Engage Small with
Gear
When we talk about Gear, it can be a computer or a book and everything in between. We all use so much gear to do our business, grow our business or make work easier. And we’ve all been through all kinds of products so instead of fake reviews from people you don’t know, how about some honest opinions from fellow business owners who are using the gear the same way you will.
Essential Gear for Every Business
All the gear in here are items we’ve used and love. We wouldn’t ever recommend something unless we know it will help your business as it has ours.
Engage Small is reader supported, so you will find that some of our links are affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We try to give all the facts, but every business is different, so be sure to do your own research to make sure it’s something that will truly improve your business.
Books
Creative Gear
Fun Gear
Office Gear
Video Gear
Books
The Freelance Manifesto
by Joey Korenman
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Why we love it:
An easy read and a must read for any motion designers out there who are interested in freelancing or maybe have struggled with it. There are many real life guides in here that will help with the booking system and cold emailing. If you aren’t a motion designer, some of these chapters can be skipped.
What could be better:
It’s specific to motion designers but the overall message is important for freelancers and small business owners.
Who is it good for:
Creative freelancers, motion designers and editors are in for a great read. Others will find the real world experiences fun and relatable.
Deep Work
by Cal Newport
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Why we love it:
An incredible deep dive into our cognitive abilities. This book helps you focus in a distracted world.
What could be better:
We all want it to relate directly to our own lives and while this book does a great job at it, attributing it precisely to small business is lacking.
Who is it good for:
Anyone feeling fuzzy or unfocused. Even if you feel like you focus well, we can all use a reminder in how to sharpen the skill.
The Freelancer's Bible
by Sara Horowitz
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Why we love it:
A thorough guide to everything freelance. And when we say freelance, we really mean small business. This book touches every little corner and it’s a great first read when you’re thinking about taking the leap. It’s also written by the founder of the Freelancer’s Union which we are a huge supporter of.
What could be better:
It could use an update. The ideas aren’t dated but some of the overall language is. It’s still applicable today.
Who is it good for:
Anyone looking to work for themselves.
Creative Gear
Wacom Intuos Pro Drawing Tablet
Drawing Tablet
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Why we love it:
A must-have for designers and artists. Wacom makes such exact, high quality products that are unmatched by competitors. We love the nib options (pen tips). The graphite feel just gives the whole product a real sketch-like experience.
What could be better:
It costs a bit more but the accuracy is worth it. There is a bluetooth mode which seems nice but can lag slightly. And when you’re drawing, slightly is a no-go. We tend to plug in most of the time.
Who is it good for:
Creative freelancers, motion designers and editors. We use for drawing, designing, animating and sometimes just when we get bored with the mouse.
PANTONE Coffee Table Book
by Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker
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Why we love it:
A beautiful book with so much history and design. A really nice touch for any designer or marketer.
What could be better:
It’s not so much educational but it’s a great addition to an office space.
Who is it good for:
Creatives or anyone who needs to spice up their coffee table.
Moleskin Sketch Pad
Sketch Pad
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Why we love it:
We love moleskin products. They can be a bit pricey but the quality is worth it to us. When sketching or drawing, we find that the quality material really help elevate your skills.
What could be better:
The price. We also like spiral-bound depending on the work we’re doing but this is a good fit for an all-around pad.
Who is it good for:
Creatives or anyone who just needs to get some ideas on the paper.
Fun Gear
Wooden Brain Teaser Puzzle
Brain Teaser
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Why we love it:
This is a really fun brain teaser that will likely take a while to solve. Well-built and an awesome way to keep flexing your brain.
What could be better:
Like any puzzle, once completed, you may not want to keep solving it but this one is pretty tough so you may find that it’s no easier the second time around.
Who is it good for:
A great gift for creatives or anyone who just needs to take those screen breaks and get their mind flowing on something else.
Desktop Basketball Toy
Desk Toy
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Why we love it:
A fun addition to your desk. A nice way to take break.
What could be better:
It’s built well but it won’t last forever.
Who is it good for:
A great gift for an office friend or basketball lover.
Magnetic Balls Set
Desk Toy
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Why we love it:
A fun way to keep your hands busy on your video call. Unlimited shapes to mold.
What could be better:
They are tiny so you’ll want many more but these are also very dangerous for kids if swallowed so if you have a home office, keep them away from your little ones!
Who is it good for:
Anyone looking to take a little break from the screen.
Office Gear
Best Self Co Journal
Day Planner/Goal Setting
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Why we love it:
We discovered the Best Self Co years ago and we attribute it to our first step into real growth. There are many options they sell for journals, planners, project managers and goal setting but the 13 week planner is the one we still use. Their products are very high quality with a ton of useful info to get you going. Plus the community is immensely helpful to keep you motivated and guide you in best uses.
What could be better:
We all work and think a little differently. Sometimes it’s hard to fit in the way you think to someone else’s process. I’d say to look into all your options and find one that works for you. They won’t all be a good fit. But, remember, if what you’re doing now isn’t working, that means you need to try something else!
Who is it good for:
Anyone looking to refocus, tackle a goal, keep track of their progress and stay accountable. This is an amazing resource to get you to that next level and appreciate your efforts along the way.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
Headphones
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Why we love it:
Incredibly high class but at a great price. We find these to be great quality for pro uses like video editing and can easily be used for any other consumer uses. These are wireless, bluetooth connected and have superior quality.
What could be better:
The touch features take a bit to get used to but work well. The microphone isn’t very clear. We’ve found this in a lot of similar headphones too.
Who is it good for:
Anyone looking to cut out the background noise in their office. Great for someone with a home office and kids running around (unless you need to hear the screaming). Also great for video work.
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive
Hard Drive
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Why we love it:
Fast, slim and about as cheap as hard drives come. This is a must have for boosting your storage space or archiving files. We like the 4TB versions and we have many of them.
What could be better:
It’s very light which makes us believe the casing won’t survive a little fall. These are not so much portable as they are external. There is a difference. Portable are protected, typically with a rubber case so they can be bumped. These are external to extend your computer’s space.
Who is it good for:
Anyone who needs more hard drive space. In video editing, we archive to them and find they run very quickly. It’s also nice to just have as a backup in case something happens to your computer.
Cubiker Computer Desk
Desk
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Why we love it:
Very affordable and far more sturdy than we would have guessed by the price. Solid frame and a really cool wood look. The packets are nice and they can be removed if it’s not your style.
What could be better:
We prefer desks a bit taller. Would be nice to raise it up a little more. Overall really happy with it. Anything negative about it would just raise the price.
Who is it good for:
Business owners who need a desk but don’t have hundreds to spend on one. Really great look too so your office will still keep the style you want.
BIC Gel-ocity Gel Pen
Pens
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Why we love it:
Nothing more controversial than your favorite pen. We have a few favorites but this is a great all around pen. It’s gel and a comfortable fit. Please don’t send hate mail about how you loathe gel pens!
What could be better:
It’s not perfect. It’s a bit wider than some prefer. When it comes to a pen, there is no perfect one. It depends on the task. Ever read this much about a pen before?
Who is it good for:
Anyone who has respect for the paper they’re writing on.
Apple AirPods Pro
Headphones
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Why we love it:
The leader of the pack when it comes to wireless earbuds. These have amazing sound and are very comfortable.
What could be better:
Apple can be their own worst enemy. The incredible software seems to know which device to connect to and will pass the connection around (even if you don’t want it to). This is something you can override but it made for a couple clumsy calls before figuring that out.
Who is it good for:
Anyone who has a lot of zoom calls or just needs to be hands free.
Apple 27-inch iMac
Computer
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Why we love it:
Out of the box, a great machine for any kind of work. A huge display with 5k retina. Lots of great software ready to go and super speed that will allow you to do any kind of work.
What could be better:
Apple is a pricey brand. You can find similar styled machines at lower costs with PC. Mac builds are quality and you pay for that. When it comes to upgrading, it’s difficult to do on your own except for RAM. Most Macs have an easily accessible slot in the back for RAM. So, instead of buying it from Mac, upgrade with a third party.
Who is it good for:
Anyone needing to have speed and quality when running their business. Great for creatives.
Video Gear
GVM LED Ring Light
Ring Light
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Why we love it:
Affordable and professional grade at the same time. Lots of light with a phone mount to take amazing photos or videos. Also has bluetooth to start/stop from the mount.
What could be better:
Tripod isn’t included so you can purchase one or just hold this and shoot handheld.
Who is it good for:
Video professionals and marketers who want to up their photo/video game. This is also a great addition for anyone who needs product photos on their site.
Video Kit
Light, Mic and Tripod
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Why we love it:
This is everything you need to get started. A full kit that you just add your phone to.
What could be better:
The microphone is surprisingly good with wind but picks up outside sound. The light is compact but doesn’t do a lot of brightening. It’s a good starter kit but if you want to do a lot of video, you might want a little more.
Who is it good for:
Business owners who want to shoot better quality but not invest too much.
Microphone Stand Kit
Microphone Mount
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Why we love it:
Has everything you could need to mount your microphone to your desk or recording area.
What could be better:
Most of the parts are plastic so the cheap price makes sense. It holds up well and we’ve had no issues.
Who is it good for:
Recorders who need to be hands free. Anyone looking to limit wind or outside noises. Also great for compact spaces.
Letyet 10” Selfie Ring Light
Ring Light
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Why we love it:
A nice cheap light to add a little balance to your scene. Easy phone mount to take videos of yourself or set up a scene.
What could be better:
Tripod is generally short so it’s good for a tabletop. Lights are bright but they won’t fill a room. This is for a little added light.
Who is it good for:
Anyone using video or pictures on social media. It’s a great little light.
Audio-Technica Microphone
Microphone
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Why we love it:
High quality microphone for voices. Uses USB and XLR which makes it a perfect all around mic.
What could be better:
Really good sound but picks up a lot of background noise.
Who is it good for:
Video podcasters and podcasters. Anyone looking to be heard clearly with great sound.
ZHIYUN Smooth X Gimbal Stabilizer
Camera Stabilizer
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Why we love it:
The price blows us away. This little gadget is amazing at video stabilizing. We found so many uses for it and it makes beautiful video. Again, the price seems too low.
What could be better:
It does’t have a Z axis so it’s not a true stabilizer. It will make things dramatically smoother but it isn’t perfect. You’ll have to pay a lot more for that level of quality.
Who is it good for:
Anyone shooting video. We think this is a must have if you’re putting video online. Even if you’re shooting handheld interviews, this will level up your production for minimal cost.