Some Must-Haves For Staying Connected

by Kevin Stapp / Nov 18

Two things I find essential for remote collaboration: - Shared Calendar - Shared Messenger Sharing calendars is essential for keeping up with what is going on with your friends, family and colleagues. Unfortunately, it isn’t always practical or even technically feasible to view the schedule for each person I deal with. [Not everyone uses Outlook.] I synchronize my work calendar with my primary Google calendar using Google Calendar Synch then I share the calendar with whomever needs the information. I encourage all my contacts to do the same. Google makes it very easy combine many calendars in one view so you can get snapshot of everyone’s schedule. You can even be selective about who sees what events on your calendar, color code each person’s calendar, or hide your calendar entirely from others. I also combine public calendars like US Holidays or Sporting Events so I don’t have to manage updates to them each year. Shared Messenger: Nearly everyone I work or socialize with uses one instant messenger or another. I have several accounts myself but I found maintaining multiple conversations across multiple messenger platforms to be cumbersome. MEEBO.com simplifies messaging by allowing me to message across every major IM network in one place. T Power Another big challenge I face when on the road is keeping everything charged so I can stay in communication. Travel enough and you will inevitably find yourself with a phone or laptop redlining on power and no outlet in sight. Three things I always carry with me can help you recharge: 1. Coiled Extension Cord - http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1286132 2. Outlet adapter - http://www.smarthome.com/44031/3-Outlet-Adapter-with-Nightlight-28-10048700324/p .aspx 3. In-car AC adapter - http://www.powersystemsdirect.com/Whistler/200_Watt_12V_Power_Inverter_PI200W_14 63.php Coiled Extension Cord: Finding an outlet in public space is one thing but stretching your PC’s AC power cord to reach it is quite another. I carry a coiled extension cord to give me extra reach so I can work comfortably without having to perch over an outlet. Most store owners don’t mind hooking you up behind the counter if you ask nicely. The only drawback is the occasional questioning I get from overly cautious TSA officials when I go through airport security. Outlet adopter: How often have you wondered through an airport or convention center looking for a power outlet only to find someone already using it? Carry a 3-outlet adapter with so you can offer to share the plug space. It is a simple way to spread the wealth and maybe strike up a conversation. In-car AC Adapter: I pack an In-Car AC Adapter in my luggage. This little gizmo turns any car into a power station for all the gadgets I carry with me: phone, iPod, laptop. It is must if you know you will spend time in the car.

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