Although there are still holdouts, we are moving to a world where remote work is typical. \u00a0The regulars at local coffee houses, Starbucks, and Panera\u00a0are just part of the proof. \u00a0You can also find some “rent-a-space” options in many cities where a temporary office is available for travelers or those that need a change of scenery. \u00a0When you have a job that is sometimes at an office and sometimes on the road, it can be frustrating to keep up with all of your tech and office supplies.\u00a0 These times are when a “go” bag comes in handy.<\/p>\n
Paper and writing implements are important in a go bag, but power plugs and cables are even more critical.\u00a0 We are a connected generation that needs our electronic tools.\u00a0 Whether it is a tablet, a smartphone, or a laptop, power is essential.\u00a0 Even though battery life for these devices is getting better, you never know when you will need more.\u00a0 In fact, Murphy’s law tells us that we will need that plug or cable most when we do not have one available.<\/p>\n
That leads to the first thing that is good for your bag.\u00a0 A cable, plug and maybe even recharging block for your primary devices.\u00a0 I have found these to be highly useful over the last few years.\u00a0 I have also purchased these items solely for my “go” backpack.\u00a0 That way I never take them out (and risk the chance of forgetting where I put them) unless I need them away from my office.\u00a0 If you share time in an office and at home, then a second or third power cable for your laptop is essential.\u00a0 It is too easy to rush out the door and leave a cable behind.\u00a0 That can ruin a weekend trip where you were going to catch up on work.<\/p>\n
I have been surprised at how useful an extra set of earbuds and a headphone-mic combo have been in recent years as well.\u00a0 It is hard not to take calls and holding a phone while taking notes is almost impossible.\u00a0 Of course, you can always use the phone or device\u00a0speaker, but that can make it easy for others to eavesdrop.\u00a0 Oh yeah, it also is annoying to be “that guy” that is having a conversation everyone in the room has to listen to.<\/p>\n
As a bonus, carrying headphones makes it easy to relax to music, listen to a podcast, or catch up on your favorite movie or TV show when on long trips or commutes.\u00a0 I recommend you have a few select apps, albums, or movies for those longer trips.\u00a0 There is a world full of audio-visual options to match your every mood.\u00a0 These can be a great way to relax even while traveling.<\/p>\n
A “go” bag might be your laptop bag or backpack.\u00a0 That is often a great solution since you are not likely to forget to throw your laptop in its bag.\u00a0 That is how useful such accessories are.\u00a0 You may have noticed that these sort of bags have pockets and compartments for all sorts of tools and accessories.\u00a0 Take advantage of these.\u00a0 Throw a spare of things you use a lot.\u00a0 These spares might be batteries, cables, pencils, or “emergency” items like some aspirin or toothpicks.\u00a0 Kleenex is one of those things we can always use and small tools like an eyeglass repair kit can be a lifesaver.\u00a0 The better stocked your bag, the less likely you will find yourself caught short during your remote work.<\/p>\n
I would be remiss if I did not mention a few items that are not needed very often, but valuable nevertheless.\u00a0 Adapter plugs for things like a video display or power supply are important for those that do presentations.\u00a0 You can always use your laptop or tablet display, but it looks more polished to be able to plug into the local large screen display.\u00a0 USB powered items can save you headaches as well.\u00a0 Many laptops have a\u00a0backlight on the keyboard, but if yours does not then I recommend a USB light clip.\u00a0 These can allow you to work in low-light situations like riding in a vehicle at night.<\/p>\n
Everyone has their own favorite tools and accessories so your list may vary considerably from mine.\u00a0 The key is to have the things you need most in a place that is easily accessible as you are running out the door to a client meeting.\u00a0 Try creating your own “go” bag and see how much it helps you do a better job on the road or your remote work office.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Although there are still holdouts, we are moving to a world where remote work is typical. \u00a0The regulars at local coffee houses, Starbucks, and Panera\u00a0are just part of the proof. \u00a0You can also find some “rent-a-space” options in many cities where a temporary office is available for travelers or those that need a change of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":384,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[21,27,33],"class_list":["post-381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-consulting","tag-productivity","tag-remote-work"],"yoast_head":"\n