The new rule of business: Be ready anytime, anywhere, always. You are the mobile office. I have come to understand the value of that rule as I've had to set up a mobile office on the road on several occasions. What follows is a list of the 15 items I have with me at all times on every trip.
1. A great backpack. Great backpacks have lots of pockets to help you keep everything separate, accessible and organized. I use the Targus Drifter II backpack and love it. It’s specifically designed to fit a large, 17-inch laptop. The traveler’s bonus? The yellow colored highlights on the pack make it easy to identify when it’s on the luggage bins on an airplane.
2. A big screen laptop is a must. When it comes to weight vs. size, size always wins. For every 30 minutes you spend whining about lugging an extra 6 ounces around the airport, you’ll spend 10 grateful hours that you did. Save your eyes by staring at a full-size screen instead of something the size of postage stamp.
3. A mini power strip. I have a mini four-port power strip in my backpack at all times (you can pop-quiz me the next time you see me). Why? Because when you’re at an airport and outlets are nowhere to be found, you can pull someone else’s cord (with their permission, of course), plug in your strip, plug them back in and then have three more spots for you.
4. A USB mini LED lamp. When things get dark, like on an airplane, a USB LED light will light up your keyboard, or double for a flashlight.
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5. Dry food. The only thing that chews up more power than your laptop is you. Feed the beast (you). I always have 2,000 calories of dry food supplies, and a bottle of water, with me. Almonds, KIND bars, M&Ms, dried apples and, yes, more M&Ms are all sealed in bags in my backpack.
6. Foldable headset. I use my laptop for Skyping and listening to podcasts, music and movies. I’ve found a Logitech foldable headset does the job for anything I need to listen to, without annoying those around me.
7. Construction-class ear plugs. I used to use those expensive, bulky noise-canceling headsets when I was flying around the country. But they aren't nearly as effective as a pair of $1 earplugs. I upgraded to the reusable $3 ones they use on construction sites and love them.
8. Sunglasses and earmuffs. Weather around the world is crazy. You never know what the weather or temperatures are going to be when you land, so I always have an extra pair of sunglasses and earmuffs in my backpack. Both have saved me on multiple occasions.
9. Papers and pens. I keep three legal pads of paper and about 10 pens with me at all times. True, I feel like an office supply store, but when you have no power or need to be on the move constantly ... nothing beats pen and paper.
10. Clean undies, socks, t-shirt. If you travel a lot, odds are an airline will lose your luggage. At that time, having a fresh change of clothes is priceless. I always have spares with me in a bag that can then double as my dirty laundry bag.
11. Pepto-Bismol, aspirin, deodorant, baby wipes. With these four things you can fly for 24 hours straight, land and go directly to a meeting smelling great—baby wipes and a little deodorant serve as a mobile shower. And you can do dinner and drinks with your brand new client all night, and still wake up feeling great thanks to the Pepto and aspirin.
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12. Cables. Wireless isn’t always an option, nor is it always a secure or fast option when it is available. I always have an Ethernet cable. Almost every location still supports plugging in, and the speeds are almost always far superior to wireless. I have a USB, firewire and two power cables. That way I can plug into anything, and if my most important power cable dies, I have a backup.
13. Adapters. I have a power adapter for European standards. True, not all adapters work in all countries, but if you travel to the same spots regularly you will find the ones you need. With one power adapter, I can plug in my 4-plug power strip and get power for everything I need.
14. Books. Call me old school, but I still don't have a Kindle or iPad. I still read books the old-fashioned way—on paper. The great news is I can read at any time (including takeoff and landing) and write notes directly into the books. At any time I’ve got three paperbacks in my backpack.
15. Mints and ChapStick. You’d think this would go into the duh! category, but road warrior after road warrior forgets. Always have mints or breath strips with you, since you will find yourself at times without access to your toothpaste. ChapStick is also a must to help combat the dry air on air planes and in hotel rooms.
Admittedly my backpack isn’t light. But carrying the weight, probably 10 to 15 pounds, is a small price to pay for my ability to do business anywhere, anytime. What's in your bag?
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