Biz Bits

The latest essential buys for business travelers.

Dual-Access Computer Case

www.magellans.com •$139 Business travel is more convenient thanks to this easy-access leather case. You can zip open a handy business compartment instead of pawing through the entire bag. Along with a laptop, the bag offers places to store everything from files and office supplies to toiletries and a change of clothes.

Ci70 Wireless Mouse

www.kensington.com • $35 Ideal for both business travelers and those looking to minimize the clutter on their desk, this wireless mouse is 35% thinner than the standard design. Th e mouse also features an automatic sleep state, a good way to conserve battery power when the device is not in use.

Chargepod

www.callpod.com • $60 This six-way charging device will eliminate the tangled-up mess of wires.

It allows you to juice up most mobile electronics—cell phones, PDAs, headsets and the like—with a single power cord.

WD Passport Portable Drive 250 GB

www.wdc.com • $200 There’s no need to leave any important files behind with the WD Passport, which gives business travelers the option to take virtually all digital content along. With no external power adapter required, this 250 GB hard drive is easy to carry and ultra-convenient.

Imagine a book that could help you get through every awkward, stressful or over-the-top situation with style, grace and humor—at work. Career and Corporate Cool (Wiley, $21.95), by marketing expert Rachel C. Weingarten, does just that. A hybrid of business and style, the book is filled with witty and user-friendly advice on building your personal brand equity in the business world. Here, Weingarten, the president of GTK Marketing Group LLC, dispenses some important lessons:

• Define Career and Corporate Cool.

“The concept came from trying to give people tools to create their own brand so they’re not just another worker, but rather someone with their own trademarks. They’re the best at what they do, and they do it with a certain confidence.”

• Why is it important to understand your company’s culture?

“[Every company] has a different culture that defines not only its business practices, but also the kind of people who are going to fit in and become outstanding. If you understand what’s accepted, not just by the way you dress, but how you interact with clients, give back to the community, prioritize your tasks, you can become better at your job.”

• How can style impact your career?

“It’s very crucial to take into account not only what your career demands, but what your peers are going to think of how you present yourself. If your boss is a plain dresser and you come in with $10,000 worth of jewelry, you’re going to alienate your direct supervisor. Your office may say it’s OK to wear mini-skirts, but if you’re the only person wearing them, you will probably be whispered about in the lunchroom.”

• What is proper email etiquette?

“First, you are at all times representing your company. As friendly as you may be with a client, this isn’t your friend. You can joke, but always be respectful. Also keep in mind your email isn’t private… anybody in your office can get to it, and they have the right to. If it’s personal, send it from your personal account.”

• What should women remember when accessorizing for work?

“As women, we want to be stylish, but we don’t want people to be distracted by the way we present ourselves. You don’t want people paying more attention to what you’re wearing than what you’re saying. Being both feminine and smart is a secret weapon.”