Have Laptop will Travel – the Truly Mobile Office

When many people start their own businesses, one dream that nearly always features is the ability to work in your own time, preferably in your own home. Well, I regularly work all over the world, from just a laptop. It helps that my “shop window” is my group of web sites, but I still have to talk to and meet my clients from time to time. So how do I do this from an office that fits into a small bag and weighs less than 7lb!

Well first start with your laptop – make it as light and as powerful as you can afford. I say light, because anything that weighs more than 5lb is going to be one laptop that you really hate after you have hauled it around for a few hours. Some models have CD/DVD units that plug in to the main PC. These are useful if you leave them behind or pack them separately. I prefer them to be included if possible. A small mouse and slim mouse pad – the latter which stores inside the “clam” of the laptop when traveling to protect the screen – completes your basic office.

I also have a handful of those memory sticks that plug into your USB socket. These hold my key documents and any documents that I am working on at the moment. In that way, if I can’t find a broadband link to hop onto when traveling, I can at least use the local internet café and still have my documents available. It is always a good idea, to set up a Yahoo account, to use your own email settings, as a fall back. Lastly I always carry a couple of CD’s with all my documents and emails on – just in case the awful happens and my laptop ceases working or gets stolen.

Lastly I need some kind of communications – I use VOIP (voice over internet protocol). I can set up telephone numbers in major cities or countries and be contactable whenever I am logged on. Of course if I am not logged on, then voicemail will take over and my clients think that I am busy. A good quality, small headphone and microphone and I have a full telecoms facility. I don’t use fax, but those that do, can easily open an efax account to obtain that facility. Lastly, I use a small web camera for my consultancy calls.

I carry my basic pens and stapler in a small pencil case as well as a small note book for my messages and notes. A larger note book holds all of my planning, consulting notes etc. A small notebook holds all my contact details as well as business and software details etc. A few personal items and my office is set up.

To carry my laptop, well aware that passing through numerous security checks with the laptop out of the bag, as well as a higher risk of it getting stolen. I actually carry my laptop inside a case logic slip case – inside of my rolling bag. In this way it is hidden from view, but easy to get to when going through airport checks. For general use, I have another case logic carrier that hangs off my shoulder. For the less secure areas, and if I have to store the laptop in the hotel room, I have a “safe” which is a mesh bag attached to a long lead that can be wrapped around something solid and then locked. The bag and the lead cannot be cut. These can be found at good camping shops. Of course my laptop is password protected and can be attached to the desk by a lead if necessary.

A mobile/cell phone, a broadband dongle, small headphone/microphon and small digital camera completes my office and a MP3 player my working environment.

So that’s my office, but of course I am dependant upon broadband for it to work. Luckily wi fi areas are easier to find now – let’s just say I drink a lot of coffee. Places like Starbucks and McDonalds, hotels, airports etc. You get to know the possible areas very quickly, you can seek them out beforehand using the internet, or buy a small wi fi hotspots seeking gizmo. I have always found these places welcoming, if you sit down, buy their products and don’t cause any disruption. I usually ask if I can plug in as well. The only problem I find, apart from too much caffeine, is when you need to use the facilities – in this case, knowing that my laptop can run faster than I can, it comes in with me. More of a problem for the gents I think.

Of course, the availability of broadband dongles now means that you can theoretically work anywhere – but the speeds are not always faster enough for a decent work load!

Of course, if you don’t want to travel, and I’m just planning a 3 month round the world trip, you can always use your mobile office by the swimming pool, in the garden/back yard or on your client’s site.

Happy wandering.

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Marcus Arkan Marcus Arkan currently serves as the President/Principle Broker of Syndicate Mortgages Inc. After working with a number of Canada's top financial institutions, the experience and knowledge he gained throughout his professional career combined with his drive and entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop his own company. The operation began in 2003 in the basement of his home and now has flourished into a successful corporation with a head office in one of Metropolitan Toronto's busiest sectors and 10 branch locations employing over 100 mortgage professionals. His organization is now one of Ontario's leading mortgage brokerages specializing in residential, commercial, and construction financing. He holds the designation of Accredited Mortgage Professional from the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals. This allows him to differentiate himself from other mortgage originators and demonstrates his commitment to the highest standards of industry performance. For more information on Mr. Arkan and his Syndicate Mortgages Inc., please visit www.syndicatemortgages.com. - Visit Marcus Arkan's Website

David Acheson David Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns.  David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website

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