How to Run a Business on the Road

Imagine sipping a cappuccino in a quaint Parisian cafe while closing deals or brainstorming your next big project.

For many entrepreneurs, running a business while traveling isn’t just a dream, it’s a practical and exhilarating reality. But, as freeing as it sounds, it comes with its unique set of challenges. 

So, how do you ensure that your business thrives while you’re exploring new horizons? Here’s a breakdown of some top tips to keep your business running smoothly on the road.

Stay Connected Whenever Possible

It goes without saying that robust internet connectivity is the backbone of managing a business remotely.

So, wherever you go, make sure to either invest in a local SIM card or consider a global WiFi service provider to keep you connected with your team.

However, no matter how well you plan things, the internet gods aren’t always in your favor, there will be unexpected downtimes and you need to have offline tasks lined up during such times so that it doesn’t impact your productivity.

The Art of Time Zone Juggling

When you’re in Tokyo, and your team is in New York, managing time zones can become a real brain teaser. Use tools like World Time Buddy to avoid confusion and set clear communication windows. 

Consider scheduling a regular “office hour” where you’re available for calls and check-ins, no matter where you are in the world. This not only simplifies scheduling but also lets your team and clients know when they can reliably reach you.

Automate As Much As You Can

In order to make this work, you will have to automate as much as possible, and fortunately, we live during the golden age of automation and digital transformation, with plenty of tools and solutions aimed at precisely this. 

For instance, HVAC business software pioneered by Service Fusion has allowed many business owners in this space to adopt a similar lifestyle, working remotely or even being absentee owners.

Consider starting small, only using automation for certain low-impact, repetitive, and routine tasks, before scaling things up more meaningfully. This includes scheduling your social media posts, the creation and delivery of invoices, and managing your email inbox, among other things.

Practice Documentation

It’s easy to lose track of details when you’re constantly moving from place to place, which is why proper tracking and documentation are cornerstones for running a successful business remotely.

With the use of cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, alongside note-taking apps such as Evernote and Notion, this is easy to accomplish, and can be very beneficial, whether it is to take notes during meetings, or capture a fleeting thought or sudden spark of inspiration.

Cultivate A Mobile Mindset

Adjusting your work expectations is crucial when you’re frequently on the move. You might not always have the perfect work setup, so learning to work effectively from a noisy cafe or a cramped hotel room is key. Invest in noise-canceling headphones and a portable laptop stand to make any space work-friendly.

Train Your Team For Remote

If your business model allows, build a team that’s skilled in remote work. This means finding people who are not only talented but also excellent communicators and self-starters. 

Having a team that’s experienced in remote operations can significantly smooth out potential bumps on the road. This is crucial for the digital nomad lifestyle to work, and it is great if your business accommodates even your employees to work remotely.

Constant Monitoring

Working remotely as a business owner doesn’t mean slacking off, or being hands-off, in anything, it requires a more hands-on involvement by owners to keep workers engaged, and operations chugging along.

As such, constant monitoring and regular check-ins with your team and clients are absolutely critical, and this doesn’t mean just quick responses to emails, but rather regular video calls, conference meetings, updates and feedback sessions.

Embrace Local Workspaces

Hotel rooms, cafes, and beaches are wonderful places to work, but at times a dedicated workspace becomes unavoidable. This is where you can embrace local workspaces and co-working spaces, which often come with dedicated high-speed internet, and other necessary conveniences to conduct business.

There are, of course, world renowned options such as WeWork which offer best-in-class facilities, but local alternatives could work just as well, often at a lower price point. 

Conclusion

Running a business on the road isn’t for the faint-hearted. It requires a mix of meticulous planning, flexibility, and the right tools. 

But with these practices in place, you can enjoy the thrill of travel without sacrificing your business goals. Who knows? The next great idea might just come while you’re lounging on a beach in Bali or navigating the bustling streets of Mumbai.