Frazzled but Hopeful: Building My Toolkit

Frazzled but Hopeful: Building My Toolkit

Jun 03, 2023

All entrepreneurs need a toolkit so here is how I'm building my stash of resources, the Free At 50 way.


Disclosure: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share, but it does not change your price.


My quest for self-sufficiency continues and thanks to a new friend in Australia, met through a supportive Facebook group we both are members of, I found what could be an amazing tool and hopefully this is just the beginning.


When it comes to technology and all the “things” I need to build my online business one thing is continually repeated: think about what you need and what you want to do with it. Ummm so… I have a few ideas, but I don’t really know yet! And, importantly, this early on, with no earnings, I am on a budget though knowing I have to invest to earn.

Photo by Yosef Futsum on Unsplash


A few things I realized might be helpful.


  • A hosting site. The reason I purchased Groove but there are others of course- you’re reading my blog on it right now!
  • A way for people to connect with me, enter Calendly which allows me to set up blocks of time people can book with me (right from my blog's homepage!) and offers me the flexibility of how we connect (I offer them the opportunity to enter a phone number or request a Zoom call). The reason I purchased it: connect with others looking to grow and learn so we can collaborate!
  • Affiliate marketing options: ways for me to earn, at no cost to the buyer, commission on my recommendations. You see links on my site and in this blog and even in my 6-Step Checklist to Escape the 9-5... links for Amazon and other resources I support (note this is updated October 2022!).
  • Legal disclaimers: I created them using online generators but since have utilized training from the Blogging for New Bloggers team to ensure I stay legal. Get the course I recommend here.
  • Ways to invoice: I started with a free trial on Freshbooks, and now use Paypal. It's easy - yes, there is a transaction fee I don't love and maybe I'll be moving to Groovepay at some point but for now, this works.
  • Track everything in the world: I found Evernote. This gives me the ability to organize everything from screenshots to notes to ideas in folders and search for entries by keyword. OMG. Mind blown on how this has changed my life!
  • Linktr.ee to put all the ways to connect with and follow me all on one link.
  • The Epic Blog Planner, which can be fantastic for ANY online entrepreneur, not just bloggers!


RELATED: I was recently introduced to "buy me a coffee" - here is my link! It's a way for readers who appreciate my content to support me since the blog is free to read! Click here - I'd love your support!


And the big one: my all-in-one platform: Groove.

Click this link for way more info but essentially, I can do everything from creating landing pages to building an online course and setting up transactions to booking clients and building my affiliate marketing.


Bonus: some of the best tutorials online I’ve seen. They are offering the basic membership for free, and that was what I intended to sign up for. However, I couldn’t resist the lifetime membership for just under $1400 which was for their highest level, now $299 a month.


When I broke it down, the cost of Kajabi alone is $149/month for the cheapest plan (hosting and course creation included) and my purchase not only included that but so many other things that, purchasing multiple individual platforms and programs, would have monthly or annual fees.


With a 30-day refund, I felt safe with this purchase but now know, after using it for over 2 years for my blog as well as for video updating and storage, and even dipping my toes into the mail system, I'm IN.


Know that Groove's cheapest plan is FREE and the next level up is currently $99/month as of June 2023.


Of course, I will not discount the free webinars, downloadable guides and online courses offered by others who have stepped forward into entrepreneurship.


I’ve gotten incredible information so far and know it’s likely I will be purchasing more in-depth info later but for now I’ve gotten a great start on learning everything from building my business Instagram account and learning how to collaborate on Pinterest boards with others that can bring value to FreeAt50 followers to writing style and grammar.


In January, 2023 I added a Linked In company page! If you're on Linked In, follow it here!


RELATED: Courses and training for the above!


Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash


In the end, what is the most valuable tool in the toolkit?

  • People.
  • Collaborators.
  • Colleagues in my new professional reality.


So my final resource for this (beyond my current network of course!) is Facebook.


The groups I’ve joined such as The Blog It Better Society, Reaching Your Audience, Women Entrepreneurs: Marketing Mindset and Growing your Online Business and now Groove Digital Official, have been extremely active, and have given me the best learning platform I’ve used so far. It is seriously amazing, these groups you can find on Facebook.


I hope that my Facebook group provides the valuable insight needed for any of you to continue on your path!



Book a call with me (free of charge!) if you want to discuss building your toolkit and maybe we can end up working together!


Click here to schedule a call and type TOOLKIT in the booking notes!


If you enjoy the blog and want to support both my ability to continue it and my habit for caffeine, click below to buy me a coffee using my online tip jar!