Have Laptop (or disk) Will Travel
It is hard, at times, for some of us older folks (ugh...I hate to admit that) to accept how important a computer or at least the remote access to our offices is becoming to the future of our businesses.
More and more business owners, and many sales professionals are carrying notebook computers, or now even HPC (Handheld Personal Computers) like the one I am using to write this story, because business travel no longer means carrying mountains of paper with you. All you need is your laptop, or even just a disk, and you're quite literally in business.
Hotels are catering to business travelers more and more, and this means that you can maximize every minute of your trip, without leaving your hotel room. For example, the Radisson's business class program includes free phone access, no fax surcharges, and computer workstations or, if you have your own computer, computer hookup. Hilton Garden Inns offers desk space for portable computers, outlets, and phone jacks to accommodate business needs, and High Speed Internet access.
Today, you don't even need to lose contact when you are traveling by air. With my $600 NEC MobilePro 400 I am e-mailing this story back to the office in Rohnert Park from the GTE Airfone on a United flight to Chicago.
All tolled, more than 12 chains, including Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites and Hilton hotels offer Internet access through in-room PCs or televisions. So, when making your next travel plans, ask about business class services or other available amenities. Being out of the office does not have to mean you're out of business!
