WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.185 --> 00:00:05.945 Joe: The spooky season is officially over and we know it's over because it 00:00:05.945 --> 00:00:11.015 was ushered in by the spookiest thing of all seeing Christmas commercials. 00:00:11.345 --> 00:00:12.785 Before Halloween. 00:00:13.295 --> 00:00:14.645 But it's November now. 00:00:14.645 --> 00:00:19.115 And one of the best things that I think I do, one of my favorite things 00:00:19.115 --> 00:00:22.475 at least is my annual gift guide. 00:00:22.475 --> 00:00:26.525 And so I am doing today's episode a very special episode of the 00:00:26.555 --> 00:00:29.585 2023 solo preneurs gift guide. 00:00:29.885 --> 00:00:35.045 Over the years I've published a great many gift guides on my blog from the 00:00:35.045 --> 00:00:39.395 freelancers gift guide to the podcasters gift guide, to working from home. 00:00:39.395 --> 00:00:45.245 And even for hobbies like pens and cigars, this year is no different. 00:00:45.485 --> 00:00:51.005 Given my new focus on helping solo preneurs, and the fact that 00:00:51.005 --> 00:00:54.125 they'll work from home gift guide started to feel a little stale. 00:00:54.695 --> 00:00:57.935 I've decided to change things up for 2023. 00:00:58.445 --> 00:00:59.435 There are a few ways. 00:00:59.435 --> 00:01:00.305 I've changed things up. 00:01:00.335 --> 00:01:03.875 Number one is this is now the solo preneur and creator's gift guide and not the 00:01:03.875 --> 00:01:08.585 work from home gift guide, but I've also decided to move this guide to medium. 00:01:08.825 --> 00:01:13.505 Now, if you would like to learn more about why, if you'd like to hear my 00:01:13.505 --> 00:01:19.055 thinking for my whole content strategy, moving into 2024, you can do that as a. 00:01:19.415 --> 00:01:21.905 Podcast Foundry member. 00:01:22.265 --> 00:01:26.645 You can sign up over at how I built diet slash pro, or you can get ad free, 00:01:26.675 --> 00:01:29.285 extended, and early access episodes. 00:01:29.525 --> 00:01:32.915 If you're listening in apple podcast by subscribing directly. 00:01:33.215 --> 00:01:36.515 In apple podcasts, but that's what we're going to talk about today. 00:01:36.755 --> 00:01:41.375 The 2023 solo preneurs gift guide, where to find all these great things 00:01:41.375 --> 00:01:45.515 and what to buy, whether it is for you, the solar prenuer creator. 00:01:45.545 --> 00:01:50.315 Uh, or for the solo preneur or creator in your life, but that's 00:01:50.315 --> 00:01:52.805 it let's get into the intro. 00:01:53.105 --> 00:01:54.545 And then the gift guide. 00:01:54.982 --> 00:01:59.362 Hey everybody, and welcome to How I Built It, the podcast that helps 00:01:59.362 --> 00:02:03.772 busy solopreneurs and creators grow their business without 00:02:03.777 --> 00:02:05.452 spending too much time on it. 00:02:05.992 --> 00:02:11.302 I'm your host, Joe Casabona, and each week I bring you interviews and case studies 00:02:11.452 --> 00:02:15.852 on how to build a better business through smarter processes, time management. 00:02:16.052 --> 00:02:18.152 And effective content creation. 00:02:18.512 --> 00:02:22.682 It's like getting free coaching calls from successful solopreneurs. 00:02:23.312 --> 00:02:27.632 By the end of each episode, you'll have one to three takeaways you can 00:02:27.632 --> 00:02:33.242 implement today to stop spending time in your business and more time on 00:02:33.242 --> 00:02:38.342 your business or with your friends, your family reading, or however 00:02:38.342 --> 00:02:41.162 you choose to spend your free time. 00:02:43.936 --> 00:02:46.456 Okay, so let's dive into the gift guide. 00:02:46.726 --> 00:02:49.846 I have broken this down into several sections. 00:02:50.206 --> 00:02:53.866 Uh, and I should say that everything will be available in the show 00:02:53.866 --> 00:02:56.626 notes, which you can find in the description of your podcast player. 00:02:56.926 --> 00:02:58.486 Or over at how I built. 00:02:58.726 --> 00:03:00.916 It slash three, three and nine. 00:03:01.216 --> 00:03:05.296 That's going to include links to both the gift guide on medium. 00:03:05.656 --> 00:03:08.476 Any more visual gift guide over@casabona.org. 00:03:09.376 --> 00:03:11.626 You can learn the difference between those two things. 00:03:11.776 --> 00:03:13.456 Uh, if you become a member. 00:03:13.786 --> 00:03:14.926 Again, that's over it. 00:03:14.956 --> 00:03:19.336 How I built it it's last join, or if you sign up directly in apple podcasts. 00:03:19.366 --> 00:03:22.456 So I'll also say that the gift guide. 00:03:22.786 --> 00:03:24.256 And the description. 00:03:24.586 --> 00:03:26.626 Does include affiliate links. 00:03:26.656 --> 00:03:29.626 This gift guide is affiliate link supported. 00:03:30.106 --> 00:03:33.976 I will also say that I don't recommend anything that I don't think is good. 00:03:34.006 --> 00:03:34.366 So. 00:03:35.086 --> 00:03:39.136 Rest assured that this is not just some affiliate link farm. 00:03:39.466 --> 00:03:42.736 There are a lot of things I recommend here that don't have affiliate links. 00:03:42.766 --> 00:03:43.096 So. 00:03:43.996 --> 00:03:45.676 Anyway, let's get into the guide. 00:03:46.186 --> 00:03:50.896 First, let's talk about recording and video conferencing as a solo preneur, 00:03:50.956 --> 00:03:55.456 your likely meeting with lots of people via zoom, creating content 00:03:55.576 --> 00:03:57.706 attending, or even presenting webinars. 00:03:58.486 --> 00:03:59.596 And so you need good. 00:04:00.016 --> 00:04:01.006 Recording gear. 00:04:01.396 --> 00:04:05.356 I personally think the El Gato face cam. 00:04:05.746 --> 00:04:09.556 Is one of the best web cams that you can buy. 00:04:10.006 --> 00:04:11.806 It's got a great price. 00:04:11.836 --> 00:04:13.276 It's got great picture. 00:04:13.606 --> 00:04:18.136 And it comes with software to really help you dial in that picture. 00:04:18.736 --> 00:04:20.056 Uh, that is a 10. 00:04:20.116 --> 00:04:21.196 EDP camera. 00:04:21.646 --> 00:04:25.126 And so if you do want to go for the upgrade. 00:04:25.546 --> 00:04:28.066 You know, maybe you're doing more streaming or the good, the 00:04:28.066 --> 00:04:30.856 gifty, the loved one in your life is doing more streaming. 00:04:31.186 --> 00:04:35.536 And you want 4k quality check out the El Gato face cam pro my friend, 00:04:35.566 --> 00:04:41.806 Brian picked that up this year and he sent me a side by side of the El Gato 00:04:41.836 --> 00:04:46.846 face cam pro 4k and his 10 80 DSLR. 00:04:47.206 --> 00:04:48.856 And I couldn't tell the difference. 00:04:48.856 --> 00:04:52.786 So a really good quality in that tiny little camera. 00:04:53.596 --> 00:04:58.066 Um, so that is, those are the cameras that I recommend. 00:04:58.066 --> 00:05:01.426 I've tried a bunch of different ones and I'll Gado just really makes good stuff. 00:05:01.936 --> 00:05:04.576 Uh, if you want to see my actual live stream set up, right? 00:05:04.576 --> 00:05:06.016 This is like a thousand dollar camera. 00:05:06.016 --> 00:05:08.266 So I'm not going to recommend that in a gift guide. 00:05:08.866 --> 00:05:14.086 Um, but I do link to my own live stream kit, and that has the camera, the 00:05:14.086 --> 00:05:18.826 lens, and any, anything else that I needed to make this whole setup work? 00:05:20.326 --> 00:05:21.766 You'll also need a good microphone. 00:05:21.766 --> 00:05:23.596 You don't want to use the built-in microphone. 00:05:24.106 --> 00:05:30.106 Uh, and so the microphone that I recommend is the Sam sun Q2 you that Sam son. 00:05:30.616 --> 00:05:31.666 Not Samsung. 00:05:31.696 --> 00:05:33.496 So S a M S O N. 00:05:33.976 --> 00:05:34.546 Q2. 00:05:34.546 --> 00:05:34.996 You. 00:05:35.416 --> 00:05:36.796 Solid quality. 00:05:36.826 --> 00:05:41.356 Great price comes highly recommended by me and a lot of other podcasters. 00:05:42.046 --> 00:05:44.266 Uh, so really good microphone. 00:05:44.686 --> 00:05:48.166 Uh, if you prefer a headset, if you just like don't want the microphone. 00:05:48.706 --> 00:05:50.356 Um, in your face, right? 00:05:50.356 --> 00:05:51.106 The whole time. 00:05:51.466 --> 00:05:53.086 Uh, and you prefer a headset. 00:05:53.116 --> 00:05:57.526 The Sennheiser PC eight USB headset is really good. 00:05:57.706 --> 00:06:00.496 I think that's the one that we use for. 00:06:01.186 --> 00:06:02.476 Uh, LinkedIn learning. 00:06:02.476 --> 00:06:05.596 And so I have one just off to the side here. 00:06:06.166 --> 00:06:08.176 And works really well. 00:06:08.236 --> 00:06:11.026 So again, just something better than the built-in microphone. 00:06:11.896 --> 00:06:15.826 Uh, and again, if you want to see more recording gear, I do 00:06:15.826 --> 00:06:18.556 have a podcasters gift guide that I'll link to in the show notes. 00:06:20.566 --> 00:06:24.046 Now camera is, is a lot of the battle. 00:06:24.256 --> 00:06:28.396 I'm maybe half the battle, but one surefire way to make yourself look 00:06:28.396 --> 00:06:30.676 better on camera is having good lighting. 00:06:31.306 --> 00:06:33.556 I've made adjustments to my lighting. 00:06:33.946 --> 00:06:37.876 Uh, with the same camera and I've managed to like, look a lot better. 00:06:38.326 --> 00:06:41.746 So with good lighting, your camera doesn't have to do. 00:06:42.436 --> 00:06:43.666 The hard work. 00:06:43.816 --> 00:06:46.516 Uh, or doesn't have to work as hard, I should say to capture you. 00:06:47.116 --> 00:06:49.276 Uh, and you won't look like you're recording in a cave. 00:06:49.276 --> 00:06:52.156 So there are lots of different lighting setups. 00:06:52.426 --> 00:06:55.576 I list a few of my favorite here on the gifts on the gift guide. 00:06:55.996 --> 00:06:57.166 Uh, Phillips hue lights. 00:06:57.166 --> 00:06:58.786 I like these because they're smart lights. 00:06:58.816 --> 00:06:59.866 They connect to. 00:07:00.556 --> 00:07:02.356 Uh, apple home kit. 00:07:03.346 --> 00:07:07.126 And they're automateable so, uh, as I'm recording this gift guide, 00:07:07.126 --> 00:07:10.906 you know, my Phillips hue lights are all like Christmas-y colors. 00:07:11.416 --> 00:07:16.486 Um, you'll know if you watch my YouTube channel that they're usually purple. 00:07:16.486 --> 00:07:19.756 If I'm recording for rss.com, they are orange. 00:07:20.146 --> 00:07:22.066 And I can change all of that. 00:07:22.456 --> 00:07:25.186 I also have a Phillips hue, light bulb upstairs. 00:07:25.186 --> 00:07:27.106 That turns red when I'm recording. 00:07:27.106 --> 00:07:28.456 So my family knows. 00:07:29.026 --> 00:07:30.286 So Phillips hue lights. 00:07:30.286 --> 00:07:33.586 There's just a lot of fun, really easy to automate. 00:07:34.036 --> 00:07:35.596 And are very versatile. 00:07:35.596 --> 00:07:38.386 I've got strip lights, I've got the light bulbs and it looks, 00:07:38.476 --> 00:07:40.156 it really does a lot too. 00:07:40.816 --> 00:07:42.946 Improve the quality of your recording. 00:07:43.906 --> 00:07:49.006 Uh, I also have El Gato key lights and these are, you know, flat panel lights. 00:07:49.486 --> 00:07:51.256 Uh, that will let you evenly. 00:07:51.466 --> 00:07:52.636 I have one behind me. 00:07:52.636 --> 00:07:53.896 That's the key light air. 00:07:54.316 --> 00:07:56.746 Uh, that is a backlight, so that. 00:07:57.526 --> 00:08:02.146 You know, my silhouette, I guess like, there's like a clear differentiation 00:08:02.146 --> 00:08:03.526 between the foreground and the background. 00:08:04.456 --> 00:08:05.026 So. 00:08:05.926 --> 00:08:07.846 If you're going to be doing any kind of appreciable 00:08:07.846 --> 00:08:09.166 recording you or your loved one. 00:08:09.556 --> 00:08:10.186 The legato key. 00:08:10.186 --> 00:08:11.566 The lights are really good. 00:08:11.866 --> 00:08:13.276 I usually offer a warning. 00:08:13.606 --> 00:08:14.806 Don't get price gouged. 00:08:14.836 --> 00:08:17.056 The key light should be around 1 99. 00:08:18.106 --> 00:08:20.056 Well, the key light air should be around 1 29. 00:08:20.656 --> 00:08:23.476 So they are pricey, but they are also smart lights. 00:08:23.836 --> 00:08:28.456 They are controllable via your computer and they're automateable as well. 00:08:29.416 --> 00:08:33.976 Um, if you don't want to spend that much on lights, Uh, newer, 00:08:34.066 --> 00:08:38.896 N E w E R has a two-pack of lights that just sit on stands. 00:08:39.316 --> 00:08:41.026 You can set them up while you're recording. 00:08:41.356 --> 00:08:45.526 Uh, or loom makes something called the LUME cube for video conferencing. 00:08:46.126 --> 00:08:50.146 And so, uh, that's just something that sits right next to your webcam 00:08:50.416 --> 00:08:52.096 that lights your face evenly. 00:08:52.966 --> 00:08:57.196 But I am a huge fan of the hue lights and the El Gato key lights. 00:08:57.196 --> 00:08:57.946 I think that. 00:08:58.456 --> 00:09:02.146 Uh, yes, they are pricey, but they do a really good job of. 00:09:02.836 --> 00:09:03.946 Improving the lighting. 00:09:03.946 --> 00:09:05.356 So especially. 00:09:06.046 --> 00:09:09.196 If, you know, someone is going to be doing a lot of video work. 00:09:09.646 --> 00:09:12.586 This might be a nice gift to get them that they. 00:09:13.786 --> 00:09:16.156 Might not want to spend the money on themselves. 00:09:16.276 --> 00:09:16.636 So. 00:09:17.266 --> 00:09:19.456 Uh, that's strongly recommend those. 00:09:19.936 --> 00:09:21.766 Okay, so that's, that's recording. 00:09:22.396 --> 00:09:27.196 And, uh, recording and lighting and all that fun stuff. 00:09:27.646 --> 00:09:32.536 Let's move on to the home office set up because. 00:09:33.286 --> 00:09:38.746 Uh, when you're a solo preneur, um, you are probably working from home. 00:09:39.676 --> 00:09:42.706 Uh, and I know I said earlier that my work from home guide was getting 00:09:42.706 --> 00:09:45.496 stale, but that doesn't mean that some of that stuff can't help. 00:09:46.876 --> 00:09:47.686 Solopreneurs. 00:09:48.586 --> 00:09:50.686 And, uh, again, that's a core feature. 00:09:51.316 --> 00:09:53.686 For many solopreneurs, their ability to work from home. 00:09:54.616 --> 00:10:00.076 It also means that you want to have A good office to work from Uh, The kitchen 00:10:00.106 --> 00:10:04.426 table or the couch was okay is a temporary setup, but longer-term you need a more 00:10:04.456 --> 00:10:09.226 economic solution So here are some items that i recommend as somebody who's 00:10:09.226 --> 00:10:11.656 worked from home for most of his life. 00:10:11.656 --> 00:10:13.846 Okay, so let's start with desk chair. 00:10:13.876 --> 00:10:16.846 Good desk chair is important for someone who works from home. 00:10:17.446 --> 00:10:21.796 You're going to be spending, I don't know, six, seven, maybe 00:10:21.796 --> 00:10:23.836 10 hours a day in that chair. 00:10:24.166 --> 00:10:25.306 Or at least around that chair. 00:10:25.816 --> 00:10:29.446 So you want a good one Steelcase while expensive makes the best. 00:10:29.926 --> 00:10:32.296 Uh, I'm a big fan of my Steelcase chair. 00:10:32.386 --> 00:10:34.156 It, uh, it does. 00:10:34.666 --> 00:10:36.406 Everything I needed to do so. 00:10:36.826 --> 00:10:38.686 Uh, it's really adjustable. 00:10:39.016 --> 00:10:40.276 Uh, it's comfortable. 00:10:41.446 --> 00:10:45.646 And it again, it has a lot of settings to support. 00:10:45.646 --> 00:10:47.176 Whoever is sitting in it. 00:10:48.106 --> 00:10:50.266 Uh, if you're looking for something more affordable. 00:10:51.196 --> 00:10:54.016 Hon H O N chairs seem pretty popular. 00:10:54.016 --> 00:10:56.476 So if you're not trying to spend like a thousand dollars on a 00:10:56.476 --> 00:10:58.336 chair, Han chairs are like 300. 00:11:00.016 --> 00:11:02.956 I would say spend at least 300 bucks on a desk chair. 00:11:03.406 --> 00:11:03.706 Right. 00:11:04.096 --> 00:11:05.716 Uh, you're again, you're sending in it. 00:11:06.256 --> 00:11:07.156 Most of the day. 00:11:07.396 --> 00:11:07.786 So. 00:11:08.596 --> 00:11:10.666 And again, this could be a great gift, right? 00:11:10.666 --> 00:11:16.906 If you, if you have like a sibling or a child, Um, who not a child. 00:11:17.236 --> 00:11:19.126 Your child, your kids. 00:11:19.546 --> 00:11:20.416 Uh, offspring. 00:11:20.836 --> 00:11:24.796 Uh, who worked from home and they're not willing to spend 300 bucks on a chair. 00:11:25.396 --> 00:11:27.286 This might be a good gift for them. 00:11:27.286 --> 00:11:27.586 Right. 00:11:28.606 --> 00:11:29.476 Either way. 00:11:30.226 --> 00:11:31.726 I want to tell you about. 00:11:32.236 --> 00:11:34.576 Another thing that was like a game changer for me. 00:11:34.636 --> 00:11:37.006 Rollerblade wheels for office chairs. 00:11:37.966 --> 00:11:40.306 I didn't think of these until I saw them on Twitter. 00:11:40.306 --> 00:11:41.716 West boss tweeted about them. 00:11:42.196 --> 00:11:44.656 But these wheels make the chair sturdier. 00:11:45.736 --> 00:11:48.016 And much easier to roll on carpets. 00:11:48.016 --> 00:11:49.336 I have a carpet in my office. 00:11:50.056 --> 00:11:54.856 So these, these rollerblade wheels for office chairs are a game changer. 00:11:54.886 --> 00:11:56.476 I am a huge fan. 00:11:56.746 --> 00:11:58.936 Highly recommend for anybody. 00:11:59.386 --> 00:12:00.826 Who has. 00:12:01.996 --> 00:12:03.436 Uh, who has. 00:12:04.306 --> 00:12:04.906 The. 00:12:05.446 --> 00:12:07.516 An office chair right there. 00:12:07.576 --> 00:12:11.086 They're from owl office owl set of five replacement chair. 00:12:11.536 --> 00:12:12.586 Castor wheels. 00:12:12.586 --> 00:12:13.966 They're less than 20 bucks. 00:12:14.716 --> 00:12:17.776 And it just a game, super easy to install. 00:12:18.376 --> 00:12:19.336 Game changer. 00:12:19.486 --> 00:12:21.106 Big, big fan. 00:12:21.856 --> 00:12:23.836 Of these wheels. 00:12:24.976 --> 00:12:25.876 Game changer. 00:12:26.536 --> 00:12:27.046 Okay. 00:12:27.616 --> 00:12:29.386 So that's the, that's the chair. 00:12:29.446 --> 00:12:30.676 Let's talk about the desk. 00:12:31.516 --> 00:12:32.806 Uh, I have a standing desk. 00:12:32.836 --> 00:12:33.736 It's the Jarvis. 00:12:33.736 --> 00:12:36.466 It's the fully Jarvis or the Jarvis by fully. 00:12:37.036 --> 00:12:40.186 Uh, fully is now owned by Herman Miller, who also happened 00:12:40.186 --> 00:12:41.686 to make really good chairs. 00:12:42.706 --> 00:12:43.876 But I have, and I love it. 00:12:44.416 --> 00:12:45.736 I have the option to stand. 00:12:46.006 --> 00:12:47.386 During portions of my day. 00:12:47.716 --> 00:12:48.466 And that's really good. 00:12:49.306 --> 00:12:51.796 I also have the by flexi spot. 00:12:52.906 --> 00:12:53.746 It's fantastic. 00:12:53.746 --> 00:12:54.406 Full disclosure. 00:12:54.406 --> 00:12:56.236 They sponsored this podcast previously. 00:12:56.836 --> 00:12:58.966 They provided the desk to me. 00:12:59.266 --> 00:13:00.106 For free. 00:13:01.006 --> 00:13:05.236 But it's, I would say just as good as my fully desk. 00:13:05.356 --> 00:13:07.666 Uh, the main difference between them is that the. 00:13:08.956 --> 00:13:09.826 by flexi spot. 00:13:09.856 --> 00:13:10.606 The one I have. 00:13:11.086 --> 00:13:15.136 Has a child lock on the controller, which is great because my kids like 00:13:15.136 --> 00:13:19.156 to play with the controller and I would prefer that they didn't. 00:13:19.216 --> 00:13:19.786 So. 00:13:20.356 --> 00:13:21.976 They're both programmable. 00:13:22.006 --> 00:13:23.266 They're both really sturdy. 00:13:23.296 --> 00:13:26.746 I would say, look at both and see what options you're looking for. 00:13:27.286 --> 00:13:28.306 In a standing desk. 00:13:28.306 --> 00:13:32.986 If you're looking for something more affordable, there are converters. 00:13:33.586 --> 00:13:38.746 That will turn your desk into a standing desk, fully used to make one, 00:13:38.746 --> 00:13:40.486 but it looks like they don't anymore. 00:13:41.116 --> 00:13:44.296 Uh, so there are like there's one from the New York times has a, 00:13:44.356 --> 00:13:45.616 I guess this is why our cutter. 00:13:46.246 --> 00:13:48.706 Has a three basket standing desks converters. 00:13:49.156 --> 00:13:52.936 I have another former sponsor Moft has something like this. 00:13:52.936 --> 00:13:59.386 It's this kind of origami laptop stand thing that one of the. 00:14:00.106 --> 00:14:03.976 Folding options turns your desk into a standing desk. 00:14:03.976 --> 00:14:05.566 And I've used that before and it was really good. 00:14:05.566 --> 00:14:05.866 So. 00:14:07.066 --> 00:14:09.406 Moft dot U S if you're looking for. 00:14:09.856 --> 00:14:13.876 Maybe just something to convert your current desk into a standing desk. 00:14:15.676 --> 00:14:19.156 Other economic stuff, something to, again, we just talked about this. 00:14:19.396 --> 00:14:22.246 Something to elevate your laptop or monitor is great because then you're not 00:14:22.246 --> 00:14:24.376 hunched over or very close to your screen. 00:14:24.946 --> 00:14:28.396 12 south makes a lot of really great stuff in this department. 00:14:29.386 --> 00:14:30.886 So you would just find something. 00:14:31.516 --> 00:14:33.406 I think that works for you or your loved one. 00:14:33.406 --> 00:14:34.546 I like the park slope. 00:14:34.816 --> 00:14:36.676 That again from 12 south. 00:14:37.156 --> 00:14:38.416 Really nice stand. 00:14:40.306 --> 00:14:43.426 Uh, good mouse goes a long way in economics and productivity. 00:14:43.966 --> 00:14:48.766 I think the logic tech MX master three combined ergonomics 00:14:48.766 --> 00:14:50.296 and productivity really well. 00:14:50.536 --> 00:14:54.106 It's got multi-device support, ergonomic design for comfort. 00:14:54.496 --> 00:14:59.446 And lots of programmable buttons to make your computer easier to use. 00:14:59.446 --> 00:14:59.866 So. 00:15:00.406 --> 00:15:03.406 I love the logic tech MX master three. 00:15:04.036 --> 00:15:05.446 It's a really great mouse. 00:15:05.506 --> 00:15:07.276 It goes for around a hundred bucks. 00:15:08.806 --> 00:15:10.816 Uh, now I don't use an ergonomic keyboard. 00:15:10.816 --> 00:15:14.356 I have the key Cron K2 pro mechanical keyboard, which you've 00:15:14.896 --> 00:15:16.756 probably heard me typing on. 00:15:17.416 --> 00:15:18.796 Uh, but I'm an ideas, man. 00:15:18.796 --> 00:15:23.566 And I've heard great things about the economic keyboard from Microsoft. 00:15:23.566 --> 00:15:25.486 I think it's just called air economic keyboard. 00:15:25.936 --> 00:15:28.156 Uh, this is a, an affordable option, right? 00:15:28.156 --> 00:15:30.886 There's the Kinesis ergonomic keyboard as well. 00:15:30.886 --> 00:15:34.996 But the Microsoft one is, is less than half the price. 00:15:34.996 --> 00:15:36.676 So if you're looking to test the waters. 00:15:37.306 --> 00:15:39.946 On an ergonomic keyboard, I would recommend Microsoft's. 00:15:41.686 --> 00:15:44.476 Now, if you really want to go the extra mile, you could get a monitor arm. 00:15:44.896 --> 00:15:47.476 The ones by fully are really pretty. 00:15:48.016 --> 00:15:50.176 I I've always wanted one, but. 00:15:50.926 --> 00:15:54.136 Uh, that they don't fit the monitor. 00:15:54.136 --> 00:15:54.766 I have. 00:15:55.816 --> 00:15:58.576 I got the mic, the studio, the apple studio display. 00:15:59.206 --> 00:16:01.876 So I didn't get the visa option or whatever. 00:16:02.326 --> 00:16:03.016 So. 00:16:03.886 --> 00:16:06.556 If you have a monitor that supports this, definitely check it out. 00:16:06.586 --> 00:16:09.976 I did have one by Amazon that served me really well for a long time. 00:16:11.266 --> 00:16:14.506 So that is home and economics. 00:16:15.046 --> 00:16:18.556 Uh, and why don't we take a quick break? 00:16:19.636 --> 00:16:22.606 And, uh, hear a word from our sponsors. 00:16:23.945 --> 00:16:24.575 Okay. 00:16:24.575 --> 00:16:31.355 And we are back, let's get into the, at home technology, having the right tech. 00:16:31.805 --> 00:16:33.515 Can make a world of difference. 00:16:34.145 --> 00:16:37.505 And I have a bunch of recommendations for you to help you work. 00:16:38.015 --> 00:16:40.145 Uh, even if you have kids at home, So. 00:16:41.195 --> 00:16:42.245 Before we get to that bit. 00:16:42.665 --> 00:16:44.375 Let's talk about backups and storage. 00:16:44.825 --> 00:16:46.715 Everything we do is on our computers these days. 00:16:46.715 --> 00:16:50.975 And so you need a good backup and storage solution. 00:16:52.775 --> 00:16:55.295 External hard drive is number one on this list. 00:16:55.835 --> 00:16:59.645 I've used the Western digital, my book for as long as I could remember. 00:17:00.065 --> 00:17:03.635 Um, I've, I've had the eight terabyte model for a long time. 00:17:03.635 --> 00:17:05.525 I upgraded to the 12 terabyte model. 00:17:06.545 --> 00:17:10.745 I think the convention is two to four times your hard drive space. 00:17:11.315 --> 00:17:14.675 Uh, so I'm kind of just under the four, the four times. 00:17:15.335 --> 00:17:19.415 But having an external drive to do onsite backups. 00:17:20.525 --> 00:17:21.665 Is really important. 00:17:22.235 --> 00:17:26.345 Uh, equally as important is having cloud or offsite backups. 00:17:26.915 --> 00:17:30.545 This is, you know, having something off site, especially if you work from 00:17:30.545 --> 00:17:33.605 home, if something happens with your computer or your equipment at home. 00:17:34.835 --> 00:17:36.545 In offsite, backup can save you. 00:17:36.545 --> 00:17:39.905 So, uh, there's only one service I recommend for this and it's 00:17:39.905 --> 00:17:41.585 Backblaze full disclosure. 00:17:41.585 --> 00:17:43.565 Backblaze is a former sponsor of this show. 00:17:44.075 --> 00:17:47.015 I was using them before they sponsored the show. 00:17:47.705 --> 00:17:52.805 Easily the best offsite backup solution for solo, preneurs, and creators. 00:17:52.805 --> 00:18:00.035 So again, if this is something for a loved one, Get them a gift card and they 00:18:00.035 --> 00:18:01.985 can set up their own Backblaze account. 00:18:02.975 --> 00:18:05.885 The last bit, the last two bits here, I don't, I don't know that they're 00:18:05.885 --> 00:18:09.905 necessary, but if you want to go the extra mile, one is network area storage or Nass. 00:18:10.475 --> 00:18:13.565 This is something that allows you to store data over a home 00:18:13.565 --> 00:18:15.365 network from multiple devices. 00:18:16.445 --> 00:18:19.865 I currently have the Synology to, uh, bay storage, Nass. 00:18:20.525 --> 00:18:23.285 Uh, and so what I'll do here is. 00:18:23.825 --> 00:18:27.425 Move older files into cold storage on the Nass. 00:18:27.425 --> 00:18:31.355 So any like big files that I really don't need immediate access to 00:18:31.355 --> 00:18:33.605 anymore, we'll go to the Nass. 00:18:34.025 --> 00:18:37.565 Uh, just a heads up that if, if you do buy this, it's the bay only. 00:18:37.565 --> 00:18:38.525 So you'll have to get. 00:18:39.155 --> 00:18:40.805 Some hard drives. 00:18:41.015 --> 00:18:41.375 Right. 00:18:41.405 --> 00:18:45.125 And for the total cost, I know some people who have also gone the route 00:18:45.125 --> 00:18:47.105 of a Mac mini as their home server. 00:18:47.675 --> 00:18:50.915 Um, I, I think like if you're looking just for like dedicated 00:18:50.915 --> 00:18:52.325 storage and assets, still better. 00:18:52.835 --> 00:18:56.495 I haven't had both at this point, but I got the base level Mac mini. 00:18:57.005 --> 00:18:59.975 So I'm not really using that for deep storage. 00:19:00.845 --> 00:19:04.295 And then the other thing I would mention here is a portable hard drive, right? 00:19:04.295 --> 00:19:07.025 And with the cloud, there's a lot less need for a portable storage, 00:19:07.535 --> 00:19:09.215 but I still like to have some on me. 00:19:09.305 --> 00:19:12.035 I like the Western digital portable hard drive. 00:19:12.035 --> 00:19:12.995 That's really nice. 00:19:12.995 --> 00:19:13.925 And a good price. 00:19:14.525 --> 00:19:15.425 Uh, and. 00:19:16.055 --> 00:19:17.255 Even though it is pricey. 00:19:17.255 --> 00:19:19.355 I'm a huge fan of Samsung's T seven. 00:19:19.535 --> 00:19:20.525 Portable SSD. 00:19:21.005 --> 00:19:22.295 It's so small. 00:19:22.895 --> 00:19:24.365 And has so much storage. 00:19:24.875 --> 00:19:29.615 I actually love it so much that my full photos library is exclusively on that. 00:19:30.035 --> 00:19:32.015 It's backed up to iCloud as well, but. 00:19:32.795 --> 00:19:37.655 When I tell my computer where my iCloud or where my photos library is, I pointed 00:19:37.685 --> 00:19:43.325 to this external storage, so that can take my photos library with me wherever I go. 00:19:43.535 --> 00:19:43.895 Uh, it's. 00:19:43.895 --> 00:19:44.435 It's great. 00:19:44.495 --> 00:19:45.575 So big fan of that. 00:19:48.545 --> 00:19:50.885 Okay, let's move on to headphones and other tech. 00:19:50.885 --> 00:19:52.445 So let's talk about headphones. 00:19:53.855 --> 00:19:55.025 I'm an audio file. 00:19:55.445 --> 00:19:59.255 I love my headphones, my AirPods pro two. 00:19:59.855 --> 00:20:01.055 Are my favorite headphones. 00:20:01.085 --> 00:20:03.365 They're always in my pocket and they're actually the only 00:20:03.365 --> 00:20:04.685 noise canceling headphones. 00:20:04.685 --> 00:20:05.465 I keep with me. 00:20:06.065 --> 00:20:10.175 I recently flew and only took my AirPods pro two with me, and they 00:20:10.175 --> 00:20:11.765 worked great like gangbusters. 00:20:11.765 --> 00:20:12.245 So. 00:20:12.845 --> 00:20:14.405 Big fan of those. 00:20:14.435 --> 00:20:18.305 Definitely a much better solution than my AirPods max, because you can't fold them. 00:20:18.305 --> 00:20:18.725 They're big. 00:20:18.755 --> 00:20:19.235 They're heavy. 00:20:19.895 --> 00:20:23.075 Uh, and they're just not, they're not very delightful to travel with. 00:20:23.855 --> 00:20:24.365 So. 00:20:25.415 --> 00:20:27.125 Big fan of the AirPods pro two. 00:20:27.965 --> 00:20:31.355 Uh, if you, or who you're shopping for is more of an ear buds person. 00:20:31.895 --> 00:20:33.965 I've always been a fan of skull candy headphones. 00:20:35.045 --> 00:20:38.165 And if you're looking for over the ear, uh, I can't really 00:20:38.165 --> 00:20:40.865 recommend the AirPods max anymore. 00:20:41.195 --> 00:20:46.265 I'm hoping in 2024, we get a version two that's way better than version one. 00:20:46.865 --> 00:20:48.455 The sound quality is pretty good. 00:20:48.455 --> 00:20:51.485 Like if you're willing to plug them in, but if you're looking for 00:20:51.485 --> 00:20:55.415 great over the ear noise, canceling headphones, the Bose quiet comfort, 00:20:55.445 --> 00:20:57.425 45 noise canceling headphones. 00:20:58.475 --> 00:20:59.525 Our fantastic. 00:21:00.065 --> 00:21:02.375 Whether you work from home or an officer, a coworking space, 00:21:02.375 --> 00:21:03.725 or you have kids at home. 00:21:04.535 --> 00:21:06.125 These will help you focus. 00:21:06.425 --> 00:21:09.935 Uh, and because they fold up, they're better for traveling as well. 00:21:11.585 --> 00:21:14.615 If you're looking for good sub $200 over the ear headphones, I 00:21:14.615 --> 00:21:17.855 recommend the audio Technica ath M 15. 00:21:18.725 --> 00:21:19.535 They're lightweight. 00:21:19.565 --> 00:21:21.125 They block out most noise. 00:21:21.695 --> 00:21:23.615 And they sound incredible. 00:21:24.155 --> 00:21:29.225 Uh, I've had these going on a decade almost, and they are now a permanent 00:21:29.225 --> 00:21:31.775 fixture with my electric drum set there. 00:21:31.775 --> 00:21:33.065 The headphones I use for that. 00:21:33.365 --> 00:21:34.925 So I still use them every day. 00:21:37.175 --> 00:21:37.475 Okay. 00:21:37.475 --> 00:21:40.085 Let's get into other miscellaneous tech really quick. 00:21:40.085 --> 00:21:44.165 Before we move on to like the comforts of home and productivity tools. 00:21:44.285 --> 00:21:46.865 Um, Other tech and accessories. 00:21:47.615 --> 00:21:48.725 I'm going to recommend the stream hat. 00:21:49.025 --> 00:21:49.865 The stream deck. 00:21:50.195 --> 00:21:51.125 I've got two. 00:21:51.755 --> 00:21:53.345 Powerhouse of automation. 00:21:54.065 --> 00:21:58.175 And just like quick access stuff, I'm able to switch scenes. 00:21:58.955 --> 00:22:01.565 In e-com live so quickly because of my stream deck. 00:22:01.925 --> 00:22:07.235 I can launch apps and shortcuts and change my lighting quickly 00:22:07.235 --> 00:22:08.135 because of my stream deck. 00:22:08.165 --> 00:22:09.395 I'm a huge fan of it. 00:22:09.905 --> 00:22:14.285 Uh, everything from, um, setting up podcast recordings to 00:22:14.285 --> 00:22:17.525 livestream, overlays, lighting, launching apps, and so much more. 00:22:18.215 --> 00:22:20.285 I can't recommend the stream deck enough. 00:22:20.345 --> 00:22:22.295 I think it's the perfect gift for anybody. 00:22:22.595 --> 00:22:25.175 Who spends a lot of time at their desk. 00:22:26.135 --> 00:22:28.415 And then some portable accessories, right? 00:22:28.415 --> 00:22:30.305 So anchor, chargers, and hubs. 00:22:30.635 --> 00:22:33.335 If you need a good portable charging solution, there's 00:22:33.365 --> 00:22:34.415 no one better than anchor. 00:22:35.345 --> 00:22:39.065 A few that I have that I really love is the GaN prime hybrid 00:22:39.065 --> 00:22:40.475 power bank and wall charger. 00:22:41.075 --> 00:22:44.285 This is a power bank that plugs directly into the wall with pass 00:22:44.315 --> 00:22:48.305 through charging so you can charge your devices and then unplug it from the 00:22:48.305 --> 00:22:50.975 wall and continue charging your devices. 00:22:51.935 --> 00:22:54.665 I also have the mag save three in one charging cube. 00:22:54.755 --> 00:22:56.165 It's perfect for travel. 00:22:56.555 --> 00:22:58.775 You can charge your, your iPhone. 00:22:59.285 --> 00:23:00.125 Air pods. 00:23:00.575 --> 00:23:02.675 And apple watch. 00:23:03.155 --> 00:23:04.625 All from this one cube. 00:23:05.165 --> 00:23:05.975 It's perfect. 00:23:07.415 --> 00:23:09.845 And then they have the nano USB-C power bank. 00:23:09.875 --> 00:23:11.765 Plug this directly into your phone. 00:23:12.155 --> 00:23:13.205 For a little extra juice. 00:23:14.225 --> 00:23:16.025 For iPhone and iPad stands. 00:23:16.565 --> 00:23:18.695 I love the ones by lab 22. 00:23:18.695 --> 00:23:21.965 I have the iPhone stand and the iPad stand on my desk. 00:23:22.385 --> 00:23:23.435 They are beautiful. 00:23:23.435 --> 00:23:24.365 They're sturdy. 00:23:24.875 --> 00:23:26.585 And they work really well. 00:23:26.645 --> 00:23:28.625 I can't recommend them enough. 00:23:29.075 --> 00:23:30.155 Love those things. 00:23:30.665 --> 00:23:31.025 Okay. 00:23:31.025 --> 00:23:32.405 So those are the accessories. 00:23:33.065 --> 00:23:35.555 Let's move on to productivity tools. 00:23:36.065 --> 00:23:38.795 Working by yourself can be tough, especially if there's 00:23:38.795 --> 00:23:39.965 a lot of distractions. 00:23:41.285 --> 00:23:45.065 But with the right tools, you can better stay on task. 00:23:45.665 --> 00:23:47.915 Or at least easily pick up where you left off. 00:23:49.175 --> 00:23:50.795 I'm a big fan of analog tools. 00:23:50.795 --> 00:23:52.175 I know they're super personal. 00:23:52.715 --> 00:23:56.225 I will list the, again, you can find the links to all of this in the show notes. 00:23:56.825 --> 00:23:58.475 But these are the ones that I like. 00:23:59.615 --> 00:24:01.175 The sidekick notebook. 00:24:01.745 --> 00:24:03.245 It's a really nice notebook. 00:24:03.755 --> 00:24:04.715 Premium field. 00:24:04.715 --> 00:24:07.505 Great paper works with fountain pens and it lays flat. 00:24:07.535 --> 00:24:09.965 So I'm always looking for that in an old book. 00:24:11.435 --> 00:24:13.325 And then the sidekick note pad. 00:24:13.745 --> 00:24:15.635 Is a horizontal pad. 00:24:15.995 --> 00:24:18.695 That sits directly under your keyboard. 00:24:18.725 --> 00:24:20.945 It has a notes section and a task section. 00:24:21.365 --> 00:24:21.875 So. 00:24:22.925 --> 00:24:23.855 Really easy for me. 00:24:23.855 --> 00:24:25.115 I've been writing down on it. 00:24:25.115 --> 00:24:27.425 I've been writing down timestamps. 00:24:27.845 --> 00:24:30.455 For a chapter markers for this episode. 00:24:30.965 --> 00:24:31.625 I love it. 00:24:31.655 --> 00:24:34.475 I know it's like $37 at the time of this recording. 00:24:34.805 --> 00:24:39.275 That feels like a lot for a notebook, but I've had mine for four or five months. 00:24:40.055 --> 00:24:41.765 And it's been serving me really well. 00:24:41.765 --> 00:24:42.725 So big fan of that. 00:24:43.085 --> 00:24:46.625 Both of those are made by cortex brand, which also makes the theme system journal. 00:24:47.795 --> 00:24:51.395 And then I've talked about this before, but the William Hannah Classic notebook. 00:24:51.455 --> 00:24:52.505 This is my planner. 00:24:52.925 --> 00:24:54.335 Uh, it's leather bound. 00:24:54.335 --> 00:24:55.115 It's really nice. 00:24:55.115 --> 00:24:57.095 And it's got a lot of different refills. 00:24:57.665 --> 00:25:00.875 So I will break down my refills and the pro show. 00:25:01.325 --> 00:25:03.455 But I'm a big fan of it. 00:25:03.905 --> 00:25:05.765 Uh, it works really well for me. 00:25:07.925 --> 00:25:11.855 And then I also mentioned this last year, but the analog to do system from Ugmonk, 00:25:12.335 --> 00:25:14.015 I'm an analog guy through and through. 00:25:14.015 --> 00:25:16.505 I haven't been using the analog system as much. 00:25:16.955 --> 00:25:20.975 Because of the other tools I use, but if, if you're looking for a really nice gift, 00:25:21.545 --> 00:25:25.055 That works well on a home desk setup. 00:25:25.655 --> 00:25:28.385 Uh, and it also is a nice system for capturing to dues. 00:25:29.105 --> 00:25:31.055 The analog system by Ugmonk. 00:25:31.055 --> 00:25:32.255 Monk is really nice. 00:25:33.575 --> 00:25:35.225 As far as digital communication. 00:25:35.315 --> 00:25:39.605 You know, I have my own apps that I like to do us for task management, 00:25:39.605 --> 00:25:41.165 mind node for mind mapping. 00:25:41.555 --> 00:25:44.495 Bear and notion for note-taking and Ulysses for writing. 00:25:45.335 --> 00:25:48.125 I would recommend you pick up an app store gift card here 00:25:48.125 --> 00:25:49.325 for the person in your life. 00:25:49.955 --> 00:25:52.325 Uh, and then they can buy the apps that they want. 00:25:53.285 --> 00:25:56.915 Uh setup is also a really great subscription service that gives you 00:25:56.915 --> 00:26:03.335 access to a ton of mac and ios apps Uh i have set up and i save a ton of money 00:26:03.335 --> 00:26:09.545 every year Paying 15 bucks a month to get access to apps i'd be paying much 00:26:09.545 --> 00:26:18.125 more than that for So those are the productivity tools Let's move into 00:26:18.125 --> 00:26:22.265 comforts of home Starting with coffee 00:26:24.665 --> 00:26:25.955 I need good coffee. 00:26:25.955 --> 00:26:27.305 I love good coffee. 00:26:27.875 --> 00:26:30.605 My favorite coffee these days is coma tier. 00:26:31.385 --> 00:26:35.885 They flash freeze already brewed coffee into pods, and then send them to you. 00:26:36.605 --> 00:26:39.065 Uh, it's perfect for hot or iced coffee. 00:26:39.275 --> 00:26:42.185 Super easy to make and to travel with. 00:26:42.785 --> 00:26:44.975 It it, I think it's like three days. 00:26:44.975 --> 00:26:46.235 It can last three days. 00:26:46.655 --> 00:26:48.005 Without being refrigerated. 00:26:48.005 --> 00:26:50.075 So if you know you're going on a trip. 00:26:50.465 --> 00:26:52.745 That has crappy in-room coffee, which is everybody. 00:26:54.185 --> 00:26:55.625 Bring these pods with you. 00:26:56.015 --> 00:26:56.795 Add hot water. 00:26:56.795 --> 00:26:57.845 You have great coffee. 00:26:58.145 --> 00:26:59.045 It's darn good. 00:26:59.855 --> 00:27:01.445 Other great beans that I recommend. 00:27:01.445 --> 00:27:03.005 My current favorite is. 00:27:03.935 --> 00:27:05.435 Jazzy Java by. 00:27:06.035 --> 00:27:11.865 Reading coffee company right here in Pennsylvania, Rook coffee out in Jersey. 00:27:11.865 --> 00:27:13.275 They make a Nicaraguan blend. 00:27:13.275 --> 00:27:13.905 That's really good. 00:27:14.295 --> 00:27:18.315 And crew coffee makes something called doom cup, super dark and delicious. 00:27:18.675 --> 00:27:20.115 They're from upstate New York. 00:27:20.475 --> 00:27:23.115 A really great coffee lens here. 00:27:23.535 --> 00:27:25.785 I will say, like, I don't really like, like fruity. 00:27:26.235 --> 00:27:27.315 Uh, tasting coffee. 00:27:27.315 --> 00:27:27.765 So. 00:27:28.275 --> 00:27:33.195 Um, you know, mine are more on the like richer C uh, Savory richer flavors. 00:27:33.765 --> 00:27:36.885 Uh, not really like this sweet fruity stuff. 00:27:38.145 --> 00:27:39.135 Uh, coffee gear. 00:27:39.195 --> 00:27:41.145 Everyone has their own way of making coffee. 00:27:41.835 --> 00:27:44.655 I have a bunch, but I have an espresso. 00:27:44.685 --> 00:27:46.425 I got that for Christmas last year. 00:27:47.025 --> 00:27:48.165 And I love it. 00:27:48.225 --> 00:27:49.815 It's a perfect office companion. 00:27:49.815 --> 00:27:55.245 When I need a little afternoon boost find the right pods and you're good to go. 00:27:56.055 --> 00:27:59.325 Uh, now, if you are buying whole beans, then you need a good coffee grinder. 00:27:59.685 --> 00:28:01.665 And, oh man, I didn't know. 00:28:01.665 --> 00:28:04.515 I could love a device so much, but my wife got me. 00:28:04.995 --> 00:28:08.235 The Oxo brew, conical, Burr coffee grinder. 00:28:08.775 --> 00:28:09.675 It's beautiful. 00:28:09.675 --> 00:28:12.255 It holds three quarters, uh, pounds of beans. 00:28:12.705 --> 00:28:18.135 Has several steps for the perfect grind and an auto grinder for up to 30 seconds. 00:28:18.165 --> 00:28:19.905 It's absolutely perfect. 00:28:19.935 --> 00:28:20.565 I love it. 00:28:22.305 --> 00:28:25.575 Uh, now throughout the rest of this guide, you know, I linked to clothes 00:28:25.575 --> 00:28:27.135 and things to wear around the house. 00:28:27.495 --> 00:28:29.385 I'm going to skip over those for the most part. 00:28:29.865 --> 00:28:32.505 Except for something that I don't have, but I really want. 00:28:33.015 --> 00:28:34.935 Which is these Mojave's slippers. 00:28:34.965 --> 00:28:36.765 They look super comfortable. 00:28:36.765 --> 00:28:38.115 I've heard great things about them. 00:28:38.535 --> 00:28:41.295 Uh, and they have a little like nice color flare to them. 00:28:41.295 --> 00:28:45.075 So I want the orange and gray ones, but they look really nice. 00:28:45.075 --> 00:28:48.165 I haven't really seen them recommended anywhere else except for upgrade. 00:28:48.615 --> 00:28:50.355 Uh, which is one of my favorite podcasts. 00:28:50.835 --> 00:28:53.355 And I want to just call them out here. 00:28:54.355 --> 00:28:57.505 So let's close out with travel and getting out of the house. 00:28:58.615 --> 00:29:00.325 I'm going to recommend a couple of bags. 00:29:01.105 --> 00:29:03.805 I have the mezzo backpack from Waterfield design. 00:29:03.805 --> 00:29:05.665 Sadly, they don't make that anymore. 00:29:06.235 --> 00:29:08.515 Uh, but they do have several comparable ones. 00:29:08.995 --> 00:29:16.135 And I also just picked up the, uh, our L 10 leader sling bag from nomadic. 00:29:17.335 --> 00:29:18.505 That's a great bag. 00:29:18.565 --> 00:29:19.825 It fits perfectly. 00:29:19.825 --> 00:29:21.115 You can put a laptop in it. 00:29:21.775 --> 00:29:25.465 And nomadic in general just makes great backpacks, huge fan. 00:29:26.245 --> 00:29:29.605 And then of course, if you're looking for a good messenger bag, you can't 00:29:29.605 --> 00:29:32.635 go wrong with Timbuk two, I've been recommending them for over a decade. 00:29:34.105 --> 00:29:35.725 Uh, as far as travel accessories. 00:29:36.685 --> 00:29:37.765 I have a Kindle scribe. 00:29:37.795 --> 00:29:39.115 I love my Kindle scribe. 00:29:39.895 --> 00:29:41.575 It's easy to highlight. 00:29:41.575 --> 00:29:42.355 It's got the pen. 00:29:42.385 --> 00:29:43.945 You can take handwritten notes. 00:29:44.305 --> 00:29:47.485 It's a really compact device with a lot of different purposes. 00:29:48.355 --> 00:29:50.785 I also put air tags in everything. 00:29:51.505 --> 00:29:54.535 So if you're traveling, air tags are the perfect companion to 00:29:54.535 --> 00:29:55.615 keep track of all your stuff. 00:29:56.815 --> 00:29:59.395 And if you want to use your headphones that you just bought 00:29:59.395 --> 00:30:00.505 from the headphone section. 00:30:00.955 --> 00:30:04.195 Uh, to tap in to the inflight entertainment system on a plane. 00:30:04.765 --> 00:30:06.685 Get the air fly by 12 south. 00:30:06.925 --> 00:30:08.305 It's perfect. 00:30:08.365 --> 00:30:10.345 It's compact works really well. 00:30:10.945 --> 00:30:13.615 And you can use your own headphones to listen. 00:30:14.245 --> 00:30:16.315 Or a watch in flight entertainment. 00:30:18.045 --> 00:30:22.005 Let's round out the travel section with books and ways to 00:30:22.005 --> 00:30:23.175 get out of the house, right? 00:30:23.205 --> 00:30:26.355 No, I mean, I feel like no solo preneurs guide would be. 00:30:26.865 --> 00:30:28.365 Complete without books. 00:30:29.205 --> 00:30:31.725 Uh, but I'm not going to recommend the books that everybody recommends. 00:30:31.725 --> 00:30:35.355 Here are four of my favorite books that I don't think are recommended enough. 00:30:36.165 --> 00:30:38.235 Uh, at your best by Kerry new Hoff. 00:30:38.535 --> 00:30:42.585 That's a book about how to recognize your energy levels and do your 00:30:42.585 --> 00:30:44.565 best work when you're at your best. 00:30:45.405 --> 00:30:46.965 That was really a game changer for me. 00:30:47.325 --> 00:30:48.285 I loved that book. 00:30:48.735 --> 00:30:54.675 Uh, forget the funnel by Georgie, uh, Georgiana Laudi and Claire Soland trope. 00:30:55.005 --> 00:30:57.345 Uh, JIA and Claire, talk about the importance of 00:30:57.345 --> 00:30:58.785 learning from your customers. 00:30:59.475 --> 00:31:01.155 And that really resonated with me. 00:31:01.575 --> 00:31:03.705 Uh, you don't really need a complex sales funnel. 00:31:03.705 --> 00:31:05.835 As much as you need to speak your customer's language. 00:31:06.755 --> 00:31:08.465 This is personal by Brendan Dunn. 00:31:08.705 --> 00:31:11.795 My friend, Brendan is super smart and his approach to personalizing 00:31:11.795 --> 00:31:13.115 your emails is fantastic. 00:31:13.655 --> 00:31:16.535 If you've ever gotten an email about a product that you've 00:31:16.535 --> 00:31:18.035 already bought from a company. 00:31:18.455 --> 00:31:19.355 Uh, Brennan. 00:31:20.315 --> 00:31:23.255 Gives you a method to fight against this in your own business. 00:31:23.915 --> 00:31:25.865 Uh, so highly recommend that book. 00:31:26.195 --> 00:31:28.565 And then made to stick by chip and Dan Heath. 00:31:29.075 --> 00:31:32.975 Uh, this talks about how some ideas catch fire and others don't has a lot 00:31:33.005 --> 00:31:36.365 to do with telling good stories, which I've been on a bit of a kick of lately. 00:31:37.175 --> 00:31:40.565 Um, and so let's round out with ways to socialize. 00:31:40.895 --> 00:31:42.725 Solopreneurship can be really lonely. 00:31:42.995 --> 00:31:46.835 So here are some ideas to help your loved one or yourself socialize. 00:31:47.375 --> 00:31:50.375 Uh, you can find a coworking space in your area. 00:31:50.645 --> 00:31:52.235 You can do dinner and a movie. 00:31:52.505 --> 00:31:55.925 You can find escape rooms, uh, or you can. 00:31:56.225 --> 00:31:58.565 Do a bunch of other recreational things. 00:31:58.925 --> 00:32:03.335 Uh, find a bed and breakfast, cigar lounge, my personal favorite. 00:32:04.505 --> 00:32:08.825 Wine tasting museum tour a night out in the closest city 00:32:08.825 --> 00:32:10.835 or a gym or club membership. 00:32:11.315 --> 00:32:12.755 All of these things. 00:32:12.995 --> 00:32:17.225 Uh, could help with kind of the mental health of your solo preneur. 00:32:18.215 --> 00:32:21.425 Another thing that I'll recommend here, that I didn't include in the gift guide. 00:32:22.265 --> 00:32:24.065 Better help, better help.com. 00:32:24.515 --> 00:32:25.835 Uh, I've been seeing a therapist. 00:32:26.225 --> 00:32:27.275 And she's great. 00:32:27.305 --> 00:32:28.475 She just kind of helps me. 00:32:28.985 --> 00:32:32.135 Um, bounce ideas and, and, you know, kind of. 00:32:33.305 --> 00:32:37.505 Give me advice and help me recognize when I'm overstimulated 00:32:37.505 --> 00:32:38.825 and stressed and things like that. 00:32:38.825 --> 00:32:43.835 So that's it for the 2023 solo preneurs gift guide. 00:32:44.195 --> 00:32:45.515 I hope you enjoyed it. 00:32:45.515 --> 00:32:46.835 Let me know what your favorite. 00:32:47.195 --> 00:32:49.745 Uh, recommendation is, or if you're picking up anything for 00:32:49.745 --> 00:32:51.365 yourself or your loved one. 00:32:51.665 --> 00:32:53.465 You can find all of the shownotes. 00:32:53.465 --> 00:32:56.075 That's all of the links that I talked about here, as well 00:32:56.075 --> 00:32:57.275 as links to the gift guide. 00:32:57.605 --> 00:33:00.305 Over at how I built it slash 3, 3, 9. 00:33:00.665 --> 00:33:03.215 In the pro show i'm going to talk about how i put this guide together 00:33:03.425 --> 00:33:07.985 why i moved it to medium and my content strategy moving forward but that's 00:33:07.985 --> 00:33:13.205 it for today thanks to our sponsors thank you for listening And until next 00:33:13.205 --> 00:33:16.025 time get out there and build something