New technology means it’s possible to work wherever you want. You’ve already
decided you want to work for yourself and away from the traditional office.
Now, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can enjoy the flexibility of
working from almost anywhere, be that a local coffee shop, while travelling,
or public park.
With your computer
If you've invested in a fairly up-to-date laptop computer, you'll already have
all you need to work away from home. Most laptops have wireless Internet
receivers already built-in. If you have a slightly older laptop, it is worth
buying a wireless adaptor that plugs into a USB port. There are plenty of
affordable, and easy to use options available.
The numbers of WiFi hotspots are steadily increasing and many cafes,
libraries, and even intercity trains now offer free wireless connections. (myhotspots.co.uk
will give you a good guide to free Wi-Fi locations wherever you are)
Even if there is no wireless connection available, with mobile phone coverage,
it is now possible to get a broadband speed internet connection practically
anywhere, using a USB dongle.
With your mobile or smart phone
Smart phones (Blackberry, iPhone, Palm Treo) are one of the most popular
devices for working away from the home office, allowing you to surf the web,
check e-mail and edit and send documents.
Most mobile phones allow you to check email on the move, but check with your
service provider, as it can prove an expensive solution.
If you use web mail, it's easy to check your email as most have mobile ready
versions of their websites, which you can access via the phone's web browser.
Yahoo! Mobile uk.mobile.yahoo.com
Google Mobile www.google.com/mobile
Mobile broadband is great if you're often on the move or use your laptop in a
variety of locations, but it can be pricey. Look around for unlimited
packages and those that provide the hardware for free.
A forwarding number
Being contactable when away from the office could mean not missing out on that
lucrative contract. Skype www.skype.com,
offers a call forwarding feature, which allows you to direct incoming calls
to your Skype account or Skype phone number to your mobile phone. Depending
on your package you can forward calls at no extra cost and it's easy to set
up.
Taking these steps will free you up to work from anywhere and, with the sun
finally starting to shine, why not head into the garden to take on the inbox.
Emma Jones is the founder of online home business company Enterprise Nation
(www.enterprisenation.com)
and author of Spare Room Start Up – how to start a business from home.
