Traveling is a fact of life when you're in the business world. But being on the road doesn't mean that you have to fall behind on your work. Use these five tips to stay productive - even when you're traveling.
1. Store Everything in One Central Place
Cloud-based applications make everything easier. You can access documents, calendars and a host of other things from any device, anywhere. But there are times when you'll need to save and store documents the old-fashioned way. If you don't, you'll find yourself at a standstill if you can't find access to Wi-Fi.
Make sure that you store all essential documents - and anything else you'll need - on one device. Having everything in one central location will prevent frustration and headaches later on down the road. Otherwise, you might find yourself rummaging through multiple devices - or calling Susan at the office to have her email you the latest copy of that client agreement you had been working on.
2. Time Your Tasks Wisely
Need to work on an intensive project? You may want to wait until you're not sitting in the airport listening for your flight to be called.
Use those brief periods of downtime to work on less-intensive tasks. Save the in-depth projects for longer breaks or when you know you'll have peace and quiet.
3. Adapt to Your Method of Travel
What if you're driving and not flying? Texting and driving is illegal and unsafe; so is using a handheld device.
Using a hands-free device, you can schedule those calls you had been meaning to take care of. This less-intensive task doesn't require too much of your attention, so you can get things done without putting your safety at risk.
If you're flying or riding as a passenger in a vehicle, you have more leeway to get things done. Just remember that Wi-Fi is very slow when you're up in the air, so you may want to focus on tasks that don't require Internet connection.
4. Network
Traveling is a great opportunity for networking. Whether you're in the airport, dining at a local restaurant or attending a conference, there are new people to meet just about everywhere you go.
Make it a point to be friendly to everyone you come across. You never know who you might meet - and who might change your career.
5. Plan Ahead for More Intensive Tasks
If a busy airport isn't the best place to work on intensive tasks, where is? That is something you'll have to plan for. You should have a good idea of where you're going and how long you'll be at each place. Plan ahead, and schedule your more intensive tasks for when you'll have more time to yourself.
Maybe you can work at the local coffee shop while you have your breakfast, or in the hotel room at the end of the day. Either way, planning ahead will help ensure that you get things done and aren't scrambling to find a time and place to focus.
