Peter
Having set up a startup, a video production company, here in the Philippines I’m always looking for tools, advice, anything that can help me make our business better. In a world where we are bombarded by information on a daily basis it’s really difficult to try and sort the wheat from the chaff. So I’ve decided to try and share a few things which have helped inspire, guide, and make our business better.
The first is a list of free tools for startups from Medium curated by Ali Mese. The list is long extensive and invaluable. The fact that pretty much all of the tools are free is great, but the quality of this list really makes it stand out. It covers just about every aspect of a business from marketing, writing, building websites, social media, design, fonts, photography, productivity, project management and much much more. If you are contemplating, in the process of, or already operating any kind of business I promise you there is something there for you and your company.
Quite possibly the best list of free tools for startups on the internet.
The second is actually a book that my wife bought me for Christmas “Monocle’s Guide to Good Business”
Monocle’s beautiful Guide to Good Business.
I’m about halfway through it at the moment but it has some excellent common sense advice and some insightful profiles of companies that will help you build a better more successful and sustainable business. It’s beautifully designed (it’s Monocle after all) and really is a lovely book to read. In the digital age it’s nice every now and again to have something tactile to read. I love reading books on my Kindle and watching videos online on my computer and iPad but to touch and feel something someone has spent hours crafting is something we don’t spend nearly enough time doing. The book isn’t full of quick fixes and business jargon so if you are looking for “the answer” to solve all your companies problem you won’t find it here. If you are looking for common sense advice, examples and case studies of small businesses that have gone on to become successes or produce niche products then this is definitely the book for you. The book is available in the Philippines at National Book Stores.
I love travel and in fact I’d say it’s pretty much shaped how I view life and is a huge part of who I am. Luckily from a very early age my parents took us, my two brothers and I, on summer trips to Europe visiting beaches, castles, and old towns eating at local markets and trying weird wonderful and new foods. Travelling and then living abroad hands down has been the best experience of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Switzerland, South Korea, China and now the Philippines and every place has taught me something different about myself and the world and I think has shaped how I want to do business. This is why I love this next magazine so much.
Grid magazine issues 1-6
GRID is a local Filipino magazine, after reading the first issue I’ve been a huge fan and a subscriber. The magazine showcases some very talented photographers and writers and it’s great to support such a well thought out publication that looks to get people out on the road and explore the wonderful environment of the Philippines. There isn’t a business advice in Grid’s magazine but its a great example of how a small group of talented creatives with hard work can produce a beautiful and inspiring publication. I’m constantly looking for great photography and storytelling and Grid delivers that in spades every issue. What I love about GRID is that it reminds me of just how lucky I am in to live and work in the Philippines and it makes we want to get out with my camera and tell great stories about the people and landscapes of the Philippines.
