New (Grownup) School Supplies

The kids are locked and loaded. How about you?

If you’re with us vowing to #GetEducated this month, longing to open your mind and learn new things, you’re going to need supplies. There’s nothing like a fresh new notebook, a blank page, literally, to make you feel ready for bold new ideas. And when it comes to your business, today’s offerings are way better than the Trapper Keepers of our youth. Technology problems? People problems? These suggestions will help your business and life easier.

1. iPad and Apple Pencil. So many of us haul computers around all day when we use them for internet searches and email. Reconsider the iPad (but update it). It’s the tech version of a new spiral notebook, especially when you add the Apple Pencil, a nice addition for those who like to write directly on their tablet.

2. Video camera and microphone. Are long voice/Skype calls part of your day? These tools take the stress of faulty connections. It makes the other person’s life easier when your audio is nice and clear, too.

3. Headphones and earbuds. If you’re in an office with a lot of people, headphones, especially noise canceling ones, can be extremely helpful. Earbuds are great for listening to a book while commuting on the train. A go-to song can help you clear your head at work, too. Get an earbud case that attaches to your keys so they’re with you at all times.

4. Snacks. Whoever devised snack time at school was onto something. The last thing you want during the work day is to become hangry. Snacks are essential not only for yourself but clients/partners too. They help keep people focused on ideas, not weird stomach noises. Keep almond packs, granola bars, etc. on hand.

5. Apps. Download Voicea to take notes via the microphone on your phone. And the Post-it App to capture and organize Post-It brainstorm sessions.

6. A new case. People do judge a book by its cover. You walk into meetings and put your computer down. Is that a cat sticker? A piece of … spinach? A bashed up case doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence either. Upgrade phone and computer cases this month so you feel good when you throw down. We get lots of compliments on this one.

7. Notebook. Don’t forget actual notebooks. We are partial to this Feminist one, which features blank and lined pages, as well as killer quotes. We also bought some of these alphabet notebooks from the UK’s Present and Correct, where we’d like to own the entire site, honestly.