It's beginning to look a lot like 🎅...
It's beginning to look a lot like 🎅...
Our guide to the holidays gifts we want or already have
OR 🕎
Good morning (or evening depending where you are) readers! For this week, here are a few of our favorite software, tools, and gadgets for improving your working environment. If you work for a larger company, you may even be able to have said company foot the bill.
Things we have that you may like
Before the pandemic, I was already working from home so I had invested in a nice, sturdy, standing desk. Our bodies have enough negative pressure throughout the day, so why not take your afternoon Zoom call on your feet?! Assembly was quick and painless (mostly), and the electric motor makes it a breeze to quickly shift between sitting and standing positions. There are even distinct profiles for when your significant other *lovingly* usurps your work station.
Razer makes some elite gaming peripherals, perfect for your new pandemic video game hobbies. However, a good mouse goes beyond Fortnite. With “best-in-class” ergonomics, immediate response sensors, and super smooth movement, the Razer DeathAdder V2 will almost make building your next PowerPoint deck, fun. Maybe don’t discuss the name during your next client call, however.
AirPods!.. PRO! Get it or upgrade. They are absolutely fantastic. You still keep the sleek, sexy look of the basic version, add in noise cancellation, and transparency (whatever that is) with a much longer battery life. The one caveat is they break down (mine after 6 months)… probably a manufacturers defect. Nevertheless, apple support is great - I got both of mine replaced for 🆓. If you want to wait, the Pro 2 and Pod 3 will be released in 2021.
We’re all working remotely. If you’re like us, snacking is a big part of the daily routine (the kitchen is right there!). Unfortunately, we’re not pubescent teens anymore that can eat sh*t with zero effects. Especially cereal, which is just better marketed candy 🍬. Here comes Magic Spoon. It’s delicious and nutritious. No corn syrup, lots of protein - a healthy, delightful snack. Kinda expensive, but that’s why you make those big bucks! Personally, we like the chocolate and peanut butter.
Coffee…..because you still need to be awake Remote
How to best stay caffeinated ☕️ (or just awake!) during those long zoom calls has been a major concern of ours from day 1. After tasting endless brands, Bean2Bean hits all the right spots, and if we can recommend one coffee in particular, it is the Italian Market Espresso, just like nonna used to make. In particular, this roast is one of the best best for cold brew. For the inexperienced out there, it’s just like hot coffee but misses all those unattractive, acidic notes. In other words, cold brew is like regular coffee’s silky, velvety cousin.
Things we want or want our employers to adopt
Nearly every post-MBA job has some sort of project management. Whether you’re using Excel, MS Planner, or scratch paper, there has to be a better way. Here at Unfold Weekly, we are big proponents of Notion. While the interface may be dated, it’s simple and intuitive for managing tasks, projects, and housing important materials. ‘@ing’ a coworker to ensure ownership and responsibility is also extremely effective.
What we found incredibly useful during our MBA, was the ability to work on a shared document with more than one classmate (or lifelong friends as the MBA wants us to think 🙊). With Google Sheets and Docs you can work with multiple colleagues at the same time without having to wait to receive that way too late updated PowerPoint from your colleague who clearly hates you having a social life.
We all know and realize the value of a virtual meeting program that just works. Yay Zoom! However, true collaboration and brainstorming (🧠 🌧️) can still be tough. Although it does have a whiteboard tool, it isn’t great. Miro to the rescue! It’s a phenomenal, dedicated whiteboarding tool that can be used in endless ways. Use it to draw up ideas with co-workers, capture notes in engaging ways, go solo for deep thinking, or even with clients to collaborate. If you want to sound smart (very MBA…) and actually know what you’re talking about (…not so much) bring this up to your leadership.
The team at Unfold Weekly is going to take a little break through the end of 2020 (let’s put this year behind us, please). We will be back in January to provide you with even more insight and knowledge. If you have any suggestions or comments for the future of this newsletter, let us know! Happy holidays!
