The Propeller – Don’t Just Do Your Job – October 8. 2023

That’s the bare MINIMUM. It is not the recipe for getting ahead. 

Instead, do FAR more than your job. 

Ask what you can do to add value. 

Study on your own after work on how you can better serve clients, customers, or your boss. 

Help out your coworkers. Offer to do more. 

Take stuff off your coworker’s plates. Become the favorite person in the office. 

Be the best at whatever you do and then ask yourself how you can be better. 

Build relationships, become the employee everyone loves, and demonstrate care for the success of your company and customers/clients. 

THAT’S how you get ahead. 

Be so good that your company and customers want to keep you and do anything they can to keep you. This inevitably translates into paying you more to keep you around. This is a philosophy that has worked well for me.

Why Use a Password Manager?

A password manager is an essential tool in today’s digital age. With the increasing number of accounts we have online, remembering unique, strong passwords for each can be a daunting task. Enter password managers, which securely store and organize your credentials, allowing you to maintain strong, distinct passwords for every account without the need to remember them all.

Maximizing the Benefits of Your Password Manager:

1. Unique Passwords for Every Account: The beauty of a password manager is that it can generate and store complex passwords for each of your accounts. This way, even if one password is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.

2. Regularly Update Passwords: Many password managers have a feature that notifies you if a password is weak or if it hasn’t been changed in a while. Utilize this to periodically update your passwords.

3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Ensure that your password manager itself is secured with 2FA. This adds an additional layer of security in case someone tries to gain unauthorized access.

4. Cross-Platform Syncing: Choose a password manager that syncs across all your devices. This way, your passwords are always available whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or computer.

5. Secure Sharing: Need to share a password with a family member or colleague? Use the password manager’s secure sharing feature rather than sending credentials via easily accessible platforms like email or text.

6. Secure Notes and More: Many password managers offer the ability to store not just passwords but also secure notes, credit card information, and other sensitive data. Make use of these features to keep all your critical data encrypted and in one place.

7. Stay Informed: Some password managers will alert you if any of your passwords are involved in a known data breach, allowing you to change them immediately.

8. Regular Backups: Ensure that your password manager database is backed up regularly. This safeguards against data loss and ensures you can access your passwords even if you switch devices.

9. Audit Your Stored Passwords: Periodically review and clean out old or unused accounts stored in your password manager. This helps reduce potential exposure points.

10. Master Password Strength: The master password is the only one you’ll need to remember, so make it strong! Combine words, numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. And, importantly, never use this password anywhere else.

By leveraging these tips, your password manager won’t just be a convenient tool, but a robust fortress, guarding your digital life. Stay safe and surf smart

I personally use the password manager Bitwarden.  It is available at https://bitwarden.com/ and is totally free.  There are paid versions for commercial use.

Winter can be tough on vehicles, and with modern cars integrating more and more technology, it’s important to ensure your car’s tech features remain operational and efficient in cold conditions. Here’s how:

1. Battery Health: Cold weather can drain car batteries faster, especially those supporting advanced tech features. Check the battery’s health and consider replacing it if it’s older or shows signs of weakening. Keeping jumper cables or a portable battery booster in your car is also a good idea.

2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Cold can affect tire pressure. Regularly check the tire pressure and ensure the TPMS is functioning correctly. Remember, tire pressure can drop with decreasing temperatures.

3. Heating and Defrosting Systems: Ensure that your car’s heating system and defrosters are working efficiently. Clear visibility is crucial, especially when winter conditions can cause fogging or frosting on windows.

4. Software Updates: Ensure your car’s software, especially if you have an advanced infotainment system, is updated. Manufacturers may release updates that optimize system performance for winter conditions.

5. Backup Cameras: Snow, ice, or road salt can obscure your backup camera’s lens. Make it a habit to clean it regularly, and consider applying a water-repellent spray to prevent ice buildup.

6. GPS and Navigation: Update your navigation system. Winter conditions can cause road closures or hazardous conditions, and having an updated GPS can help reroute you safely.

7. Remote Start Systems: If your car has a remote start system or you’re considering installing one, it’s an excellent tech feature for winter. Starting your car a few minutes before your journey ensures it’s warm and ready.

8. Bluetooth Connectivity: Cold weather can sometimes affect Bluetooth connectivity. If you rely on your car’s Bluetooth for calls or music, ensure it’s connecting reliably. If not, consider troubleshooting or checking for system updates.

9. Emergency Tech Kit: Keep a kit in your car with essential tech items: a flashlight, portable phone charger, and even a weather radio. This can be invaluable if you get stranded.

10. Adaptive Driving Systems: If your car has tech features like lane-keep assist or adaptive cruise control, be aware that snow or ice can affect their sensors. Always be ready to take manual control and ensure sensors are clean.

Remember, as much as winter requires you to check traditional car aspects like antifreeze levels or tire treads, the modern vehicle also demands attention to its tech components. Stay warm, safe, and tech-ready as you drive through winter!

Happy World Octopus Day …  (Yes, that is a thing today!)

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.