As a small business owner, you have many responsibilities that simply can’t be covered by a stand-in when you aren’t around, and closing down isn’t a viable option when it’s time to travel for work or play. And if you travel often, this can pose a serious problem.
But traveling doesn’t have to be stressful if you know how to make it work. A few simple adjustments will keep the organization running smoothly in your absence. Read on to learn how a business address rental and other ideas can help you effectively run a business while traveling.
Run a Business While Traveling With These 6 Tips
We’ve got six tips for running a business while traveling that we think you’ll find useful. Whether you travel every week for work-related reasons or just want to relax for a few days on a secluded white-sand beach, the business needs to keep running seamlessly so customers aren’t left hanging while you soak up the rays.
Rent a Business Mailing Address
Being a small business owner can be a tough gig, because not only are you the primary point of contact for your customers, but you must also handle most, if not all the administrative duties. One of the most important administrative tasks is correspondence, and you don’t want to miss out on critical mail while you’re away. You also don’t want confidential items like checks or credit card statements sitting in your mailbox while you’re out of town.
One easy way to successfully run a business while traveling and make life less stressful is to hire a trusted mail-forwarding service like Forward Nevada. We’ve helped thousands of clients over the years – from small business owners to full-time RVers to active-duty military members – receive their mail in a timely, secure way, and we can help you, too. Don’t miss important correspondence when you’re out on the road. Use us to forward mail or if you need a change of address, consider our business address rental service.
Always Have WiFi With a MiFi Device
If you have a smartphone, you can use it as a WiFi hotspot. The problem is that it heavily taxes your battery, and you might end up having to replace it often, which is less than ideal since you need this for voice and text functions. You might think, well my hotel or meeting room has free WiFi, but those connections aren’t always secure, and cybersecurity is of primary importance, especially when it involves your business.
An excellent alternative is a MiFi device. Most major cell carriers offer a MiFi plan that is separate from your phone and includes a small, dedicated routing device that transmits a password secured, open connection for multiple computers or tablets. You will likely have a set data limit, but it keeps your phone free for voice and texting and offers an easy way to have a trusted internet connection anywhere on the road.
Utilize Credit Card Benefits
One way to defray some of the cost of traveling is to use credit cards that accrue points that can be used for airline tickets, hotels, and meals. Some credit cards offer a robust points program that can cut costs and may cover things like rental car insurance. If you run a business while traveling, it’s worth the time to investigate credit card perks to see what works best for your needs.
Buy Portable Chargers
With all the devices we use these days like smartphones, laptop computers, and tablets, it’s easier than ever to remain productive on the road. The problem is that something is always running out of juice. This can be quite problematic when you’re traveling and visiting a different city every day where it’s not always easy to find a free outlet to charge from. That’s why a portable charger is so valuable. You can juice up that dead phone in no time and get back to business. They also make very effective, clean-energy solar chargers that are perfect for outdoor settings.
Calibrate Your Notifications
To run a business while traveling, you can’t just pretend you’re in the office. It’s important to let your contacts know when you’re elsewhere. It’s best to set an automatic email response to announce that you’re working virtually and that a response may be delayed. You should also set alerts on your phone and group instant messenger, so contacts know you’re not available but will get back to them.
Plan For R&R
It’s easy to feel a little sad and lonely on the road. If your travel is all about work, then it’s important to avoid burnout. Everyone needs a bit of relaxation to recharge. One tip is to save some fun for the end of your trip rather than frontloading it. Get your work done when you arrive and save the best for last. Try booking a later flight home to enjoy playing tourist on your last day. You’ll find sightseeing more rewarding when you know how hard you worked to get there.
Travel In Peace: Have Your Mail Collected And Forwarded While You Travel
Don’t lose track of critical correspondence when you run a business while traveling. Take advantage of a business address rental service like Forward Nevada. Since 2004, our secure, trusted service ensures clients get all their business or personal mail. Sign up today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your mail is taken care of so you can have less stress when working on the road or sitting on that beach.