The Mobile Office – it’s here to stay!

While preparing for a month long stint out of the office from next week I’m just reflecting on how easy it has becoming to undo the shackles that tie us to our desk. With the communication options available today the excuses for not getting out and about are becoming less justifiable.

Everything I need to take with me from the office now fits into a small computer bag (laptop and wireless stick) and my pocket (iPhone). The endless manila folders, etc are really not necessary to my being able to function. The iPhone alone has meant my compulsion to have the laptop setup has gone, I am in touch with the business, my customers and the world through this marvelous device.

Here’s a great example. A couple of weeks ago I was at a restaurant celebrating my daughter’s 5th birthday on a Friday evening. During a lull in the festivities I had a quick look at my email on my phone. Here I find a distressed email from a customer that had gone to South America without his service being configured for roaming and was trying to get a call out. In the good old days, this would not have been able to be sorted until the next day because the customer had emailed me directly. I was able to enable the customers service for roaming before the candles were blown out and nobody at the party even noticed that I was working.

I guess the downside to the mobile phone is that it is hard to get completely away for a break. I prefer to look at it a different way. The upside for me is that if you are set up correctly, the mobile phone and a well prepared communications suite of products will help you stay away longer!

Some great ideas I like to use include:

• the trusty iPhone/Blackberry
• fax to email
• VPN – links me to the office from laptop or PDA
• MobileMe (Apple Product) which can be used on PC’s
• autoresponders on email automatically communicates that I am out of the office and gives the customer another option. I can also see the email and follow up if necessary.

While not all these products are provided by Telcotalk, we can provide the advice to direct our customers to the right solution for them. Yell out if you need us.

Till next time

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