my bookshelf
programs + software
TimeFox by FunctionFox
An awesome time and project tracking system. I think my favorite feature is the estimates section, where you visually see how your current time measures against estimated time.
http://www.functionfox.com/products.html
Basecamp by 37 Signals
I started using Basecamp in October 2009, and I can’t imagine how I was project managing before this. Basecamp is a great collaboration tool for my clients – we can set/monitor project milestones, to-do lists, share files, send messages, and more – all without fishing through weeks and weeks of emails. I highly recommend it for any team-based project.
http://basecamphq.com
Highrise by 37Signals
I just started using their free contact-management software (there is also a more powerful, subscription-based version). You can upload contact information and tag your contacts to make them easily searchable. Can’t remember which friends do web design? If you tagged your entries, the answer is just a quick search away.
http://highrisehq.com
Tadalists by 37Signals
A free online service to manage and share your to-do lists. Even though I still jot down lists on paper once in awhile, this tool has been incredibly helpful.
http://tadalist.com/
resources
AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts)
The professional association for design
http://www.aiga.org
http://aigachicago.org
Biznik
“It sucks growing a business alone. No one cares. But we do. Biznik is an award-winning community of entrepreneurs and small businesses dedicated to helping each other succeed.”
http://biznik.com/
http://biznik.com/members/danielle-baird