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

In today's business world, it's commonplace to conduct business on the go – in the car, at a trade show, at the airport, from a client's office, even in a foreign country. With the right technology and equipment, you can be wired for business anywhere, anytime. By taking your business mobile, you can:

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

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.
Try: 

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.
Try: 

Business.com has technology guides for every type of mobile business product. Find the right laptop at CNET.com. 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.
Try: 

The BlackBerry and iPhones are two of the top smartphones our there today.

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.
Try: 

Ask your credit card processor for recommendations. MerchantSeek provides services for wireless payment processing. Read Business.com's guide on "Mobile Credit Card Processing" to learn more.

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.
Try: 

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 or Staples.

• 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.