Guide to Taking a Business Mobile

Equipment and technology you need to take your business on the road

By John Henshell, Writer/Editor/Communications Consultant, John Henshell

1. Reduce downtime.
2. Increase productivity.
3. Improve customer service.
4. Increase sales.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in a vehicle

Depending on your business, you may need a van or truck to transport your gear or to serve as your workspace. Specialty vehicles are made for field use for industries such as food service, health care and repair services. Consider a GPS navigational device to help you find your way.

I recommend: Consulting firm, Specialty Vehicle Services, has a directory of special-purpose vehicle manufacturers. Universal Specialty Vehicles, and MXROS Inc. are some manufacturers. RestaurantResults.com lists vendors of mobile products for the food service industry.

Get the right computer

If you need to make presentations in sales meetings or at trade shows, or if you need to access your database software on the road, you'll need a laptop, notebook or tablet PC that can travel with you. Make sure it has all the software programs you need and that you can work on it without having to plug it in to a power outlet.

I recommend: BusinessMobile.com has technology guides for every type of mobile business product. Find the right laptop at CNET.com. Find out how to use a tablet PC on the go at Microsoft. The SAP Design Guild has a mobile business glossary to help you wade through the terminology.

Get a phone, PDA or smartphone

A cell phone is a must-have for going mobile. If you want a phone that also lets you access your email, view your calendar and log on to the Internet, you should consider a smartphone that's a combination PDA and cell phone.

I recommend: Wikipedia has a lengthy list of smartphones. The BlackBerry is a best-selling all-in-one product.

Take payments on the road

Increase your ability to make sales on the road with equipment and services that let you accept credit cards and debit cards. Options include wireless processing using your cell phone and processing using an Internet connection. Use your existing equipment or set up for wireless point-of-sale (POS). Bring change and a secure cashbox if you anticipate making cash sales.

I recommend: Ask your credit card processor for recommendations. MerchantSeek provides services for wireless payment processing.

Keep a supply of marketing materials

Always carry a supply of all your appropriate marketing materials, including business cards and brochures. If necessary, carry copies of documentation showing that your business is legal and compliant with local regulations.

I recommend: If you run out of marketing materials on the road, order more using print-on-demand. Place your order online and pick up the finished product at the nearest FedEx Kinko's, Office Depot or Staples.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Prepare for problems at outdoor events: inadequate supply of water or electricity, weather-caused problems, shortage of materials or products, understaffing, etc.
• •  You'll need a way to connect your laptop to the Internet, which could include a Wi-Fi or WiMax card, a wired modem or a cell-phone modem.