7 Work Things I’m Glad I Bought

To me, the makings of a great workday are mostly intangible—a great conversation with a client, a productive work session, or maybe a chance to get some fresh air in the middle of the afternoon. Still, there are a couple of things that never fail to bring me a little extra joy. I rarely leave home without these seven items in my tote bag or suitcase. Because I keep reaching for these things again and again, I figured they were worth sharing with you! Perhaps you’ll find they add a little more delight to your day-to-day, too.

1. Branded Power Bank 

There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport or a coffee shop only to discover that all the free outlets are already claimed. I love to toss a fully charged power bank in my bag so I’m never left with a dying device. I recently purchased this fun branded option with my McMillion Consulting logo and love it! So far, I can count on it to hold a reliable charge, and I love that the design makes it feel a little less like a bulky tech gadget and more like an extension of me. 

2. Tech Pouch

I’ve had this Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up for a couple of years now, and it’s one of the first things I reach for when packing my travel bags. Tangled-up cords are a great way to put me in a bad mood—which is probably why I love this simple solution and have even gifted it to others. All my wires and cords stay neatly organized in this sturdy little pouch that’s small enough to fit in my carry-on. It comes in several different colors, including some brighter options so you can spot it easily. 

3. This Sh!t Works: A No-Nonsense Guide to Networking Your Way to More Friends, More Adventures, and More Success

My friends never fail to impress me, and Julie Brown is no exception! I’ve long admired her refreshing candor and sharp business sense. In her book, she dishes out some great networking gems and keeps her readers laughing all the way through. If you’re looking for a practical and enjoyable guide to tapping into your network, this should be at the top of your reading list. I’ve been carrying it around with me for weeks now for easy reference. 

4. Apple Notes App

Technically, I didn’t buy this, but that’s because it’s free! I thought it was worth including because I literally could not work without my Notes app. For me, this no-frills tool serves as a catch-all for random thoughts I want to come back to, to-do lists, quick notes, and reminders. I love that it syncs across Apple devices so that I can start a note on my phone and reference it later from my laptop and vice-versa. Also, the share feature is great; my husband and I have a shared note with our grocery store list. Plus, my friend just showed me a great little hack that I can’t stop using. There’s no visible “undo” button on the app, but you can reverse your typing on the mobile app by shaking your phone. How cool is that?

5. Larq Water Bottle*

When I saw this water bottle on an episode of Shark Tank, I was sold. Yes, it’s a splurge (thanks Mom and Dad at Christmas!), but I can’t say enough good things about it. Not only does it look super stylish and sleek, but it also self-cleans your water with the touch of a button. (Step aside grimy camping Nalgene bottle!) I’ve found that it keeps my water cold—like really cold—for hours, and even though I got the largest size, it’s light enough to tote around between my home, office, and meetings with no problem. 

*I love this water bottle so much I became an affiliate! 

6. “Side Winder” Cable Organizer 

I know what you’re thinking…“Another cord organizer?” Call me obsessive but I just can’t stand loose tangled cords. I love using this sidewinder organizer in conjunction with my travel pouch or all on its own. After trying a few different cord organization options, I like this one best because it’s simple to use and it keeps the cords secured even if they get jostled around in my bag. There are also a couple of sizes available for different types of wires. 

7. Kindle Paperwhite 

I lost my Kindle last year, and I really missed it. I don’t regret buying a second one! Especially when I’m traveling, I love having several reading options because I never know if I’ll be in the mood to pick up a new business book or get lost in something fiction. The Kindle saves me from taking up precious luggage space with several paper books. Plus, I love that this Paperwhite version has a lit option that doesn’t kill my eyes. 

I’m a big believer in the idea that life is not about “stuff,” but when I find something that adds value to my normal routine, I embrace it. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a colleague or want to upgrade your own work and travel setup, start with these seven things. If my experience is any indication, you won’t be disappointed! 

P.S. - For a little bonus favorite, check out my Top 10 Ways To Stand Out on LinkedIn. You can hold onto your wallet for this one. The free guide covers tons of LinkedIn features you might not even know about and provides a list of easy ways to improve your presence on the platform.