Strategies for Getting Organized

Below are suggestions to avoid phone problems while traveling.  Plan ahead to stay connected with friends and work while traveling domestically or abroad. Tips Adapters  - bring a gadget bag with adapters and charters. Backup - backup data on your phone prior to travel. Battery - bring a backup battery to power your phone. Burner  - consider taking a burner phone to avoid risk of loss or theft Data  - bring your itinerary, a list of important phone numbers, etc.  Device - bring an additional device (e.g. Chromebook, iPad, laptop, etc.)  Documents  - bring physical documents (credit cards, driver's license, etc.) Update - turn off automatic updates to avoid unexpected phone problems. Satellite - use Satellite when off-grid — fee  for calling, free for texting WiFi - limit calling to WiFi areas to avoid expensive charges. Accessories Adapters Batteries Cases Chargers Headsets Organizers Articles Avoiding Travel Problems Bringing a Backup Battery P...

Travel apps and websites make modern travel easier than ancient times, but problems can still arise. Below are tips and resources to help you solve travel problems and have an enjoyable trip. Be resourceful to solve problems you encounter along the way. Tips Adapters – bring a gadget bag with adapters and chargers for smartphones and other devices. Batteries - don’t put lithium batteries in checked bags Baggage – put a tracking device and contact information inside and add distinguishing marks on exterior. Budget – set aside money for emergencies, entertainment, hotels, meals, tours, and transportation, Currency – purchase foreign currency before departure; research ATM networks in advance. Devices  - use a burner instead of a smartphone; take a wiped tablet instead of a laptop. Distractions – avoid distracting calls, notifications, and texts, especially in public areas. Flights – arrive early, enroll in flight notifications, and remain in boarding areas. Health – wash ...

Apple added continuity to its devices in 2014.  Contuinuity works with iPhones, iPads, iPods, Macs, and Watches.  It enables users to switch between devices by using the same Apple ID on all of them.  See below for a list of features that can be handed off between Apple's Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch. And learn more by reading articles about continuity at Apple's Support Website . AirDrop  - send documents, photos, videos, etc. to a nearby iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. AirPlay  - share content from another Apple device to the screen of your Mac. Apple Pay - shop online on one device and complete purchase on another device.   Auto Unlock  - get access to Mac from Apple Watch Camera  - use iPhone, iPad, or iPod to scan documents or take a picture for a Mac. Calling  - make and receive calls from your Mac, iPad, or iPod touch by connecting them to iPhone. Clipboard - c opy content from one device and then paste o...

Below is a checklist of tools for organizing gadgets at home and on the road. For more organizing ideas, read articles about gadgets for home offices ,  working on the go , and tools for international travel . For further study, read books with  tech tips  and technology guides . Gadgets for Remote Workers Bag - store accessories (e.g. cables, chargers, and adapters) Batteries  - backup power for smartphones and tablets Cable Block - detangle wires  Carrying Case  - transport iPads and other tablets Charger  - wirelessly charge smartphones and digital devices Digital Assistant  - set alarms, listen to music, ask questions, etc. Dock  -  organize wires for laptops and accessories Drive  - backup documents with a portable hard drive Flash  - transfer documents and photos to other devices Headphones  - silence outside noises Speakers - improve conference calls Trackers - find lost keys, wallets, etc.

Following are emerging technologies to adopt in your daily life. Use these technologies to make life easier and better. For more information, read articles about  COVID Inspired Technolog y, Digital Etiquette , Emerging Trends , Music Streaming , Payment Apps , and Technology Tips . Technologies Worth Adopting Assistants  - use a digital assistant like Echo Show or Google Home instead of an alarm clock or radio Banking  - use banking apps for deposits, etc. instead of ATM’s GPS -  use map apps like Apple, Google, or Waze for navigation  Links  - Insert links into words instead of pasting lengthy URL's QR  - Scan QR codes on restaurant tables with smartphones instead of requesting a menu  Transfers  - Use transfer apps like Venmo and Zelle instead of cash Video  - watch  “How To” videos on YouTube instead of reading user manuals Streaming  - Use services like Amazon, Apple, and Spotify instead of radios

Below is a list of things to consider if your email or computer have been hacked. To avoid being hacked, read how to protect yourself online .  If you suspect you've been hacked, read articles about signs you’ve been hacked ,  action to take when hacked , and steps when your computer has been hijacked .  Checklist 1. Use a password manager to change your password 2. Consider changing your email address 3. Consider changing to another email provider  4. Alert your contacts to the hack 5. Vaporize your e-mail account if it was hacked 6. Check your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions 7. Protect your computer by scheduling continuous antivirus checks 8. Protect your data by encrypting your hard drive and using online backup 9. Protect your router by personalizing the username and password 10. Continuously install updates and security patches when received

Organized people get things done with calendars, journals, and to do lists. These tools help users to prioritize and track status of personal and business matters. Follow the tips listed below to be effective and avoid stress. For more ideas, see the articles, apps, and books that follow the tips.  Tips Medium - determine whether paper or digital tools work better for you Prioritize - assign due dates to tasks and prioritize Review - review status weekly and reassess priorities Set a limit on the number of tasks scheduled per day Tech - Use a digital app for access on all of your devices Tools - keep tasks on a calendar, journal, or to do list Timing - schedule tasks as you think of them Articles Calendars Checklists Journaling Project Management To Do Lists Selecting a Tool Apps Calendars Checklists To Do Lists Journals Project Management Paper Products Calendar Journals Planners Books Checklist Manifesto Getting Things Done Habits of Highly Effective People

Below are tips to make sure emails are received and read.  For more help, read the  articles and books that follow the tips.  Be a good communicator at work and with family and friends. Tips Addressing - confirm address before sending, insert after message is ready to send. Attachments - Attach any files before composing; avoid large attachments. Drafting - Copy and paste the address instead of manually typing it. Links - check and verify web links that you include in your message. Subject - limit subject to a few works. Response - Reply to a new person from the same address received it. Testing - Send a test message the first time you correspond with someone. Articles Deciding Whether to Call, Text, or Meet Email Etiquette Getting Past Spam Filers Office Communications Responding to Emails Sending Emails Tips for Emailing Books Business Email Writing Effective Communication Email Management

Scammers are adept at using email, phone calls, and texting to commit fraud. They use psychology to make us think that their messages come from a legitimate source like a bank or merchant. Their fraudulent messages often include a malicious link to trick us into disclosing passwords or other sensitive information on our devices. To avoid being scammed, don't answer when contacted by unknown callers and don't click links or download attachments from unknown senders. Learn more from articles about  avoiding scammers , blocking phishers , lawyers getting scammed ,  reporting scammers to regulators , using password managers , and safely downloading software . For additional help, use  checklists  and read books about  protecting yourself , your computer , and your firm . 

Webinars can attract prospects and enhance your reputation. Create a  checklist  to plan your webinar and use  Zoom  tor host it.  Learn more by reading articles about  giving speeches  and  organizing seminars . 

Increase productivity using digital assistants like  Amazon Alexa ,   Apple Siri ,   Google Assistant , and   Microsoft Cortana .  Digital assistants can control smart devices, create appointments, make phone calls, play music, search the Internet, send texts, and take dictation. They are useful in homes, offices, and on the road. Read articles to learn how to use digital assistants at home ,  at work  and   protecting your privacy  from assistants . Review books to help with Alexa , Google Assistant , Microsoft Copilot , and  Siri

Every year the ABA publishes an Annual Survey of Law Firm Technology.  The articles cover trends in Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Firm Culture, Management, Marketing,  Technology, Training, and Well-Being. Stay on top of trends by reading an article about trends in the legal profession . And  click here for a page with links to articles about technology trends. 

Technology is increasingly used by lawyers to automate legal tasks, improve client relations, and manage law practices. Affordable apps are available for for billing, calendaring, marketing, time keeping, and tracking. Inexpensive client portals can secure communications and sell services. Click here to learn about top technologies for lawyers and resources for implementing them at your firm. And click here for a short questionnaire to assess areas where you can digitally improve your law firm.