For the last Essential Tools feature for 2006, I am featuring Mike Sansone of ConverStations. Mike is known for his passion in getting companies on the blogging train, as well as making conversations contagious. I personally like his Newcomer’s Guide to Business Blogging and his catchy train-themed logo.

Mike’s most essential tool for his business doesn’t really surprise me - it’s a loving heart when dealing with people, animals, experiences, and design.

But on further questioning, I did get more of the nuts and bolts of his toolbox. It includes:

• His Sony VAIO Laptop (nice choice - I have a VAIO, too) which he uses as a canvas, a communication device, and a storage unit.
• Mike can’t live without his Sprint EVDO card. It allows him to have Internet access wherever he is, so he can always make a presentation.
• For blogging, Mike uses Typepad. He has clients with a range of blogging software, but Typepad seems to the one most recommend at the moment.

And then there is Panera U. It provides a perfect backdrop to the ultimate goal for business blogs - community, networking, and collaboration. Panera owns the space behind the counter. The community owns the dining room.

What’s in your toolbox? Leave me a comment and let me know what keeps your online world moving. Would you like to be featured? Just drop me a line and let me know.