Top Tools for Running your Business Abroad
The desk life just isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful business. Having the right tools with you can make it easier to enjoy your new Digital Nomad life.
When it comes to these tools, you have to look both at hardware, and software. What products and services will fit you best, and are an addition to your travel experience, rather than a detriment.
Tool #1 – A new Laptop
If you currently have a laptop, there may be nothing wrong with it. Today’s portable computers are built well, and last much further than their older brethren. So why would we suggest such a large expense when you’re just about to start travelling and building a new business?
Because of the small differences.
At first glance, any new laptop may seem the same as your older one. Afterall, it’s a screen and a keyboard. It may have a few fancy new features, but is it really worth it if your current laptop works? Well, yes.
The main benefits are going to come from 3 places: Battery Life, Processor, and WiFi capabilities.
The battery life is obvious: A newer laptop will have a newer battery, which will both last longer, and will be more reliable. With laptops these days sticking to integrated and non-removable batteries, it will be a huge life saver. You won’t even have to leave your beach chair in order to recharge! The processor is a bit more interesting: newer processors are not only more powerful, but they are also more efficient. Efficiency in this case refers to power drain – meaning providing more battery life for more power. Finally, WiFi is improving everywhere in the world, but new technologies like WiFi 6 are not commonly used yet. A newer laptop will also contain a more powerful, and also more efficient WiFi adaptor. Meaning you can get a better, more consistent signal and connection, no matter where you are.
Tool #2 – A new(ish) Smartphone
A smartphone is your companion. Between notes, contacts, calls, agenda, calendar, and myriad other features, for some it’s closer than their own family. A new smartphone can also have many of the same advantages of a new laptop, meaning a newer, more efficient processor, a newer battery, and more powerful signal.
But unlike a laptop where usually the higher you go in price, the better it is, with smartphones, you’d want to be aiming at a new – but midrange – smartphone. Why midrange?
Today’s midrange smartphones tend to be more powerful than yesterday’s flagships. The technology is moving THAT fast. And some of the limitations are what make the midrange phone experience better than a flagship for travelling.
The processor tends to be more conservative. While certainly fast, it will draw less power, by the fact that it’s more efficient than previous processors. Battery life tends to be better on midrange devices, with companies not being as concerned with aesthetics, making thicker devices with chunkier batteries. And things like a lower resolution screen, and less gimmicky features tend to leave you with a solid smartphone experience, for a smaller price, and no frills. Since today’s devices are built as a SOC (system on a chip), the same improvements in terms of signal strength and performance will be included.
And of course, less people will want to steal your chunky plastic brick, rather than your shiny new iPhone.
Tool #3 – VideoConferencing Software
If you work with a team, you’ll want to speak with your team. If you work with clients… you’ll probably want to speak to your clients. As you’re travelling, email and messaging may be the best way to reach you, and conversely communicate with your stakeholders. But text on a screen pales with comparison with a phone call. And that in itself pales in comparison to a full fledged face-to-face conversation. Videoconferencing is the next best thing, and one more of the essential tools you need.
You can truly engage all of the senses of a viewer when they can both see, and hear you.
Just make sure that you’re not calling in from a beautiful beach somewhere, if the place you’re calling is in the middle of a dark and dreary winter.
Tool #4 – Noise Cancelling Headphones
Silence is Golden. On a plane? Put on your headphones and relax. In a busy cafe? Put on your headphones and tune out the noise. Making a video call to your clients? Better believe you need to put those headphones on. Yes the noise cancelling needs a charge, but the trade off is worth it. The sound of silence speaks for itself.
Consider a wired pair, that can be plugged in to the laptop to save some battery life. But with smartphones these days dropping the headphone jack, you may find yourself having to go completely wireless. Which can be a microcosm for your new life, living untethered from your desk.
Tool #5 – A Notebook
Know what the tools above this one all need? Yup, the occasional charge.
Even with a new laptop with a highly efficient processor, a new midrange phone with a massive battery, and some great new headphones… you’re gonna run out of juice.
Know what doesn’t run out of battery? A notebook and a trusty pen. Has worked for centuries, and will work for centuries more. Take down notes, write appointments and important information. And even doodle while you’re waiting for your laptop to charge.
A notebook may be the most essential of the tools on that list. Except for just one more…
Tool #6 – Sunglasses
To enjoy the beaches you’ll be visiting of course.
So if you’re ready to start your new business venture, and have a great time travelling. But still need a central place to receive your mail, and a competent staff to answer your phone, then look no further than Virtual Business Offices. Pick your package and sign up today!
