The shopping season is upon us! So what’s on your holiday wish list this year? While visions of sugarplums are dancing, I’ll bet tucked in that list is a new job, a promotion, or growth for your business.
It’s also the time to take a close look at the tools and technology that can take your career or business to the next level. There’s still time to add something to that wish list.
Well, I purchased a powerful tool that will help propel my business as I continue to help others propel their careers.
I have great respect for the power of the right technology; my years at Microsoft taught me that! So when I see a tool that has all the new features that are a must for today’s business professional, I have to share my enthusiasm.
I thought it’s time to cut back on carrying around multiple devices while getting upgraded to the latest technology. The HP’s Envy x2 a detachable PC— a tablet and notebook in one — with every bell and whistle you could want.
Now, there are a lot of great devices out there for the holidays, so select one that is right for you.
If a new job or promotion is at the top of your wish list, here’s why you need the very best technology you can get your hands on to kick your job search into high gear in 2016.
Tip 1: Stay agile.
Note, I said agile, not mobile. While I’m a fan of using mobile tech in the job search, let’s face it, there are some things that can’t or shouldn’t be done on a smartphone when it comes to your search.
Bigger screens and actual keys (the kind that move when you press down on them, remember those?) are crucial in editing a résumé or e-mailing a recruiter. You must avoid typos, catch grammatical errors, and close with a nice signature block containing your e-mail and phone number. And solopreneurs like myself are constantly moving from meeting to meeting and need to pack light.
I found the HP Envy x2 to be the perfect solution for professionals who are tired of lugging around a laptop AND a tablet. Go for one device and get all the functionality — with half the carry-on space. While hybrid tablet/PC devices have been on the market for quite a while, new developments in technology are giving them true business-level computing power. This nifty hybrid gives me powerhouse tech in a mobile package to stay light, agile, and productive.
Cool things I like: The HP Envy x2 features a backlit keyboard, which helps me on those evening flights. A longer-lasting battery and USB ports help me work uninterrupted. Not good for my work-life balance, oh well, that’s life… or work! And it transforms into a tablet for movies and games when work is done. Ah, that work-life balance again!
Tip 2: Put the right technology in your back pocket.
Technology is moving so quickly and it’s critical to have the right tools for the right situation. For example, I am not concerned about video and audio quality — until I really need to be. But if you are networking or interviewing, initial phone interviews are rapidly becoming video interviews and the first impression your interviewer has of you is on his or her computer screen. Good A/V equipment can carry you a lot further than you think.
The Envy x2 has you covered with a BeatsAudio dual speaker design and the HP TrueVision Full HD Webcam; they’ll be lifesavers when you’re video conferencing. The camera is engineered to work at high-quality levels, even in low light, with a wide-viewing angle lens. Never doubt the importance of a good impression and with the right technology you can make a great one.
Tip 3: Keep up with the times.
When sending a résumé to a potential employer, compatibility is key. If your old PC is still running Office 2003 and the company you are applying to runs Office 2013, you’ve got a problem. That cover letter and résumé that you turned into a work of art can arrive looking entirely different on their end.
Employers want to know that you’re up to date on the latest technology and can work with their existing productivity software. The new HP tech is pre-loaded with the latest Microsoft Windows and Office software, guaranteeing formatting compatibility and top-notch security.
Tip 4: Get cloud-connected.
How many times have you been working at a coffee shop or in a remote office and realized that you didn’t have the documents or files you needed? Everyone is talking about the cloud these days, and why not? Storing files — documents, spreadsheets, images, and more — in the cloud frees up space on your devices and makes important content easy to access from virtually anywhere. And that can be crucial when you’re looking to further your career.
Whether you are connecting with business contacts at an event or sitting down for an interview, the ability to save information and access it from any device helps you keep up with important material.
Think backup here! I’m still shocked at professionals who spend hours working on a project and save it in one place on one device. Drop that tablet, lose that phone? Oops, you’re out of luck! Cloud integration is so seamless that you don’t even have to think about backing things up; your computer will do it for you. Save yourself a headache and make your life a lot easier with the cloud. Trust me. I’ve lost files, had my hard drive crash, and had a laptop stolen. Not good!
Tip 5: Bonus tip
For businesses looking to upgrade to new PCs for employees, this device could be just the ticket – and a huge money-saver. Why settle for just a laptop, when you can give them a laptop AND a tablet in one package?
Whether you are a job-seeker, a career-changer, or a solopreneur, arm yourself with the most efficient and powerful technology for your precious dollars. With the blend of the right technology and best process, you can achieve all of your 2016 business goals.
