Travel Alternatives

Mobile professionals don't always need to travel in order to be able to meet with clients and co-workers. Using available mobile office technologies, they can still meet and talk with others and not even leave their offices. The key to working successfully with these technologies is having quality equipment and ensuring that you have tested it prior to an important meeting. Doing your research in advance will allow you to create positive work relationships and require less travel.

Using Other Laptops

• Using Internet Cafes
  If you really cannot avoid traveling, then consider using Internet Cafes as an option. Using an Internet cafe while traveling can provide mobile workers with an alternative work place and means of accessing the Internet. There are some issues of which to be aware of before using an Internet cafe and safety precautions which should be taken.
  Before you leave your laptop at home, check with co-workers and do research on the Internet Cafes that will be available in the locations you are traveling to. Some Internet Cafes have restrictions on the types of activities that you can do, others have limited programs available to use. Make sure you find out if you can connect a portable storage drive for retrieving documents.
• Borrow A Laptop
  Before you leave on your trip, check with the company or clients you will be visiting to learn if there will be a laptop or desktop computer available for your use during your stay. Many companies have computer stations set up for visitors. If this is the case, then you can email yourself documents or files so that you don't have to carry CDs, DVDs or portable file storage devices.
Access Your Work Computer Remotely
Mobile professionals must have the means to remotely access their work (in office) computer with minimal fuss and which can be installed and set up by themselves. Frequent long distance travelers don’t need the expense or hassle of relying on their tech people to talk them through remote access installations.

Web Conferencing

Web conferencing is another viable and easy to use solution for mobile professionals.

• Web Cameras for Mobile Workers
  Web cams provide you with the ability to connect with co-workers and participate in meetings, without leaving your home office. These are a very valuable tool for telecommuters. With a web camera you can use it to keep in touch, and keep that {ol}face time with your co-workers. Most web cameras are easy to set up & use right from the box. You don't need to spend time learning new software.
• Before You Participate in a Web Conference
  Participating in a web conference can be a nerve-wracking experience the first time. Whether you are leading the web conference or just a participant, here are some tips to help you make your web conference experience the best it can be. Remember to act naturally and smile, you don't have to be a wooden statue.

VOiP

• VoIP
  A technology which uses Internet Protocols for transmissions. VoIP enables users of broadband Internet access to make phone calls to other VoIP users and regular phones.
VoFi - Wireless Voice Over Internet Protocols This method of VoIP takes advantage of wireless networks. It is a way to make long distance phone calls without the usual expenses. VoFi is still in the early stages at this time but will soon become more available to consumers.
1. What Benefits Does VoIP Provide?
   Why should I or my company consider using VoIP? How will it help mobile professionals?
2. What Kind of Equipment Do I Need for Using VoIP
   I've heard about VoIP but don't understand what kind of equipment I need in order to use it. What do I need?

Lastly, make sure you have spent time practicing and using these alternative methods so that you can avoid Communication Confusion. Working in a mobile environment entails using a variety of methods for communicating with co-workers and clients. Each of these methods involve challenges for communication and it's important to know how to cope with these challenges and prevent communication confusion.