Suddenly we have more time on our hands.
As the economy slows down and governments enforce lockdown, people find themselves at home with more time on their hands. No commuter rush hour, for one, but firms are also reducing the workload on employees.
All of this means you have a great opportunity to hone existing skills and learn new things as a way to get a head start when things return to normal.
So to get you on the right track, we’ve compiled a list of resources to boost your career while working from home.
You can take online classes, attend webinars, listen to podcasts, read blogs, or watch some documentaries, the choice is yours:
Table of Content
Manage all your social media accounts in one place.
Craft, schedule, & auto-post content to all your social channels, then track analytics and manage interactions from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
But before you start:
There’s a couple of things we want to share:
Take care of yourself…
During the quarantine period, you must take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually. This daily self-care checklist will prompt you to do just that:
… and don’t put too much pressure on your shoulders
Yes, it’s good to learn new things and extend our skillset. But it’s is also an opportunity to spend quality time with your family. So remember to chill and relax.
Online Classes
Here are the best-rated marketing, business, creative classes on platforms such as Skillshare, Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and OpenClassrooms:
Lockdown Special Offer
1. Remote Working: Setting Yourself and Your Teams Up for Success
If you’re working from home for the first time, then why not take advantage of these 16 LinkedIn Learning video courses, which are currently FREE!
Marketing (Social Media, Branding, Analytics)
2. Digital Marketing Specialization — Certification by University of Illinois (Coursera)
Master strategic marketing concepts and tools to address brand communication in the digital world.
3. Social Media Marketing Specialization — Offered by Northwestern University (Coursera)
Five courses to help you manage your social strategies, expand your online audience, and establish your social brand.
4. Google Analytics Academy (Google)
Analytics Academy helps you learn about Google’s measurement tools so that you can grow your business through intelligent data collection and analysis.
Business (Start a Business, Improve Your Resume)
5. Entrepreneurship Foundations (LinkedIn Learning)
Follow the steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur. From assessing a potential business opportunity to starting your new company.
6. Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters — Offered by University of Maryland (Coursera)
Learn how to convert a boring resume into a powerful asset statement that conveys your talents in the language that an employer understands.
Creative (Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, Copywriting, Video Production)
7. Graphic Design Bootcamp (Udemy)
Learn how to use InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator to create posters, logos, and more for print and web. Over 6,000 5-star reviews.
8. Ultimate Photoshop Training: From Beginner to Pro (Udemy)
Master Photoshop CC 2020 without any previous knowledge with this easy-to-follow course.
9. Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training Course (Udemy)
Learn Adobe Illustrator CC graphic design, logo design, and more with this in-depth, practical, easy-to-follow course.
10. Copywriting For Beginners: How To Write Web Copy That Sells Without Being Cheesy (SkillShare)
Learn how to write web copy that sells your products and services. Suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of writing for the web.
11. The Complete Video Production Bootcamp (Udemy)
Discover how to make better videos with the ultimate course on video production, planning, cinematography, editing, and distribution.
Podcasts
Tune in to the best marketing podcasts to keep updated on the latest news and insights from the industry.
12. Behind The Numbers by eMarketer
Behind The Numbers is a daily podcast about digital media and marketing, and its impact on the business world and life.
13. Social Media Marketing by Social Media Examiner
Social Media Marketing is a weekly podcast where Michael Stelzner interviews an industry professional on a pressing industry topic and provides actionable advice.
14. Akimbo by Seth Godin
Akimbo’s a podcast about our culture and about how we can change it. About seeing what’s happening and choosing to do something.
15. Freakonomics Radio by Stephen J. Dubner
The Freakonomics Radio podcast explores the hidden side of everything and includes topics that intersect with marketing, plus little-known business facts.
16. Marketing Over Coffee
The Marketing Over Coffee weekly marketing podcast brings you the latest strategies, trends, and insights in marketing and technology.
17. HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review
HBR’s IdeaCast features the leading thinkers in business and management discussing the week’s hot topics and sharing actionable takeaways.
18. HAMYAW (Hillary And Margo Yell At Websites)
Hillary Weiss and Margo Aaron host this no-holds-barred, talk-show style podcast looking at the worlds of business, marketing, and branding.
19. Copyblogger FM
Copyblogger FM is a weekly, short-form podcast covering content marketing, copywriting, email marketing, conversion optimization, mindset, and more.
20. 50 Things That Made The Modern Economy by BBC
A non-marketing podcast where Tim Harford tells the fascinating stories of inventions, ideas, and innovations that have shaped the world.
21. EDGE Of the Web
EDGE of the Web is a weekly podcast where host Erin Sparks discusses the latest news and trends in the digital marketing industry and interviews some of the top marketers.
22. The Brand Moat (Loomly)
Don’t forget to check out The Brand Moat – Loomly’s brand spanking new podcast, which brings you inspirational stories from global leaders who share how to build your brand and future-proof your business…
Newsletters
Here’s our recommendation for the best marketing, business, and creative newsletters:
Marketing
23. Marketing Dive
Subscribe to the daily Marketing Dive newsletter to receive the latest industry intel that you can read in 60 seconds.
24. Total Annarchy
Ann Handley’s newsletter shares new writing tips, useful marketing ideas, fresh thoughts, and some high-spirited shenanigans every other Sunday morning.
25. Inside Intercom
Intercom’s weekly newsletter features articles on product management, sales and marketing, customer support, and startups.
26. Moz Top 10
The Moz Top 10 shares the ten most valuable articles about SEO and online marketing that you don’t have time to hunt down, but need to read!
Business
27. Morning Brew
The daily email newsletter covering the latest news from Wall St. to Silicon Valley. Informative, witty, and everything you need to start your day.
28. Harvard Business Review’s Management Tip of the Day
HBR’s Management Tip of the Day newsletter offers quick, practical management advice to help you do your job better. (Other subscriptions available.).
29. Foundr
The Foundr newsletter brings you exclusive interviews plus the latest insights and tips you need to build a game-changing business.
Creative
30. Inside Design
Stay informed with carefully curated articles on digital product design through the Inside Design Weekly Digest.
31. Loomly’s Newsletter
Don’t forget to to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive free and exclusive insights into building a successful brand.
Online Conferences and Webinars
Here’s a selection of upcoming online conferences and webinars to keep you abreast of the latest digital marketing trends.
Topical Lockdown Specials
32. How to Transition to Remote Work in a Hurry
Wade Foster (Zapier’s founder) and friends from other remote teams share tips on how to transition to remote work without warning.
33. Quarantine Conference | Online | April 7th by Hawke Media
Learn how brands are disaster-proofing their business models across different industries.
Online Conferences
34. Adobe Summit 2020 | Online | March 31st
The digital experience conference has gone digital.
35. Content Marketing Conference 2020 | Online | April 21st
CMC 2020 is now digital! Discover the actionable content marketing wisdom, tools, and tactics you need now.
Bonus: CMC ACADEMY FREE
In light of those impacted by COVID-19, CMC is offering free access to CMC Academy to anyone and everyone though April (or May if needed).
Webinars
36. AdWeek Webinars
AdWeek webinars cover advertising, media, brand marketing, and technology.
37. SEO, PPC & Digital Marketing Webinars by SEJ
Search Engine Journal webinars cover the hottest topics in marketing, including SEO, PPC, content, mobile, and social media.
38. Content Marketing Webinars
The Content Marketing Institute partners with industry thought leaders to bring you webinars that are relevant to content marketers.
39. Marketing Week Webinars
Marketing Week webinars cover a wide range of topics, from digital transformation to GDPR, customer experience to marketing strategy.
40. SEO, PPC & Digital Marketing Webinars by SEMrush
SEMrush hosts educational webinars conducted by the best digital marketing experts.
41. Online Collaboration: How To Streamline Your Marketing Workflow With Loomly
As Working From Home (WFH) is a new reality for many of us, help your marketing team master the art of remote collaboration. In this 45-minute webinar, you will learn how to make the most of Loomly and:
- Streamline your team workflow.
- Leverage collaborative integrations & settings.
- Better manage your assets, remotely.
- Make your favorite Brand Success Platform even more yours.
YouTube Channels
Here’s our roundup of the best YouTube channels for business owners, marketers, and creatives.
Business (Management, Entrepreneurs)
42. Business Insider
Business Insider offers a variety of channels, including Business Insider UK, Tech Insider, Business Insider Excel, and BI Success.
43. Behind the Brand
Behind the Brand is a show about innovators, entrepreneurs, and the stories behind their success. Tap into some of the smartest and most interesting people on the planet.
44. Startup Grind
Startup Grind is where the world’s largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators come together to learn, teach, help, build, and belong.
45. Google Small Business
Google Small Business provides small business owners with tips, tools, and resources to grow their businesses online.
46. Inc.
Inc. delivers information and advice covering virtually every business and management task, including marketing, sales, managing people, and more.
Marketing (Digital, Social, Ecommerce)
47. SEMrush
The SEMrush YouTube channel includes video tutorials, webinars, pro tips, and more to help you succeed with your digital marketing.
48. Shopify
Shopify’s channel shares the extraordinary stories of ordinary people who just happen to be entrepreneurs in the world of ecommerce.
49. Loomly
Loomly’s YouTube channel provides video tutorials and courses to help your team collaborate flawlessly and create better content for your audience, faster.
Creatives
50. Video Creators TV
The Video Creators shows you how to leverage YouTube as a social media platform and use it to build an audience that cares about your message.
51. CreativeMornings HQ
CreativeMornings is a breakfast lecture series for the creative community, but also pertinent to business owners, featuring design legends and local heroes.
Documentaries (Streaming Platforms)
Time to kick off your shoes, relax, and binge-watch the best business documentaries on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Netflix
52. Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019)
The founder of Microsoft discusses what makes Bill Gates tick, the rise of Microsoft, and the work of his foundation.
53. Maddman: The Steve Madden Story (2017)
The Steve Madden Story follows the ups and downs of the fashion designer and shoe tycoon. A true tale of entrepreneurship and life.
54. Silicon Cowboys (2016)
A documentary of how Compaq took on IBM at the height of its PC dominance in the early eighties.
55. I Am Bolt (2016)
A documentary following Usain Bolt, the fastest runner in history, as he trains, hangs out with teammates, and takes time out on his own.
56. Catching the Sun (2015)
A documentary exploring the economics of the solar energy industry as an unemployed worker, an activist, and an entrepreneur all try to make their mark.
57. Print the Legend (2014)
Award-winning documentary following the race for market leadership in 3D printing, the next wave of technological evolution.
Amazon Prime
58. The Uber Story (2019)
Over the past nine years, Uber has made ride-sharing cool. How did the ruthless app giant outsmart regulators and crush its competitors?
59. Starbucks Unfiltered (2019)
Investigative documentary explores the brand’s appeal and success, and reveals the coffee giant’s dark underside.
60. Startupland: A Documentary Film (2016)
Five startup CEO’s have 12 weeks in a tech accelerator to build their ideas into promising companies before they present to a room full of investors.
61. Pepsi vs Cola: The Marketing Battle of the Century (2014)
A duel between giants, which has lasted for more than a century, costing billions of dollars with countless victims, truces, and renewed attacks.
Books
Here’s our pick of the best books on social media, collaboration, teamwork, and management.
Lockdown Special
62. Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
If ever there was a time for reading a book on remote working, it’s now! The founders of Basecamp explore the “work from home” phenomenon and show precisely how a remote work setup can be accomplished.
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Management
63. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni
Lencioni uses a story to illustrate a powerful model and actionable steps that you can use to overcome common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team.
64. Herding Tigers: Be The Leader Creative People Need by Todd Henry
Doing the work and leading the work are totally different things. This is a practical handbook for every manager charged with leading creative teams.
65. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Based on lessons learned at Pixar Animation Studios, Catmull’s book explores what it takes to achieve success without selling out the artistic soul of the people in your teams.
66. HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Collaboration by Various Authors
Harvard Business Review’s book is a collection of articles from the world’s best thinkers, scientists, researchers, and practitioners on the topic of collaboration.
Social Media
67. A World Gone Social by Ted Coiné and Mark Babbitt
A World Gone Social gives you the tools and information you need to survive – and thrive – in a business climate in which customers hold all the cards.
68. Social Media Marketing Workbook: How to Use Social Media for Business (2020 Updated Edition) by Jason McDonald
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with theory and want an actionable, step-by-step structure to help you apply what you’ve learned, then this is the book for you.
69. 500 Social Media Marketing Tips (Updated March 2020) by Andrew Macarthy
Packed with advice, hints, and tips, this book is an excellent resource to skim through when you’re looking for inspiration, or an insightful source when you want to try out a new platform.
70. The Social Media Side Door by Ian Greenleigh
The perfect book if you’re trying to get noticed by influencers, or get your brand in front of the people who can make a difference to the future of your business.
71. Social Media ROI by Olivier Blanchard
Finally, a book to help you track, measure, and prove the return on investment (ROI) of your social media campaigns.
Blogs
Here’s our pick of the best marketing, and small business blogs to inspire and inform you.
Marketing (SEO, Content, Social)
72. Ahrefs
The Ahrefs blog provides detailed tutorials, case studies, and opinion pieces from marketing practitioners to improve your SEO and marketing skills.
73. Social Media Examiner
SME’s blog includes expert interviews, original research, and comprehensive articles to help marketers navigate social media marketing.
74. Convince and Convert
The Convince and Convert blog covers the “Why and Whether” of social media, content marketing, influencer marketing, word of mouth, and customer experience.
75. Copyblogger
Check out Copyblogger for the best content marketing and copywriting articles to help you produce smarter content.
76. HubSpot
HubSpot’s blog keeps you up to date with the latest marketing, sales, and customer service tips and news.
77. LinkedIn Marketing Blog
LinkedIn’s marketing blog includes the latest guides, infographics, videos, insider tips and tricks on digital marketing, plus product release updates.
78. The Loomly Blog
The Loomly blog brings you weekly, actionable content focusing on brand success, teamwork, and company news.
Small Business (Starting, Growing)
79. Gusto
The Gusto blog is full of advice and tips on starting a business, hiring and growth, finances and taxes, and team management.
80. Duct Tape Marketing
The Duct Tape Marketing blog focuses on marketing ideas, tips, and tricks for small businesses, including SEO, PPC, social media, and content marketing.
81. Groove
The Groove Blog is your go-to place for excellent advice on customer service, entrepreneurship, growth, content marketing, and remote work.
Conclusion: When Life Gives You Lemons
Right now, it’s a difficult time for everyone.
Everything is changing, and uncertainty rules.
But it’s also a time for reflection, administering self-care, and challenging yourself to learn things.
Make the most of your lockdown.
And stay safe!
