Five tips for creating a mobile office
The events of 2020 have caused business owners and entrepreneurs to rethink their business models.
And with more people working from home, it’s no wonder so many are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.
If you have dreams of operating your business from the cottage, the coffee shop down the street, or on a train traveling through foreign lands, you need a mobile office. Here are five tips for making that happen.
1) Invest in a great laptop
When you have a mobile office, a good laptop is the core element of your business. You will need to invest in something reliable with a long battery life and that is easy to move.
Some laptops have beautiful, big screens, but are a nightmare to pack and transport safely. Others are small and portable, but with limited capabilities.
Take some time to shop around and find a balance with something that suits your needs. Consider investing in something like a Chromebook, which allows you to store everything on the cloud, as well as work on live documents with remote teams and make updates from your phone.
2) Secure a reliable internet connection
While many places in the world now have WIFI connections, they may not always be safe or reliable. If you’re operating a remote office, you need to be sure you can log on and get things done when you need to.
Invest in a mobile WIFI router or purchase a robust data plan that will allow you to use a hotspot from your phone.
Security is of the utmost importance when you are moving around and connecting to public social WIFI. Invest in a VPN to keep your data safe and ensure you use encrypted passwords for everything hackers may want to access.
3) Use remote-oriented tools
Having the right tools in place can help you stay on track and be productive from anywhere. Some common tools for mobile offices include:
- instant messaging software
- cloud-based project management software
- online fax systems
- cloud storage
- video conferencing programs
Many remote-oriented tools have free versions, but it’s worth spending the money on those that you will use regularly.
The main idea behind investing in the right remote tools is to go paperless and rely on the cloud for storage and data transmission. The fewer papers you have, the less likely you are to lose them while going from point A to B.
4) Create a go-bag
While your laptop and the various programs on it will be the foundation of your mobile office, there may be other items you should have in your work bag.
Consider the things that will make you comfortable and help you be productive wherever you are – whether you’re working from your home office or a sunny patio.
A go-bag could include:
- A back-up power source
- surge protector
- wireless keyboard or mouse
- disinfectant wipes
- notepads and pens
- emergency snacks
- laptop shade or hood
As you get more experienced with remote work, you may find other things to add to the list based on your own needs. Just remember to keep it light and portable, and find a bag that keeps things organized.
5) Become a time management expert
One of the benefits of having a mobile office is that you can work from anywhere. However, there’s no reason to work from Paris if you don’t have any time to see the sights.
If you want to have a remote office, become a time management expert. Set aside time each week to look at the week ahead and create a schedule. Consider front-loading your work so that the back half of the week is flexible and open.
Use time blocking to schedule other events and find your own balance. Remember to manage expectations by setting clear office hours and notifying people when you will be unavailable.
Mobile offices and remote work are the future of business. Get ahead of the curve so that you can successfully work from anywhere.
Photo by Corinne Kutz
