We each rely on a select group of websites, software, devices, ideas... that we probably couldnt imagine working without. While I am dedicated to my specific set of tools, Ive found that other people can have an entirely different selection that they are equally committed to. Im curious to see what the various regions and specialties demand of other openBCers and wouldnt mind adding some great resources to my toolset.

Some of the cornerstones to my personal workflow:

 

Solar Panels, Hovall provides all kinds of special design solar panels and solar chargers, and also Hovall provides custom solar solutions, such as foldable tyle, portable type, etc.

*Software*
Parallels Desktop http://www.parallels.com - The ability to have lightning fast versions of Windows XP and Red Hat Enterprise Linux running and available while I spend most of my time in Mac OS X saves me from needing separate machines in the increasingly rare moments I need a Windows-only application. We mostly use this for testing Internet Explorer compatibility issues and Email Marketing Campaigns in Outlook.

Skype - nuff said, really =)

BBEdit http://www.barebones.com - My loving text editor. I document absolutely everything.

QuickSilver http://quicksilver.blacktree.com - This workflow interface further optimizes my access to all of my text documents and all of my frequent tasks/informations.

Daylite http://www.marketcircle.com/daylite - Daylite Productivity Suite combines both an excellent Customer Relationship Manager and a suite of workflow productivity tools.


*Websites*
Google Analytics - My main tool for keeping a finger on the pulse of all my projects. I also use a raw server statistics analyzer for the details that Analytics chooses to leave out.

BaseCamp was my preferred project collaboration/management tool, but I have mostly migrated over to using the open-source, but very new, http://www.activeCollab.com

http://www.technorati.com http://www.prweb.com - I use these blog (or press release) portals both as idea generators and research tools for the current net activity of whatever topic Im working on.

Amazon - Im a huge Amazon geek, especially as an American now living in France.
Wikipedia - Im also a Wikipedia addict.

http://www.marketingprofs.com http://www.clickz.com http://www.marketingsherpa.com - The never-ending education of a professional marketer.

ALA http://www.alistapart.com - A List Apart is the hub for all best-practices/standards-focused web professionals.

http://www.43folders.com - GTD (see below) and other Lifehacking resources.

Forbes.com, Bloomberg.com, Scottrade.com, MotleyFool.com - I expect my money to work as hard as I do.


*Toys, er, Hardware Tools*
Intel-based Apple Macs - Not an invitation to a PC/Mac debate, but to simply state they are the foundation to my digital workflow.

Blackberry 8700 - Yes, Im a Crackberry Addict, too.

Apple iPod - Music, yes, but more so for audiobooks and podcasts to keep me thinking while Im mobile.

Digital Kitchen Timer - yes, really :) - The productivity boost to giving tasks a specific time limit never ceases to amaze me.


*Ideas/Books*
David Allens Getting Things Done - Im a dedicated GTDer and cant imagine how much I would not accomplish without using this productivity methodology.

The Guerrilla ... - Anything by J Conrad Levinson. or Seth Godin... or Jay Abraham...

Anthony Robbins http://www.anthonyrobbins.com - I personally believe the only consistently shared trait of successful people is the motivation to excel and improve.

Im also a Tipping Point and Long Tail über-fan.


So what is at the center of your daily business workflow? What do you read, what do you use, what empowers your work?

-ethan
On a related I-Love-Blackberry note, I give away a Blackberry 8700 (or video iPod/Sony PSP) every month through my Internet Marketing newsletter: http://www.advenir.com/results-unlimited if you are feeling lucky =)