My 12 Essentials
Over the weekend I was taking stock of the tools which I find essential to working, amost anywhere without interruption.
I got to twelve. These are my essentials and the rationale behind each one.
(1) iPad Pro
I’m into my fifth year (and on my second model) of using an iPad Pro which, combined with the magic keyboard, almost replaces a laptop. Battery length, operating speed, size but most of all its ability to always be ready makes this an absolute workhorse. It’s an unbeatable tablet.
(2) Regus Co-working Membership
A limitless co-working membership from Regus has provided me with a desk exactly where I need it, when I need it without the expense of a fixed location or fighting for space in a coffee shop. In 2022 I used locations in London (I move around about 9 depending on where my meetings are going to be) Zurich, Vienna, Paris, New York, and Tallinn.
Best of all every office remembers my tech and logs my devices on to the Wifi.
(3) CityMapper
When I arrive in a city which doesn’t have CityMapper my sigh of disdain is audible. CityMapper makes it possible for you to own a city from the second you arrive. Best feature - putting in your next destination and the time you need to be there and allowing the app to tell you your departure time. Dynamically linked to transit status you’ll never be caught out and it also slightly under calls my walking speed which means I’m never late and never get lost.
(4) Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft’s suite of office products combined with OneDrive just makes things very simple. On laptops, IPad, other tablets, and iPhones the latest version of my document is always there. Zero fuss.
(5) A Pret Drink Subscription
I’ve been a subscriber since the program started back in September 2020. Five drinks a day, every day. My only wish is they allowed you to pay a supplement to use it when you travel (NYC, Dubai etc). If you only have 7 drinks a month it pays for itself and you can have over 150 a month. Do the math. Of all the subscription economy products this is one of the best.
>Pret
(6) Wise
Exceptionally competitive and fast international money transfers, localised bank accounts (which speed up client payments), and tech that works. It’s hard to remember how bad banking used to be before Wise came along.
>Wise
(7) An Appointed Yearly Task Planner
Both hands held up. I cannot schedule without an analogue planner. I take electonic diary invites - which no matter how hard you try still go to a variety of different digital diaries - and write them in. Analogue is foolproof and also allows a very efficent scan of the day, week and month. I’m on my fifth year of Appointed’s ‘Yearly Task Planner’ - it cannot be bettered.
(8) Estonian eResidency with Xolo
Running my business using Estonian’s eResidency program is one of the most frictionless and effective things I’ve done. An EU compliant company with all the kudos of being virtually based in the world’s most advanced digital society. Combined with a friendly and efficent ‘back office’ support provider - Xolo, it means more time is spent working on business than working on the business.
>eResidency
>Xolo
(9) A Globetrotter Case
My case is just over 12 years old. It’s had the corners replaced but other than that it shows remarkably little wear for a case which I nearly always check and has probbaly flown about 1.2 million miles. Made from vulvanised cardboard it has a high strength to weight ratio and I picked a size that works for a weekend or a week. Virtually indestructable and only gets the attention of fellow Globetrotter owners.
(10) A Pond Mobile Plan
A comprehensive, no suprises, always on calling and data plan with numbers that match my business interests. My Pond mobile plan has been a consistent presence which means I never have to worry about where I am and any cost shocks.
>Pond
(11) Airline Status
Airline status is hard won but wihout doubt makes all the difference during good days and more importantly, bad. It requires loyalty on your part and that’s the trade off. I’ve managed to acrue status with two loyaly progams and one, Star, for life. Pick an airline and stick with it.
(12) Chatham House Membership
Chatham House is an independent policy institute and a trusted forum for debate and dialogue which specialises in international affairs. Vital for my work but also an opportunity to constantly be learning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Izatt is a brand consultant living in London and founder of Mission Critical, a highly focused and curated weekly briefing for time-poor and information-hungry decision-makers.
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