Recently, we have a two week trip to visit his family in Georgia and Iowa. We spent six days driving in the car. Well first of all, everyone knows small business owner cannot leave you, your business for two weeks and expect it to work at full speed, or even to all races. Secondly, small businesses do not know you cannot sit in a car for six days. What a waste of precious time! Here are some tips I picked up on how to help your trip go smoother:
Call ahead and check the capabilities of the Internet. Most hotels are now bringing those skills. If you have a laptop, make sure your room is the ability to support your computer have. This is important because I went to a hotel in Nashville, TN and was told they did not have Internet access in each room, but they would keep a business room for me. Upon arrival, they told me they had none of these rooms. I had to go down the hall late at night to retrieve my e-mails, and of course I could not do my job because I need to be able to upload files to my computer needs. Make sure they have secure access to your room to the Internet. Call and find out if you need special equipment to help Internet use. If you do not have a laptop, do not worry. Most hotels have a business center, where they access the Internet and a computer. Find out what they have for your efforts, and make sure it will be sufficient.
Make a list. Decide what it is, the work you love. Make a “To Do” list. Then go to your “to do list”, make sure to pack everything you need to take to complete your list. If necessary, a “Pack For list to make sure everything you need. There is nothing worse than the 200 miles from home, and realize you left a file important client at home, and Now you can not complete your work.
Make sure all the necessary equipment. Here are a few things to think about this:
Portable
All accessories carry your laptop, including your pocket. (If you do not have a laptop bag, I had a nice, cheap, black leather after Sam Club).
Eat. If your laptop has an extended battery, you’ll need an adapter. I have an inverter of 300 watts at Radio Shack. It manages my laptop wonderful. If you are not sure what you need, you go and ask the guy at the computer store or call your computer manufacturer and ask what their requirements are.
Create something for your workplace. I turn down a $ 10 TV space at Wal-Mart does this perfectly? He holds my notebook computer, keyboard and mouse and is comparable to a small office. It folds, so I do not use it, it is not too much space. (This is for those who drive by you).
Wireless PC Card if you have one. Some hotels, you can connect wirelessly to their hotels.
Do everything that exists. If you fill your car, make sure to be everything you need at your fingertips. Make sure you do not get all the files in the trunk, if you have doubts, keep them out! If you do not fly, check your bag work.
Use the time to catch the “bottom” of work. Sometimes I think I’m so busy with my clients, I do not have time to do my job. It just accumulates. I spent several hours of my trip is less than things like organizing my Outlook, my computer files, sorting through old files, etc. Use this time in the car or plane to your advantage!
Enjoy! Remember, it’s a holiday. Go to work all the time! Work while you are in travel, but when you’ve reached your goal, you enjoy your time. If you travel, look around, the scenery around you while you watch the work, if you have a good time. Be sure to enjoy your family and your friends as you travel!
