The Mom Boss Secret Weapon? Get It All Done in Your Mobile Office – And Then Relax at Home
Connie Peters
|
I work on the go. That means I often have to work in my car.
We often do as moms, don’t we? I juggle my kids’ schedules in addition to my own while being the sole ‘chauffeur’ for daytime activities, school, playdates, meetings, and errands. But sometimes I get time in between pick-ups, drop-offs, and activities- making the car the perfect mobile office. I mean really, you’re a #boss and you’ve got things to do and goals to meet. Why waste time just sitting there when you can get some work done?
I asked a few mama bosses to share tips on managing time and working more proficiently in the car. So here are some tips to help you work from your car like a BOSS.
Related: Apple Car Play and Android Auto Explained
Connect to WIFI in your mobile office using your cell phone as a hotspot. Photo: Canva
In-Car WiFi
Many vehicle brands now offer WiFi packages for a monthly subscription fee. Ford and GM, for example, have WiFi plans throughout almost their entire fleet. A car’s wifi signal can often be stronger than your phone’s hotspot since it pulls the signal directly to the top of the car rather than struggling to get it through the metal and glass that surrounds you.
I don’t subscribe to my vehicle’s WiFi plan due to cost, but I can turn on my mobile hotspot and connect my laptop to it at any time. Just be sure your monthly data plan on your mobile is robust enough to sustain your usage.
You pay a monthly fee for in-car WiFi, so if your phone’s data plan is limited, it can be a good option. You’ll just need to decide if you want to share the password with the kids.
Related: How to Have a Clean Car Even If You Have Kids
View this post on Instagram
Tote Bags that Carry it All
You definitely need a tote for your mobile office. It needs to be large enough that you can squeeze everything you need plus a snack and water bottle. Choose something that is sturdy and stylish, but also budget-friendly. There are some cute styles ranging from under $20 to over $300 or more; here are two we like:
Lacoste: $98 on Amazon
What to Keep in Your Tote Bag
- A book to read (business or otherwise)
- Your laptop and charger
- Notebook and pen
- Screen cleaning cloth
- Business cards
- Your five-minute to-do list (my go-to efficiency secret–keep reading!)
I’m currently reading Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson. Photo: Connie Peters
Chargers and Cords
Always keep a cord to charge your cell phone in the car. If your car doesn’t have USB ports, get an adapter so that you can always be fully charged and ready to get on a call or work on your device.
For your laptop, charge it through the night so it’s ready to leave with you in the morning. Keep an extra cable and household plug adapter in the car for coffee shop meetings or charging in the car.
5-Minute To-Do List
We all have a bunch of things on our to-do list that only take five minutes or less. Perhaps it’s engaging on your Instagram account for a few minutes, registering for a conference or sending an invoice. Make a list for easy reference.
I use an app called Wunderlist to keep my lists all in one place.
- Download the App
- Create a new list called ‘5-minute To Dos’
- Enter each and any short on time task you can think of that you need to do!
Voila! Next time you’re in the car waiting for a class to end or a kid to arrive, you have a quick reference for something productive you could be achieving!
Two Minute Phone Call List
There are always appointments to be made and people to follow up with. Use this time in the car while you wait for someone to call; your doctor, your mom, a current or potential client.
I enjoy reading business-related books for inspiration, learning, and more. Photo: Connie Peters
Listen to a Podcast or Audio Book While Driving
I have a few favorite business podcasts I listen to while driving. Use the time you must sit in traffic, commute or even just while you wait for pickups to brush up on a new business skill or get motivated with a guru on a great podcast.
Podcasts I Love are:
The Sunny Show Podcast – a business tips podcast by YouTube Expert, Sunny Lenarduzi
Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield – online marketing tips podcast with the amazing Amy Porterfield
The Smart Passive Income Podcast with Patt Flynn – so many great blogging tips on Patt Flynn’s podcast
Mom Brain with Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz – these two type-A successful moms have the same challenges and moments we all do
Work in the Car = Relax at Home
The last thing I want to do when I finally get home at the end of the day is open my laptop and work. And while driving, chauffering my kids and spending time in traffic can take a toll on a productive work day, if I make the most of those moments in between I can relax at home when I get there!
