Resources for Portable Professionals

Here are a range of resources that I use to support my journey as a Portable Professional:

Accomodation

Because privacy (and security) is important to me and my work, I choose AirBnB as my host for accommodation.  I like to select apartments that have good wifi, a funky interior and a view.  The wifi is for work, of course.  The funky interior keeps me to be creative.  And  the view is to scout for my next photography subject.
If you’ve never used AirBnB before here’s a $20 discount from me to you: $20 Discount
If you’re considering becoming a host with AirBnB, here’s a USD100 discount from me to you: $100 Discount

Coaching Support

Have you heard of the The Zeigarnik Effect?   It’s the tendency to experience intrusive thoughts about an objective that was once pursued and left incomplete (Baumeister & Bushman). The automatic system signals the conscious mind, which may be focused on new goals, that a previous activity was left incomplete. It seems to be human nature to finish what we start and, if it is not finished, we experience dissonance.  Don’t let this happen to you!  If you establish a goal, get the required accountability support to ensure you achieve it.  As a Coach with a wide and diverse range of coaching qualifications, I am available to help you to pursue your goals.  Visit the Work with me page to learn why working with me will be awesome.

Healthcare

Maintaining your health is vital as a portable Professional – you need lots of stamina in regularly changing circumstances.  Take your supplements, wear sunscreen and watch your diet.  Ensuring that you have adequate international healthcare cover is important also.  Choose carefully and don’t skim on this investment.  I use International Health Insurance from Cigna Global.

Mobile Office

I’ve chosen Apple as my technology of choice.  There’s no denying that Macs are sometimes more expensive than PCs but I am smitten with the smooth integration of devices and the ease of information sharing.  I travel with a MacBook Air (it’s compact and light), an iPad (mostly used for my photography editing), and an iPod shuffle (my favourite walking companion).  I’ve not yet invested in an iPhone but it’s next on my wish list.    I store almost all of my important files in the cloud and backup regularly on an external hard drive.  I use a small backpack with two purpose-designed pockets to carry this office.  I carry my chargers and cables in a separate robust holder.

Money Management 

Wise money management is as critical to the Portable Professional as it is to any other business person.   How do you create a sustainable financial position while also giving your clients a professional and simple solution to do business with you ?   If you have ideas in this area I would love to hear them as my solution can still be better defined.  I use Paypal to bill all my international clients.  I like that Paypal allows me to change the currency depending on where my clients are based.  Where possible, I use Paypal to pay for various services, flights and accommodation.  I make it a priority to learn which ATM facilities charge the least fees when withdrawing money.  I have learned to enjoy being frugal in my spending – less really is more!  I maintain a range of investment vehicles managed by financial advisors I trust.  Remember, we may be on the road but we are not traveling bums – we keep a keen eye on our financial future!

Personal Branding

I’m passionate about Personal Branding.  My own Personal Brand has been an impactful ally in my journey as a Portable Professional.  A strong Personal Brand, particularly in the virtual realm, helps us to develop the trust that is a prerequisite to attracting clients and collaborators.  Personal Branding is not formulaic.  It’s a commitment to a journey of bringing your authentic self and your persona as an influencer and a thought-leader to the forefront of all you do.  I can help you to develop and enhance your Personal Brand to make a greater impact in your world.  To learn more, please visit the Work with me page.

Virtual Reach

Skype is my number one go-to software for virtual reach. It lets me stay in touch with not only family and friends, but also with clients, colleagues and my team worldwide. It’s largely universal and it’s free!  It also allows for video conferencing and screen sharing.  I also like Zoom.us and GoToWebinar.

Virtual Storage 

I use Dropbox to store and share client information and other important documents.  If you’d like to start using Dropbox for your own virtual file storage, follow this link. Dropbox will give you 500 MB of bonus space (up to a limit of 32 GB)!

Got questions or suggestions?

Please don’t hesitate to send my comments, questions or suggestion on resources for Portable Professionals.  Use the Contact Us page – I would value hearing from you!