This story appears in the
January 2001 issue of
Startups.
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You can't take your desk, file cabinet and computer
workstation on the road, but you can still stay organized and
maintain your productivity. How? Turn your briefcase into a
workable, portable office.
- Place manila folders inside your briefcase labeled "To
Do," "To File" and "To Read" instead of
storing loose papers. Include extra catch-up reading for between
appointments.
- Keep a small assortment of office supplies in your briefcase
including a small stapler, paper clips, rubber bands, a legal pad,
pens, envelopes and even stamps.
- After you've organized your briefcase, make it a habit to
clean it out at least once each week and restock supplies or sales
materials for the following week.
- If you take a notebook computer with you, use a computer
briefcase. Many have space for your notebook, disks and a few
supplies.
Product: Portable Laptop Surge Protector
Power surges in your home office are bad enough, but what surge
protection do you have on the road? Fellowes' Portable Laptop
Surge Protector ($19.95) shields your laptop from damaging power
surges. This compact, 5-by-4½-by-1¼-inch device features
a retractable, six-foot phone cord and swivel plug, and offers a
$50,000 connected equipment guarantee. Check out Fellowes Web site for more
information and a national store locator.
Lisa Kanarek is the author of several books, including 101 Home Office Success Secretsand Organizing Your Home Office For Success, and
the founder of HomeOfficeLife.com. She admits
to being an "office product junkie" and is always on the
lookout for the latest, interesting home office product to be
introduced.