For mompreneurs online, travelling does not necessarily mean putting business on hold. With a little pre-planning, your clients will not even realize you have left the house.
The first thing that you need to consider is your schedule. If you normally do all of your work in the early morning hours, you may need to adjust somewhat, especially if you will be doing a lot of driving. The last thing you want is to allow yourself to become overly fatigued behind the wheel. You can always catch up on things later after you check into your hotel. And don’t expect to get the same amount of work done as you usually do. It’s just not realistic.
The next thing is that you want to make sure that you will have access to the internet. These days, most hotels have free wi-fi–but some still don’t. Also, some of the upscale hotels in downtown areas charge over $20 per day for access, which can add substantially to your stay.
Also, you want to try to book some time with one or more clients or potential clients and/or business partners so that you can write-off part of your trip. Keeping receipts and careful records will help you to maximize your deductions later, so make sure you put them where you can find them.
But what about the kids?
Travelling with children poses its own challenges without the added complications of work and business activities. You know that already. Again, it’s all about the preparation. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Check out several audiobooks from your local library and transfer them onto an ipod or mp3 player. With an adapter that will enable you to play it over the car stereo system, you will be able to occupy your children while you make a few pressing calls, using a hands-free device, of course.
2. Find a Redbox along the way–Walgreens, McDonalds, Wal-Mart, select gas stations and convenience stores–and pick up a movie for the kids so that you can listen to audio training on a personal ipod/mp3 player while you drive. Only use one side of the earphones when driving, though.
3. Plan stops that coordinate with your conference calls. Rest areas are getting very nice, with shaded picnic areas, playground equipment, and clean restrooms.
4. Block time with your kids that will not involve any interruptions from business activities to create lasting memories with them. All work and no play makes Mom a real drag.
One thing to remember is that you cannot control everything. If you think there may be a disruption in the services that you offer, alert your clients ahead of time to avoid a misunderstanding. Scheduling consulting appointments for after your return may not only be more practical, but may also create the perception that you are in demand and that your time is more valuable.
Last but not least, take time for yourself during your trip. Read a good book along the way. Relax a little. You are supposed to be on vacation!
No related posts.
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for this post and the great ideas. I actually work a contracting job on the road and have a job next week. I was wondering how I was going to work that week.
Being prepared is the biggest part of it. Doing what I can beforehand and letting clients know I’ll be less available that week will allow me to keep my business running, even if it’s not at full capacity, with minimal interruptions.
I’ve vacationed with the biz and the kids and its actually fun. We were camping at KOA’s and the kids had so much to do they didn’t care if I was on the computer a couple hours. It was very relaxing to be working in the great outdoors while the kids were on the playground. Maybe I need to incorporate that more into my biz at home….
Kari Baxter
Renegade Marketer Pro recently posted..Accomplish More With Attraction Marketing
That is a nice post. Thanks for sharing. Smilee
Thank you Samuel.