Business Operating Freedom

Entrepreneurs tend to move about frequently and like the ability to conduct their internet business from anywhere they happen to be.

The motivation to prepare this article just happened to coincide with questions associates asked me about being more organized at home. They wanted a backup plan in case their computer dies. What started as a materials list turned into a 5 step formula to take your business on the road.

While the list is prepared specifically for what we do on a consistent basis, anyone can adapt the list by either expanding or eliminating items they simply won’t use. It’s a short list because doing your business from anywhere also includes mountain climbing; we don’t want to get weighed down.

1.    Laptop – Small Business Model (approx. $800.00)
2.    Spread sheet program (usually included with a new laptop purchase)
3.    Gmail account (other internet email accounts work)
4.    Headphones
5.    Cell phone

Laptop

If you already own a laptop and you’re comfortable with it just scratch that item off the list. I happen to have 4 of them in my house, none of which is used for business.

The price is a good estimation of what you’d want in a small business machine:
a)    Some type of personal security like finger print or face recognition and encryption.
b)    A built in webcam. (If you EVER make videos)
c)    Built in wireless and mobile broadband capability.

They all have bigger hard drives than both the PC towers at my feet and more RAM than both my office computers combined. (Why do I suddenly want a new laptop?)

Spreadsheet

If you’re buying a new machine make sure they have a spread sheet program in there. This tool becomes more valuable the more it is utilized. Even if you only run one business you might have half a dozen spreadsheets keeping everything straight.

For instance having a presence online always includes multiple web 2.0 sites and various book marking or social media sites. Trying to keep the information organized on these web sites alone can be confusing without the spreadsheet.

Gmail

The reason these two items are listed back to back is that Gmail has a spreadsheet program available. One of the tasks I’ll have to work through with my associates is helping them get their spreadsheets backed up online for their convenience.

From the very beginning of my online business experience Gmail came highly recommended because almost everything you need that isn’t on your actual business website can be found there. If you’ve got the webcam built into the laptop you can send me a video message from the deck of the cruise ship to brighten my day; all from Gmail.

Running a business from anywhere requires tools that are also available wherever we are. The internet business model is convenient because most of what we need is stored online somewhere. Even though the laptop has a 350G hard drive, it makes more sense to store the videos online.

Headphones

I put it on the list because they should be in the laptop case already.

Cell Phone

If I didn’t include this, the first 5 comments would be telling me I forgot to list the cell phone.

I don’t go to bed at night or downstairs for breakfast without my cell phone. Not everyone keeps this device with them all the time. I still know people who don’t have reception at their homes. It’s easier for them to drive off without them because they haven’t touched it all day.

Even with a laptop that can double as a cell phone, I’d recommend this device for anyone that runs their business from anywhere they go.