Working On The Road
Last month I asked whether business travelers dared to unplug when taking a trip. If your answer was no, then you’ve probably got a list of items that are essential whenever you travel. As a location independent writer, I like to think I’ve got managing my business on the road down to a fine art. Here’s how I do it.
In The Cloud
One of my main strategies is to be able to access as much stuff as possible from the cloud. That means having a good online backup system which also has editing facilities. My choice for that is Syncplicity. Anywhere I go I can get to the latest backup from my home computer and get the files I need. As a backup, I occasionally email things to myself (I use Gmail) so that I can open things in Google Documents. With word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, Google Documents is a pretty nifty MS Office replacement.
On The Ground
Apart from that my laptop and cellphone are key parts of being able to work from anywhere. The two most important aspects of a good laptop are battery life and WiFi. WiFi’s pretty standard these days but you still have to shop around for a laptop with decent battery life. In the past I’ve used laptops from Gericom and Dell but am now going with a mini laptop from Samsung. One of the features I like about it is that the keyboard is nearly full size, which is useful if you have to use it a lot.
My cellphone is useful, not just for phone calls, but for things like GPS, taking notes, recording stuff for later (audio, video and photo) and connecting to the internet if I don’t have my laptop with me. Having a decent call plan is the key to making this work.
Shop Around
Once you’ve sorted out file storage and hardware, then it’s time to find places where you can work. These days you can pick up free internet access at a wide range of places. This list from Freelance Writing Gigs is a good starting point. When I book accommodation these days, one of my first questions is what the internet facilities are, because that will determine how easy it is for me to work.
That’s what I use - what about you? Got any tips to share on mobile business travel?
Tags: location independent, mobile, telecommute, Travel Tips, Travel Tools
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Sharon - you are right on the money! When you travel for business the key elements are access to your information and a good cell phone! It’s sort of like if you go on vacation and the airline loses your luggage…as along as you have a credit card, you can buy what you need!
September 5th, 2009 at 11:35 am
One thing I always carry is a long range wireless usb adapter. It helps me snag about twice to 5x the normal range of an average laptop.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:59 am
That’s true, Beth, and it’s also useful to always have the basics with you. I always carry my power cable with my laptop as well as a power adaptor if needed, so I can be up and running immediately.
Anil, thanks for that useful tip. Must add that to my shopping list.
September 5th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Anytime, here’s the one I usually carry which is about $40.
Alfa AWUS036EH
September 7th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Hi Anil - thanks so much for sharing with us the wireless usb adaptor you use!!! Much appreciated!
Beth