Biz Bits

New “checkpoint-friendly” laptop bags make traveling a breeze.

THE TSA RECENTLY ADOPTED a new security protocol allowing for “checkpoint-friendly” laptop bags that eliminate the need to remove computers when going through security. Because of high government standards, creating “certified” or “TSA-approved” products could have taken years. Instead, the TSA invited companies to propose designs, providing a list of guidelines and technical requirements. The following brands have been deemed “checkpoint friendly”—and the hope is that they will speed up the screening process and make traveling with computers more convenient.

CODi Phantom CT3
$225 • www.codidirect.com

Pathfinder Luggage Checkpoint Friendly Bag
$99 ($150 for wheel version) www.pathfinderluggage.com

Skooba Design Checkthrough
$140 www.skooba.design.com

GO FOR THE GOLD

The Ritz-Carlton’s leadership principles will keep your customers happy.

Fantastic service is what made The Ritz-Carlton, well, Th e Ritz-Carlton. While high-thread count sheets, top chefs and dream locations have certainly helped the hotel brand achieve its reputation as the best, ultimately it’s the staff ’s ability to anticipate and tend to guests’ needs that keeps people coming back. In other words, you can offer the best service or product in the world, but without focusing on customer service, your business probably won’t get very far. This is just one lesson to learn from Joseph A. Michelli’s

Th e New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  
Based on his unprecedented access to the hotel’s managers and leaders, he compiled five guiding rules:

DEFINE AND REFINE
Determine the goals and values of your company. Now you have a foundation upon which to grow and change with your customers.

EMPOWER THROUGH TRUST
Select new employees carefully and build strong relationships with all of them. Showing faith in their abilities will inspire enhanced performance across the board.

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU
Customer feedback and looking at what other companies do well can show you how to improve in countless ways.

DELIVER “WOW!”
Don’t just satisfy customers: Personalize their experiences, then take note of what they respond to so you can continue to wow.

LEAVE A LASTING FOOTPRINT
Your employee-training programs and offerings to customers should grow so that your company continues to make an impact.

MEALS AND DEALS

Reserve a table at one of America’s best power lunch spots for your next important business meeting.

MIAMI
Prime Blue Grille
www.primebluegrille.com

NEW YORK
Michael’s
www.michaelsnewyork.com

DALLAS
Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton
www.fearingsrestaurant.com

LOS ANGELES
Craft
www.craftrestaurant.com

WASHINGTON, DC
The Capital Grille
www.thecapital.grille.com

HOUSTON
Tony’s
www.tonyshouston.com

CHICAGO
Morton’s The Steakhouse
www.mortons.com

Courtesy of Forbes.com