One of the best things about being a location independent professional is the ability to run a business from anywhere. But people who are going to be truly location independent need to have the right tools. Here are some of the best tools for the location independent professional.
The Right Hardware
A key starting point is having the right hardware. A computer is essential, but what kind should location independent professionals choose? Some people go for a laptop with the largest screen possible and a rugged casing so that it can stand up to travel well. This is one option, but that type of laptop will be very heavy. A much lighter alternative is a netbook -- a lightweight computer with a smaller hard drive but enough capacity to run essential programs.
For prolonged use, it's best to get an external keyboard and mouse. Go for one that's ergonomic to save hands and wrists. And don't forget about connectivity. Make sure that any laptop is WiFi enabled and consider investing in a WiFi range extender to make it easy to find an internet connection in any location.
The Right Software
Next, location independent professionals need to think about software. Many people use programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook, but there are good online alternatives to these that reduce the amount of computer storage needed and give access to essential files anywhere. For example, location independent professionals can use Google Documents to handle word processing and spreadsheets. Another option is Zoho, which offers a whole suite of online applications.
Productivity Tools
When it comes to e-mail, using Gmail or Google Apps mail gives access to e-mail wherever a person is located. While it's good to keep an off-line backup through a regular mail program, handling email online frees professionals of the need to have special software and keeps the computer uncluttered. Another option is to use portable applications from a site such as PortableApps.com. Here professionals can access a whole range of office and productivity tools that can be run from a USB pen drive.
Managing Tasks and Appointments
Contacts, tasks and calendar management are essential for the location independent professional. Once again, there is life beyond Outlook. Google Calendar integrates with a range of other calendar options and you can update it in a number of ways. It's particularly useful for those who have to manage multiple calendars and location independent professionals can integrate Google Tasks for easy task management. Another useful task management application is Remember The Milk, though there are several others that are popular with users.
Online Backup Tools
Finally, location independent professionals need to think about backup. More than anyone, they are reliant on being able to access key documents wherever they are. Using an online backup system not only keeps documents secure but gives another way to make sure that the work environment is bullet proof. Good recommendations for online backup tools include Syncplicity and MozyBackup.
Sharon Hurley Hall - I am an expert web content writer, with more than 20 years' experience writing for newspapers, magazines and websites. I write ebooks, web ...
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