We're in our third week of the series Freedom to Work from Anywhere: Living the Mobile Life and my expert panel has shared some great tips so far. Today, we're going to share some more!
It really is possible to have a business that allows you to work from anywhere. I've been doing it since 2003!
Many of my friends and colleagues run their businesses from many locations throughout the year too.
What have they put in place in their business that allows them to have the freedom to work from anywhere?
I've asked them to share some of their tips and strategies and I'll share their responses over the next few weeks in my series: Freedom to Work from Anywhere: Living the Mobile Life.
Today, we'll hear from Debra Jason, Amethyst Wyldfyre, Lisa Montanaro, and Paula D'Andrea.
Keeping It Simple
When I travel, I take my laptop and Kindle Fire. I let my peeps know where I am (and the time difference between us). It's cool when they respond and say how cool it is that we can still work together from across the miles. For all the times I've been back & forth between Kauai and the mainland, it's always worked out just fine.
Thanks to Debra Jason – Marketing with heart. Inspiring you to communicate your passion so it has a powerful impact on others. Love connecting, dancing, yoga & beach walks.
Tips from a Virtual Speaking Pro
I have a “virtual” speaking business and it's not unusual for speaking gigs to be booked when I'm at other gigs or events – once I was the emcee at an event, there for three days with a speaking slot at the end and I did two other speaking gigs from my hotel room in between being on the stage. I actually reached more people virtually than I did at the event.
Take A “Gear Bag” – One of my hot tips is that I never leave for a trip without my “gear bag” my gear bag has a headset for client calls (so my ears don't get sore wearing those silly iPhone earbuds) a thumb-drive just in case I need to transfer documents from my computer to someone else's, a charger for rechargeable batteries, extra rechargeable batteries, a car jack for charging my phone, plus a POWER STRIP with six outlets because when I share rooms everybody needs to plugin and there are often only a couple of outlets in a hotel room.
Thanks to Amethyst Wyldfyre – Serving Leading Visionary Women Entrepreneurs (& a few wise men) to become Utterly Fearless & Vibrantly Courageous & Prepare to Share their Magnetic Message
An iPad (or any Tablet) is a Must
- My iPad has an awesome case and keyboard made by Zagg (in red of course to match my business brand!). I always synch all of my files from my main Mac computer in my home office to Dropbox so that I am sure to have all of them handy while on the road by using the app on my phone and tablet.
- Use a good task tool. I use Asana for task and project management, and the app is on my iPhone and iPad, so I can see all of my tasks at a glance and add to them if needed.
- The data package is worth it. I have a data package on my phone and tablet so I can work from anywhere regardless of Wifi. It is worth the extra expense. If there is Wifi, I use that.
- Let your voice write for you. I dictate a lot while on the road using voice to text feature on my phone or tablet. It helps me be so productive as I am often driving or something that makes it easy to speak, but not write/type. Plus, as I think of great ideas or things to do, I can dictate them so I don't forget them. No one looks at you crazy anymore if you are speaking into a phone or tablet and dictating!
Thanks to Lisa Montanaro – Productivity Consultant, Success Coach, Business Strategist, Speaker & Author helping people live successful lives & enjoy productive & profitable businesses
Tips for Health-Conscious Travelers
Many clients travel for work and pleasure, crossing multiple time zones. Even while traveling, they implement very doable and easy practices that give them the healthy edge to keep them on track!
- Stay hydrated! It will help combat fatigue, oxygen deprivation & ‘foggy brain.' Add 1-2 more glasses/day of water than usual.
- Do high-intensity cardio – it will help with jet lag, sleeping in a new time zone, and oxygen replenishment. If you don't have a gym, do stairs, rope (with, or without rope), or jumping jacks. * Alternatively you can circuit train with or without weights.
- Enjoy 1 or 2 delicacies when you're in those 5 Star restaurants, and balance it out with clean eating in between. *Danish, muffins, and croissants are not a good breakfast! Opt for oatmeal, bran cereal, fruit, salad, and yogurt.
- Rest & Run! On a really long flight, do your best to get some shut-eye, and when you land, hit the ground running in your new time zone. Chillax while at the beach, pool, or sightseeing.
- Pamper. Anywhere you see a chair massage – do it. ‘Un-crick' your neck, circulate your arms and legs. Got time for a spa massage? Even better! Also, when available, take a warm bath, soak and do some gentle stretching or yoga moves throughout your trip.
Thanks to Paula D'Andrea – Transformation Coach/Lifestyle Strategist
You Design Your Own Definition of Freedom
As you read through these tips, you'll see that each professional has their own definition of freedom. Many entrepreneurs think that there is just one way to do things. That is just not the case and one of the reasons I thought sharing what successful people around the world do would help you to figure out your own plan.
What Tips, Tricks, Strategy, Operations Setup Do You Recommend?
Do you enjoy a freedom-based lifestyle business? Do you enjoy working from more than one location? Or, do you want to get your business to a state where you can? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Note: Mention of these products/companies does not mean that I personally endorse them. Each of my experts has shared what works for them and in some instances, I have not tried them personally. Also, some links are affiliate links (because I have tried them and love them.)
Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
Debra Jason says
Like Amethyst, I was on Kaua`i once, presenting two in-person seminars. However, I also did two online presentations while there.
It’s a wonderful thing to be able to incorporate the work we love to do in places we love to be! Thanks Stephanie for sharing these tips with your peeps.
Stephanie LH Calahan says
I’ve seen you in action Debra! You amaze me with how you go from one location and venue to another. Thanks for sharing.