As a global business executive, I know first hand the demands of travel. I spent more than 120 days out of the year on the road, and have supported the traveling workforces of clients every day. So how do I stay connected? Here are my thoughts on the best apps for Android smart phones – a critical tool for helping me stay in touch and on top of things while traveling.”Like most people I use my smart phone as both a communications tool and mini computer while traveling or on the road. My Apple iPhone is my primary device, because I like its exhaustive selection of applications. However, for those times when I need to travel with a second handset (to save on data roaming costs or to access local networks), I use my Android OS phone, which also offers a great range of apps.I am constantly testing and sampling new apps to meet both my own requirements as well as those of our clients. Below is a list of my favorite travel apps – those that I find indispensable to helping me stay engaged even as I cross time zones. I selected them based on three criteria:
1. Provision of knowledge or data that I don’t possess myself
2. Backed up by expertise and a richer web-based content version
3. Ease, speed and functionality of the application versionHere are the key travel applications that I would recommend for Android OS users:Oanda currency converterWhen you travel a lot, or you’re a first-time traveler, it’s important to keep updated on the latest currency conversion rates. I like the Oanda Currency Converter because it’s quick and simple to use for single or multiple trips.Wi-Fi Finder-Connectivity and communications remain a constant concern to business travelers, even in developing countries. Therefore I like to know of any paid or free Wi-Fi spots within vicinity of my accommodation or current location should I need access information or send receive files. Wi-Fi Finder is a great tool for preplanning and ongoing travel information regarding Wi-Fi hotspots.Talk To Me Classic-If you’re traveling to locations where you don’t speak or understand the local language or writing, it is vitally important to be able to communicate, even if it’s just the basics. Talk to me gives you the option is to translate your native tongue into a variety of written and spoken languages so you can share and communicate more effectively. This is a great one speaking with hotel staff and taxi drivers.Places Directory-Whether you’re a first timer or even a frequent traveler, Places Directory can always give you tips and advice and guidance on the nearest ATM, restaurant, entertainment facility or even just shopping. This application is constantly being updated and I find it great to getting my bearings and reducing the amount of time I spend wasted looking to somewhere eat in the life while traveling.Call Log Calendar-Easily track phone calls and conversations when you’re on the road or focused on other business tasks. This application enables you to export all of your phone log information into your calendar so you can keep track of times dates, conversations for follow-up, or even info for billing purposes.Kayak Hotel and Flight Search-Again, I like to spend some time planning before I commit or confirm any trips. The kayak application gives you great data and information for budget planning, hotel/flight selection and other journey management requirements quickly and efficiently from a phone. Not only do I use this as part of my preplanning regiment but it’s also excellent on the road or when plans change.My Tracks-While this application primarily targets the fitness and exercise market it’s a great tool for business travelers too. I use this if a traveling to a new location or following directions that are unclear, so I know where I’ve been and where I’m headed to. It’s also an excellent tool for planners when considering emergency/evacuation routes or simply the shortest rout between two points.Footprints (HTC)-The HTC Android device comes preloaded with HTC Footprints, which enables people to permanently chronicle their chosen location and events by capturing a digital postcard on their phone. Once captured, Footprints provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that favorite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific geographical location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS coordinates, Footprints also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area. This one is great for revisiting or remembering client locations, accommodation or places to eat.WaveSecure Mobile Security-Mobile phones are an attractive item and easily misplaced when traveling. It is therefore important to protect both your own personal information and any relevant information relating to your company or job function. The WaveSecure Mobile Security application enables you to remotely lock down your device and generally preserve the information you wish to protect. You can also be notified should someone attempt to install another or SIM card.PdaNet-It seems there’s always an urgent requirement to communicate. This application is great for communicating with your laptop and other devices via your mobile. It enables you to tether one or more devices in order to send and receive e-mails or access cloud computing sites. I always keep in mind costs when doing this but it’s a great alternative that gives immediate and easy access at airports, hotels or even client locations.
Tag Archives: Construction Industry
Business Travel Insurance Policy – Getting The Right One
If you travel regularly on business, you should always carry a business travel insurance policy. This is essentially just a insurance policy for traveling that is customized to the needs of the business traveler. Nearly all of these insurance policies for business travelers will include coverage of any travel arrangements, luggage loss, and rental car accidents.While it is possible to purchase a policy that will cover a single trip, for regular business travels, annual business travel insurance policies are typically a better deal. Insurance plans for business travel are usually cheaper than regular insurance plans, depending on coverage needs. It is also cheaper to purchase domestic business travel insurance plans than insurance coverage for international business travels.Typically policies for business travels will include up to $50,000 in benefits whether it is a one-time policy or an annual policy. But regular insurance plans often caps coverage at $25,000.Luggage coverage goes beyond just checked luggage. It also covers laptops, cell phones, pagers, projectors, and any other equipment the business traveler typically carries.If the trip gets interrupted by bad weather or mechanical problems the business policy holder can cancel the trip and be reimbursed for the cost of the trip.This plan also includes trip cancellation insurance which is much like regular travel insurance’s trip interruption coverage. However, business policies usually include more coverage, such as allowing for changes in accommodations to complete the trip.Funds are provided for anything lost on the trip. This can be very important if passports or tickets are lost during the trip.You may also be able to get some legal services in case of accusations of crime by you or crime committed against you. Generally luggage or equipment that is stolen is covered. In some cases even kidnapping ransoms will be replaced by your business insurance policy.One of the coverage benefits you’ll want to look for in your coverage is medical expenses. You’ll want to know for sure whether all medical expenses are covered or just accidents and emergencies. In particular, find out what kind of coverage is provided for illness. Many travel medical insurance policies cover emergency evacuations, but many do not cover other medical expenses. You’ll have to decide how much medical coverage you need.Fortunately, even with all of the available coverage options, business travel insurance is generally quite affordable. Some other features that may be included with your business insurance plan include road side assistance and life insurance.
Ten Tips for Staying Employed in the Construction Industry
Ever wonder why some in construction manage to work year-round while others seem to bounce from contractor to contractor? “What’s their secret?” you might ask. Are they just lucky? Perhaps, but there are some things you can do to even the odds.Did you know that most Foremen know exactly who they are going to let go weeks before they ever hand out a pink slip? It’s a standard practice in construction to make a “Lay off List” with the names of the workers on a crew in order of production. Call it a “Head Count”, a “Lay off List”, a “Totem Pole”–call it whatever you like, but you’re on it. The real question is, “Are you on the top or the bottom”?Often a Foreman will be told, “Lay off three workers” and given only a moment to make the decision. The names on the bottom are the first to go. You may not be aware that it’s a fluid list and that names move up and down as production increases and decreases.By the way, your Foreman’s not the only one deciding who stays and who goes. It may be a Project Manager or even a customer that may see you leaning against a ladder and make a split second evaluation of your work ethic. It’s not fair. That’s for sure, but unless your reputation as a hard worker precedes you, it might be too late for anyone to step in and rescue you.Some will work on many jobsites and somehow manage to miss the lay offs. Is it because they’re luckier than the next person? No. It’s just that they know the ten tips for staying employed in the construction industry.1) Walk with a Purpose- Don’t meander around on a construction site.2) Pack a Lunch- You’ll save money, be healthier and live longer.3) Show up Everyday- You’ll outlast those who don’t.4) Show up On Time- This one really pays.5) Be Flexible- Be prepared to do a variety of tasks, even sweeping.6) Update your Skills- Take industry related classes.7) Be Reachable- Buy an answering machine or cell phone with voice mail.8) Have Reliable Transportation- Buy the best vehicle you can afford.9) Have A Positive Attitude- There’s no such thing as “can’t” in construction.10) Look the Part- Dress like a professional tradesman.Well there you have it; ten tips to staying employed in the construction industry. They may seem obvious, but if that’s the case why are so many workers caught in the rut of constantly being let go? If you’re fortunate enough to work with some of the best tradesmen in the field, you’ll notice that they seem to have these qualities. Consider yourself lucky. Not everyone has the pleasure of apprenticing with such professionals. If you follow these simple steps, you will stay employed longer, earn more money and avoid having to tell your family that the holidays are going to be tight this year. Still, it’s a good idea to save a little money for those slow periods.Copyright (c) 2007 Bob Oedy