Productivity Tips for Entrepreneurs to Maximize Travel Time
Awhile back, my friend offered me the opportunity to do some traveling to a different state to visit family. We’d be on the road for several days. My first thought was, “No!” I don’t have time for that. However, if I stayed home, I’d feel like I missed out on seeing family I hadn’t seen for awhile. So is it possible keep working on your online business while you’re travelling?
In my thinking, theoretically yes, but based on past experience, it wouldn’t be easy. It’d take a lot of planning, self-discipline (and cooperation from the other travelers).
Here are some ideas I came up with:
Make a list of things to work on ahead of time- that way you know exactly what you’ll be working on, and you won’t waste time trying to remember what it was you were going to do.
Write and schedule blog posts and social media posts ahead of time.
Here are some things that don’t require so much focus that you you can do while traveling:
- Brainstorm ideas or create an outline for your next article, course or book.
- Write out your weekly or monthly goals
- Listen to some inspiring and educational podcasts and audiobooks (you may want to use noise-canceling headphones).
Here are some more tips:
- Do the things that require the most focus while you are fresh. For example, I’m the freshest in the mornings, so I try to get some writing done when we first get on the road.
- Avoid eating processed carbs and sugary foods that will cause you to feel tired. Most people eat a lot of snacks and fast foods while they’re traveling, but if you have room, take a cooler and pack your own foods to snack on- fresh fruits and vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, etc. No, I know it’s not fun, but you will feel better physically.
- Whenever the “bus” stops, get out and walk around. This will help you stay alert and get more done.
- Save the more entertaining stuff for when you’re tired. For me, that means reading an “easy-to-read and understand” book with lots of illustrations or looking through a magazine.
- Finally, give yourself some leeway. You won’t get as much done as you do normally. The biggest problems you’ll probably deal with are noise and other distractions, plus mental and physical fatigue, making it hard to focus. The upside is that when you come back, hopefully, you’ll feel invigorated, and your mind will be brimming with new ideas- so all will not be lost.
Linda Thompson, a virtual assistant, who’s lived full-time in an RV for the past 3 1/2 years shared this travel tip: “While traveling, prioritize regular work hours, preferably away from the hubbub of other activities, taking into consideration planned time with family and friends. The key word is planning: plan for work, prepare for structured time for making memories, and take time to rest, reflect, and savor time well spent.”
My friend Rick, from https://RichardRawlingsSmith.com/, had this to say, “Since we moved to Utah several years ago, I’ve learned to love the desert as well as our beautiful mountains. Anyway, while we’re traveling, we love looking at the scenery, talking about business, life, and everything in between. We sometimes listen to MP3 audios, Audible books, or podcasts.
As far as working while traveling, 99% of the time I have my laptop with me. I very often check email while we’re gone. Earlier this month we stayed in a hotel in Salt Lake City for a couple of nights because we were in Salt Lake City for a large family reunion. In addition to the fun activities, etc., I also updated my X (formerly known as Twitter) feed at night while we were in the hotel.”
He went on to say that his goal is to get to the point where he schedules his e-mails and social media feed ahead of time when he travels. And while he’ll have my laptop along, he’ll also want to engage in some fun activities with his wife, enjoy some hiking in the Grand Canyon, etc.
So the bottom line is that while on vacation, he’ll be having fun with his family, but will also be taking time to plan some upcoming projects, products, courses, etc. He ended by saying, “In short, I want to have it all!”
What about you? Do you have any tips or ideas on how to be more productive (as an online entrepreneur) while traveling? I’d love to hear from you. Please put your thoughts in the comment section below.
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