7 Top Tips for the Travelling Entrepreneur
If you are rarely in one spot for more than a meeting or a business lunch, and when you do eventually get back to the office you’ve got a ‘to do’ list as long as your arm, with call backs to make & enquiries via email to deal with, then here are some tips to save you time and get this done ‘Virtually’, while you’re in transit.
1. A Virtual Phone Number
A virtual number is typically the 800 or 0800/0870 type numbers which are usually attached to businesses. You can purchase one of these numbers – and generally, redirect the calls to a landline or mobile phone. This also maintains consistency in your business practices, as you will never need to change your number when you change locations.
2. Call Answering
It’s a fact that 70% of callers will not leave a message if you don’t answer the phone, so if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in meetings or unavoidable situations, then consider hiring a virtual receptionist. You can route your virtual number through to wherever you’d like when you are not available or on vacation, or simply have it diverted permanently, safe in the knowledge that your calls are always covered. Your virtual receptionist will then relay the call backs and important messages to you.
3. Virtual Address
Working from home or on-the-go is a favorable option, especially in the current climate where offices are closing due to the economic downturn. Why spend money renting an office space just for an address? Utilize a service where they handle your mail, then have it delivered to your ‘Virtual Address’, and at this point your PA or mail handler can sift through the junk mail and scan/email or fax the essential pieces to your current location.
4. Virtual Post
Can’t get to the post office on time? There are several services out there now which will allow you to email documents and information – and they’ll print it and send it for you. The service will actually format your document and walk it to the post box or mail company.
5. Email Handling
How many times have you subscribed to newsletters and mailers even though you only require a small fraction of the information which is sent? Do you really have the time to sift through all that data to find what you’re really looking for? Get a virtual mail box for these types of sign ups, and then have your VA handle the sorting. This will leave your primary mailbox free for only important mail – and will save you all the hassle.
6. Collaboration
Find a VA who utilizes online collaboration software or a client project space. Keep everything perfectly organized in just one place, and subscribe for updates by RSS. One simple stream of workflow which you can keep up to date constantly – even with your mobile devices.
7. Mobile Device
Which brings me to the mobile devices. Make sure you have a hand held computer to avoid carrying around a laptop or briefcase. Always carry your virtual office in your pocket!
Honorable mention: Pack light, travel right. Get yourself a nice piece of carry on luggage to make the trip super-smooth.
Are you always on-the- go? Don’t forget to give us your tips in a comment before you rush off!
Adam Toren
