This week I'm writing to you from my childhood home in Charleston, West Virginia where I'm caring for my aging parents who are health challenged at the moment. Today, I'm going to share my best tips for running a business when traveling. With all the new gadgets and apps available to entrepreneurs today, business on the go is a snap.
Maximize with Mobile Devices – The beauty of technology today is mobile devices are small, weigh very little and make business on the go accessible. There is a range in pricing but with cloud based software like Google Drive and Dropbox (no cost to less than $9 per month) you don't need the storage capacity which historically made laptops and desktops more expensive. I currently use a desktop in my office and an iPad for travel. I gave up the laptop a few years ago as I wanted to relieve my shoulders and back of any extra weight during travel. I use a Sena external keyboard that's compatible with my iPad, however there are a wide range of choices which make typing documents (like this article) easy and fast.
Activate your Apps – I'm continually surprised on a daily basis by the variety of no-cost to low-cost apps you can access for your business. There seems to be an app for just about every need we have – from meditation to productivity, there's an app for you. I use the Cozi app to keep our busy family organized when I'm traveling. Everyone in the family can access the app to check-in and see what's happening each day. You can color code each family member to make it easy for them to identify their schedule for sports and after school activities.
Outsource to Office Supply Stores – Whether it's Staples, Office Max or your local small office supply store, let them handle your printing needs when you're traveling. I emailed a document to the local Staples here this morning and it was ready in minutes and cost pennies.
Hooking up – I find the placement of electric outlets in hotel rooms interesting. They never seem to be quite where you need them for easy access and to make your work time more productive. That's why I carry my own extension cord with multiple electrical outlets attached. I can set up my mobile office in the room where I'm most comfortable and have access to all my devices at my fingertips.
Charge it – I carry two chargers when traveling (one for my iPad and one for my iPhone) to ensure that both devices have a full charge at all times.
Get smart and take advantage of all the no-cost to low-cost mobile tools to help your business stay the course and create momentum no matter where your travels take you this holiday season.
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2013 Joy Chudacoff
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.
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