Secrets to Successfully Setting Up Your Mobile Office: Top 10 Must Haves

If you are like many working professionals, your office walls have essentially disappeared. People are conducting business from their cars on their way to and from work, while on non-related business trips, from home, and even from their vacation destinations. And, with the Internet, email, e-Learning, webinars, podcasts, and other forms of electronic communications all the rage, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to stay connected when you are away from the physical confines of your workplace.

If you are someone that has to stay connected, consider working smarter and not harder with these important must-haves.

Cell Phone. Probably the #1 item to have with you if you work remotely is the ubiquitous cell phone with a hands free headset. Even better, get one of the latest models that combine a compact mobile phone with email, an organizer, messaging, and web access. There are also models that offer an MP3 player, a digital camera, and Bluetooth technology, but those features are not must-haves. It is critical, however, that you maintain a full battery and keep a charger close at hand.

Laptop. This is a significant piece of mobile equipment. Forgo the traditional desktop PC if you can't afford both. A laptop allows you to work both on location and from home, and it takes up considerably less space. Look for one that has at least 512 MB of RAM and 60 GB of hard drive space. Make sure you have a decent computer bag to carry this important investment.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). If you don't have a mobile phone with PDA features, you should have one of these handheld devices. Most PDAs include a personal organizer, calculator, clock, calendar, web access, email, address book, and notepad. Having these items in one easy to access device means you don't have to carry them all separately.

Internet. Unless you have all the time in the world, you need a broadband connection. This will allow you to browse and download what you need more quickly. To access the Internet from a café or someplace on the road, you'll need to have a wireless card.

Network Access. I've known people who try to get away with not having network access, but they soon find that their ability to work is severely limited. If you need access to client folders, templates, proposals, or other data stored in your company's network, make sure to have network access when you're out of the office. Your IT person should be able to set you up with secure remote access.

Email. There are a variety of ways for you to access email, such as through your Internet-enabled laptop, high-tech mobile phone, or PDA. If your company owns an email server and security is a concern, then consult with your IT person for access. Otherwise, consider using a free web-based email service such as Hotmail or Gmail. And, one of the advantages of using email is that you are much less likely to need a fax.

Software. By software, I mean those essential programs you use on a regular basis. At a minimum, you'll need Microsoft Office, which includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and a few other tools. You may also need other software programs that are specific to your line of work. Have them installed on your laptop and updated regularly.

Portable USB Storage Device. This handy device, also called a Memory Stick, is usually about the size of your index finger and comes in 64,128, 256, and 512 MB or 1GB. It allows you to transfer and transport large amounts of data by simply plugging it into a USB port. It is used as a file backup in case you need to access or print a file from a different computer.

Filing System. All files, including the ones on your computer, must be organized and up-to-date in order for you to operate efficiently when you are on the road. For paper files, know what you access on a regular basis, and keep them with you, if possible, in an organized format within an easy-to-carry case. It's especially important as a mobile professional that you file as you go and purge any old documents as soon as possible, keeping you on track and lightweight.

Supplies. Let's face it-- no amount of technology can replace just being prepared with good old-fashioned paper and pencil. Make sure you've got the basics with you.

The workforce is on the go. The New York Minute is turning into the New York Second. Make the most of your time by being prepared and organized when you're working away from the office.

Discrimination and harassment are illegal, unethical, and unacceptable, and as an employee, you can make a significant difference in preventing these behaviors and contributing to a positive work environment.

Provided by: HRTutor.com and The Human Equation Email this article Secrets to Successfully Setting Up Your Mobile Office: Top 10 Must Haves By: Ariana Bianchi
If you are like many working professionals, your office walls have essentially disappeared. People are conducting business from their cars on their way to and from work, while on non-related business trips, from home, and even from their vacation destinations. And, with the Internet, email, e-Learning, webinars, podcasts, and other forms of electronic communications all the rage, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to stay connected when you are away from the physical confines of your workplace. If you are someone that has to stay connected, consider working smarter and not harder with these important must-haves. Cell Phone. Probably the #1 item to have with you if you work remotely is the ubiquitous cell phone with a hands free headset. Even better, get one of the latest models that combine a compact mobile phone with email, an organizer, messaging, and web access. There are also models that offer an MP3 player, a digital camera, and Bluetooth technology, but those features are not must-haves. It is critical, however, that you maintain a full battery and keep a charger close at hand. Laptop. This is a significant piece of mobile equipment. Forgo the traditional desktop PC if you can't afford both. A laptop allows you to work both on location and from home, and it takes up considerably less space. Look for one that has at least 512 MB of RAM and 60 GB of hard drive space. Make sure you have a decent computer bag to carry this important investment. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). If you don't have a mobile phone with PDA features, you should have one of these handheld devices. Most PDAs include a personal organizer, calculator, clock, calendar, web access, email, address book, and notepad. Having these items in one easy to access device means you don't have to carry them all separately. Internet. Unless you have all the time in the world, you need a broadband connection. This will allow you to browse and download what you need more quickly. To access the Internet from a café or someplace on the road, you'll need to have a wireless card. Network Access. I've known people who try to get away with not having network access, but they soon find that their ability to work is severely limited. If you need access to client folders, templates, proposals, or other data stored in your company's network, make sure to have network access when you're out of the office. Your IT person should be able to set you up with secure remote access. Email. There are a variety of ways for you to access email, such as through your Internet-enabled laptop, high-tech mobile phone, or PDA. If your company owns an email server and security is a concern, then consult with your IT person for access. Otherwise, consider using a free web-based email service such as Hotmail or Gmail. And, one of the advantages of using email is that you are much less likely to need a fax. Software. By software, I mean those essential programs you use on a regular basis. At a minimum, you'll need Microsoft Office, which includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and a few other tools. You may also need other software programs that are specific to your line of work. Have them installed on your laptop and updated regularly. Portable USB Storage Device. This handy device, also called a Memory Stick, is usually about the size of your index finger and comes in 64,128, 256, and 512 MB or 1GB. It allows you to transfer and transport large amounts of data by simply plugging it into a USB port. It is used as a file backup in case you need to access or print a file from a different computer. Filing System. All files, including the ones on your computer, must be organized and up-to-date in order for you to operate efficiently when you are on the road. For paper files, know what you access on a regular basis, and keep them with you, if possible, in an organized format within an easy-to-carry case. It's especially important as a mobile professional that you file as you go and purge any old documents as soon as possible, keeping you on track and lightweight. Supplies. Let's face it-- no amount of technology can replace just being prepared with good old-fashioned paper and pencil. Make sure you've got the basics with you. The workforce is on the go. The New York Minute is turning into the New York Second. Make the most of your time by being prepared and organized when you're working away from the office. Discrimination and harassment are illegal, unethical, and unacceptable, and as an employee, you can make a significant difference in preventing these behaviors and contributing to a positive work environment.
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