Technology has made it easier to run a business on the go. In fact, you no longer need office space – nowadays, anywhere can be your office if you’ve got the right tools. Here are just some of the ways in which you can make your business mobile, giving you the flexibility to work where you want.
Get yourself a laptop/tablet
It’s possible to run a business from your smartphone – but chances are you’ll want something with a bigger screen for doing the bulk of your work.
Laptops have long been the go-to device for working on the go. They’re easier to type on than any other portable device, making them better suited for emails, reports and other writing tasks. It’s worth shopping around for a mid-range laptop with decent battery life, performance and ergonomic.
Tablets can also come in handy in the fact that you can use them standing up. Their touchscreen also makes them great for signing digital contracts. Some tablets can come with keyboard extensions allowing you to use them like a laptop.
Buy a portable charger
The bane of using a portable device is having to constantly ensure that it’s charged up. If you’re using powerful business software or constantly using the internet, your battery will drain quickly. For those times when you haven’t got a plug socket nearby, a portable charger can be a useful gadget to have.
Invest in portable wi-fi
Wi-fi is more available than ever, but if you do find yourself somewhere remote without connection, portable wi-fi can be another useful investment. It could save you using your mobile as a hotspot, which will drain your data.
Portable routers come in all shapes and sizes. There are even pay-as-you-go routers that you can plug into your laptop or tablet as a USB device.
Consider using a VPN
When logging on to other people’s wi-fi – whether it’s wi-fi at a coffee bar or wi-fi at a client’s home – there’s never any guarantee that your connection is secure. A VPN (virtual private network) can be a useful way of protecting your personal data when surfing the web on the go. This could allow you to use wi-fi freely without the risk of having data stolen.
Embrace cloud technology
Connecting to the cloud is essential for working on the go. Instead of storing your information on a single device or on a local server, the cloud allows you to store information on a remote server. This means that you can access all your files from any device from any location.
Cloud servers are incredibly secure and can serve as a backup tool for information if a device gets damaged or lost. Make sure to always use trusted cloud software – if you want to start doing your bookkeeping using the cloud, take your time to compare cloud accounting software specialists. If you’ve never used the cloud before, there are plenty of tools online that can help you to understand it better.
Try adopting a VoIP
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a cloud-based digital phone number. Unlike a regular office landline or even a regular mobile number, you can receive calls for the same number on multiple devices. A VoIP relies on having an internet connection and you won’t have to pay anything per phone call (although there are often fees for having a VoIP number).
Set up a virtual mailing address
Need to collect physical mail but haven’t got an office? Virtual mailing addresses are a great option in these situations. These involve renting out a mailing address. Your mail can then be redirected to wherever you are in the world at that current moment. Some virtual mailing addresses even allow you to read your post online. These services tend to be based in prime locations, which could also give the illusion to clients that you’ve got an office-based somewhere prestigious.
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