Mobile Office Set Up – Getting Ready For 2021
Technology cannot be overlooked when running a business in 2020. Business owners have been forced to run their businesses from remote locations changing the way things have been done. Below are some tips that will help entrepreneurs save money, streamline processes, promote their products and services in new ways, and work more productively.
Technology also provides small business owners the ability to create mobile offices so they can work from anywhere, at any time. This kind of mobility helps small business owners become more flexible to accommodate the ever changing times.
During this pandemic many of our Expert Business Solutions clients have asked what they need to do to make their business mobile ready for 2021. Below is some suggestions for creating an operational office that allows you to work anywhere at any time.
Pick The Right Mobile Computer
Every business requires a computer, you need to make sure it’s a light and movable system that you can take with you when you leave your main office. Most users have removed desktop computers from their main office and run an extra display powered with a laptop or notebook machine.
Depending on the work you do, you may need a powerhouse laptop, such as a Lenovo Thinkpad T15G. If you can get by with something lighter, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is lightweight, compact and secure. You may even be able to get by with an Ideapad Slim if all you are simply exchanging emails and keeping up with social media.
With the current increase in resources offered in new laptop computers you will not be limited by features only simply by screen size. Just like the cost of televisions at Costco, the price of secondary displays have become much more affordable so adding a monitor to your mobile setup isn’t as much of a financial commitment as it used to be.
Ensure You Have Reliable and Secure Internet
You can’t run a business these days without the Internet as Wi-Fi hotspots are not going to cut it. First, free access points are not reliable enough for your business. Secondly, Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure. We do not recommend using one with a business computer because it can put your data at risk.
One alternative is a high-speed mobile card, or a MiFi. If you’re not going to use your MiFi on a regular basis, you can always tether your computer to your cell phone, and use its internet connection. This can eat up the data on your plan so ensure you have an adequate data plan to cover this usage.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you protect your data by using an encrypted password.
And don’t forget about our blog about running your business during the pandemic, read here.
Use The Cloud To Access Your Data
If you have multiple computers (ie: a desktop in the office and a laptop for mobile working), you will need a way to share files between your computers. Emailing yourself or using a USB drive to move files from one computer to the other is a manual option, however This is tedious. A better option is using an online cloud backup service that will automatically backup and sync your data across all your devices.
Most users these days have access to Google Drive or a similar cloud-based service allowing files to be truly “portable” and accessible wherever you have a connection. But again, be aware of the security risks.
Ensure System Updates Are Current
There is nothing worse than turning on your computer only to see that “SYSTEM UPDATE” notification that requires you to download and install. This is a serious productivity-killer, especially when you’re mobile and using your data. We suggest setting updates to run automatically off peak work hours as this will avoid any unnecessary downtime.
Don’t forget to have a reliable anti-virus software installed and updated. Don’t skip those security patches that need to be installed. Keeping your system updated and virus-free should be stressed to every employee and device being used.
Don’t Forget The Mobile Accessories
Whether it’s a power pack, wireless headphones, or your favorite mouse, make sure your mobile office is ready to support your work habits. We recommend using a power pack instead of a power cord for your mobile computer, we have heard far too many stories of a power surge from an unexpected power spike from a local coffee shop.
We hope these tips help you create the perfect mobile workspace for 2021. You will be surprised how productive being mobile can be.
