Thanks to technology, working from home is easier than ever. There are a whole host of tools available to us to enable us to sit in the comfort of our own homes/local soft play centre/coffee shop and work in places and at times that are convenient for us. However, it is nigh on impossible to get anything done in the business world without taking advantage of technology, whether it be a computer, mobile phone or another device.
The problem is that there are so many things out there, promising to make your life easier in one way or another and it can feel overwhelming to know which ones to use and which ones add to our workload. Here, we look at some of the key items of technology and other tools that can help you to run your work from home business efficiently.
1.A computer
These days, a computer is no longer a luxury when it comes to business – it’s essential. It will undoubtedly be your most important tool, whatever industry you work in. It allows you to run a website, manage orders, have social media accounts, send emails and everything else in between. Because it is so important, you should try to buy the very best one that your budget allows. Computer technology becomes outdated very quickly, keep up with updates and upgrade your machine as often as you can. These days, more people tend to go for laptops over desktop computers. While they are generally more expensive, they offer much more in terms of flexibility, allowing you to work wherever you want. It is also important to make sure that you have decent tech support, such as Tech Live Connect on hand. The last thing you want is to hit a problem with technology and not be able to work.
2. Internet and phone
Without a reliable internet connection and phone line, you are probably going to find it a bit of a challenge to run a business. After all, how will you stay in touch with customers and clients? Before you sign up to an internet provider, do your research and make sure they offer everything that you need. You might also want to consider some form of portable internet access, such as a dongle, to allow you to work out of the house.
When it comes to phones, having a landline is seen as more professional, and some internet providers insist that you have one if you have their internet connection. However, a reliable mobile phone contract is also important for any out of hours emergencies or if you are out of the office. You don’t have to give your customers or clients this number as many providers enable you to divert calls from your landline to your mobile.
3. Access to a cloud storage system
The days of storing files and information on hard drives and memory sticks are long gone, with cloud-based storage taking over. There are plenty of options available, from Dropbox to Google Drive. These allow you to access what you need wherever you are.
What are your tech must-haves when it comes to working from home?
