“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

― Hamilton Write Mabie

The holiday season is upon us and if you are looking to add to your holiday gift lists for yourself or a entrepreneur in your life, these are some of the things that would be on my list this season. I roll on a budget so most of these are on the less expensive side to get any new business owner started or keep them on track for success.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

What I want on my entrepreneur gift list this year and you might too!

1. Software Subscriptions

Everyone needs software to run their business efficiently and effectively. Here are what we use at Future Ready and think of how this could help the budding entrepreneur in your life to get a couple months or year paid for.

HighLevel CRM and Complete Business Marketing and Sales Platform

We researched for months to choose the best software to run our business and this is by far the winner. We do all of this with our HighLevel account:

• Host our website

• Manage our contacts and email/text communication

• Host our blog

• Create products and sales pages.

• Manage sales funnels.

• Create course sites

• Post to our social media

• Manage our clients sites and systems.

This is like 4 or 5 software systems in one! We save hundreds of dollars each month.

Get started with a 14 day trial and then $89 per month OR contact [email protected] to get your site set up by our team. Price varies on features needed.

Canva Pro (Teachers get many of these features for FREE)

• Cost - $119.99 per year which is just $10 per month! Crazy for what it does.

• Best Features

• More design and templates available.

• Additional assets such as audio and video available.

• Background remover (Game changer! Keep reading!)

• Branding ability to keep your design consistent (Keep reading!)

• Social Media schedule/posting

• Magic Resize to get the most from your designs.

• NEW! Canva Docs.....just try the ai writing feature and you will be blown away!

If you look at all there is to offer in the pro version, you would save not having to get some of your designs done outside of your org. You would also save on social posting effort and cost. Thumbnails, gifs and social posts are so easy with Canva Pro. Teachers can use pre-made templates for worksheets and handouts. Students can do projects and presentations in Canva.

Small business or a teacher? You need Canva Pro. You will not regret it.

WeVideo - video editing software

I really wanted a web based software that would also provide the editing power of desktop based software. This one is it! It has all the features you need to do professional videos for a fraction of the cost, Get into it at the level you need and upgrade as needed. $20 or less per month to create amazing YouTube, Reels, TikTok content. Features we love:

• Branding

• Create one video, resize at the click of a button.

• Green-screen

• B-Roll and Graphics included.

• Audio library

• Layers

Gift the gift of content creation! Check out WeVideo.

Hive Project Management Software

Lastly on the list is project management software. Every business needs to manage projects even if you are a solopreneur. We put every task and project plan into Hive so we can stay focused and on track. It helps to get more done in and help redundant projects stay uniform. AND when you are ready to hire some help, you can share templates so your new employee will do things the same as you were doing it. Features we love:

• Templates for repeatability and time savings.

• Color coded status.

• Forms

• Variable views.

• Listening to user to define their roadmap.

• Budget friendly.

Start for free and add team members for $12 per month.

2. Tech

I don't think any of us have enough tech but tech can get expensive so here is a run down of the tech I got started with and still use. Very budget friendly and versatile. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

• Video Creation: The best investment here is in lighting and sound before anything else. You probably have an amazing camera in your pocket right now! Here is what we use.

• Raleno LED Rechargable Video Light comes in a couple sizes and you can adjust the color temperature and intensity. If you can afford a couple, it throws a soft light that really enhances your shots. Small and easy to transport or keep up in an office area. This light comes in at around $40.

• Tonor USB-C Cartioid Mic Kit with Boom Arm and Shock Mount - This is a great mic that works on my chromebook and phone. Great for working at a desk and doing podcasts, YouTube and Zoom. Budget friendly at around $50.

• ULANZI J12 Wireless Lavalier Microphone for USB C Phone, 2-in-1 Plug-Play Mic with Charging Case for Phone Video Recording Interview YouTubers, Vloggers, 65ft Transmission Range. If you need to do interviews on the go or just need one good mic in your kit, start with this one. Choose to buy for Iphone or Android and get 2 mics for $50.

• Phone Tripod Mount - If you use your phone for video, stills, podcasts, you need a quick mount to hold it. This one comes in at $10 and has a cold shoe mount to hold your light or mic and you are good to go.

• Ulanzi MT08 Tripod and Extension Pole - This folds down small and can be used as a desktop tripod or a selfie stick. It easily fits in a go bag and comes in at around $20.

• Green Screen Backdrop - If you need a backdrop to block your messy room (don't judge) or provide a consistent backdrop, this is very reasonably priced at $16, good quality and versatile. You can purchase a stand but I build one out of PVC that works just fine.

3. Stuff

There are a few really great organizational non-tech things that are not only helpful but good for the environment that will help out any creator or business.

• Rocketbook - The Rocketbook family of products is reusable books and notepads where you can write up your plans, schedules, notes, scan them to your phone and then erase and use it again. I have several versions for those time that I just want to write with a real pen.

• MCSquares - This takes whiteboards to a new level. Reusable post-it-notes, planners, calendars and more. Save some trees while staying organized.

BONUS:

Our new course has launched! If you are a teacher or know a teacher, share the news! This 1 week course will give a new teacher, substitute or long time pro some new tips, tricks and resources for the classroom. Share the news! We are running a special so enroll today!