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Last summer it seemed as if I was always searching for a hotspot for my laptop. I like to spend this time of year with my family - traveling and such - but I also have to stay in touch with the office. There has to be a better way with all of this mobile technology, but I'm not sure what it is. Do you?

Tim

Well, I suppose it's appropriate I answer this question now, as I am presently sitting in an airport while on layover after having given a speech and want to use my time effectively. We all have some tricks that enable us to better run our businesses or franchises while on the go and here are some of the best I have come across:

1. Use mobile broadband. So let's say you're at the beach for a week yet still need to review the final draft of that proposal before it goes out the door. What do you do?

Most of us would amble into town, laptop in tow, and find a hotspot at a Starbucks or something. Here's a better idea: A mobile broadband connection card will allow you to access the Net almost anywhere your carrier's mobile broadband network goes, and that means you can download the file onto your mobile from the beach. If you use a major wireless carrier with an extensive broadband network, you can get files almost anywhere.

2. Get that important call forwarded, wherever you happen to be: If you simply must get that important call or message while on vacation (shame on you . . . and me!), instead of calling your office voicemail every few hours, use this trick: Sign up for remote call forwarding, which forwards all calls and voicemails to your mobile phone.

3. Get the right kind of phone for the job: Certain jobs require certain phones, and depending upon your needs, a specialized phone might be useful.

For instance consider a "ruggedized" phone (which is a new one to me, but maybe that's not saying much.) If your summer adventures are going to take you to the great outdoors - biking, hiking, backpacking, river rafting, and so on - then look at a phone designed for such "rugged" conditions. Originally created for the military, these phones can handle extreme environmental conditions including, dust, shock, rain, vibration, and/or extreme temperatures.

Even better: Rugged phones are now Bluetooth-enabled, have large screens viewable in bright sun, and have plenty of memory and battery life. Moreover, you can instantly send and receive calls if you get one with a walkie-talkie feature, making it even easier to stay in touch with the troops.

If indeed you do plan on getting a new phone for work, consider too getting one with a keyboard big enough to actually type on; some of these phones' keyboards seems as if they are designed to be typed on by children, not adults. In the alternative, consider getting a portable keyboard that could be plugged into your phone.

4. Get GPS: Smart phones with GPS now can give you step-by-step driving directions, maps, trip plans, and much more.

5. Access Outlook on the go: Today's smart phones also let you access Outlook and other email and contact programs, so even if you do miss that call, you can look up the contact's info and call him or her back.

It's nice to know that you don't have to always lug your laptop with you. Today's powerful phones offer a simple, clear alternative in certain circumstances.

About Steve Strauss

Need a speaker for your next event? Contact Steve! He is one of the world's leading business experts, a popular speaker on the business lecture circuit, and is sure to leave any audience thrilled. A columnist for USA TODAY, lawyer, and author, his latest book is The Small Business Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed in Your Small Business.
You can sign up today for his free newsletter, "Small Business Success Secrets!" at his business web site- www.MrAllBiz.com.

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