Since I purchased Revolution, the developers have taken the themes, and their business model, to a whole new level, including a merger.

So for my small business clients who need my help developing very professional, content rich web sites, I will be doing that for them with StudioPress Themes for WordPress that provide service and support for a nominal fee. I trust the design, the functionality and the terrific service and support plans offered with these themes, allowing me to get sites up and running quickly with minimal customization. With this confidence, thanks to the StudioPress team, I can focus with clients on their marketing differentiation, trusted expert positioning, content marketing/execution, and coaching them to be independent self-publishers, global micro-brands and social businesses.

Freshbooks Invoice & Time Tracking

Perhaps its because I’m a former corporate controller, but I avoid most accounting work and seek out the simplest and most fun to use systems for managing my business. FreshBooks not only fit that bill but actually results in client compliments about how cool are my invoices. Unlike accounting software programs, its flexible and simple and allows you to start small (like in ‘free’) and grows with you. I recommend it to professional service providers who want to focus more on the creative and client service “wow” factor part of their practice and less on the accounting. There’s too many features to describe (including iPhone integration) so I encourage a test-drive. Tell them I sent you.

LunarPages Web Hosting


Lunarpages.com Web Hosting

I think I chose LunarPages a decade+ ago for my hosting provider because I liked their name. It was one of those lucky decisions. They’ve been a rock solid service for me and I really value that I’ve had this continuity when there’s always so much else to do and learn and maintain.

The support is excellent and they go out of their way to make customers feel both valued and appreciated. I don’t know enough to describe all that they offer but its been everything that I’ve ever needed for my numerous web iterations. They host WordPress sites and install WordPress software, database and upgrades. I’m comfortable and confident recommending LunarPages to my clients who want WordPress web sites. They’re a great support team who communicate with non-technical people and do so with respect and patience. I’m a big fan of LunarPages!

SocialText

Picture 12People are the platform: the people who make up your organization, and Socialtext People which connects them in a social network. The Socialtext collaboration platform gives you a better way to work. It includes microblogging, social networking, wiki workspaces with integrated blogs, distributed spreadsheets, and a personal dashboard for every user.

GENEVA Group Inc.

geneva1A major focus of both the RedShift Community Program and the RedShift Project Program is to help mid-size businesses on Microsoft Dynamics NAV systems, increase Sharepoint user adoption for better collaboration, knowledge sharing and project management. Often, the business case for Sharepoint complements enterprise financial and ERP systems implementations and upgrades, requiring the specialized professional services of Microsoft Dynamics Partner GENEVA. The effectiveness if this partnership is a shared belief that a leadership approach to client services is essential to achieving success metrics and a strong ROI. This approach is based on deep understanding of the impact of change on growth objectives, business processes and corporate culture.