Next to being an Internet Entrepreneur I also consider myself a true mobile worker. I started my first company in a bar in Amsterdam and started my second company, HubHop – a WiFi hotspot provider – so I could work anywhere with WiFi.
Being a mobile worker requires good preparation. I bought a TUMI bag years ago to protect my Powerbook/MacBook Pro. As you might know the TUMI has lots of hidden pockets in which you can store stuff. I decided to compile a list of things that every Mobile Worker should have in his bag to turn any place into a temporary office. Built on years of experience I hope it is useful for you:
1: Gadget Kit
Laptop (with DVD player for long flights), iPhone/iPod, Digital Camera.
2: Emercency Back-up Kit
USB Stick, Spare Keys, Laptop Lock, Spare Batteries (laptop, phone + other stuff), one or two rewritable CDs or DVDs, Food (stuck in meeting, airport or traffic!), Original Laptop Installation CD/DVD.
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3a: Cable Kit
Ethernet, Monitor/projector adapters, Airplane Power adapter, Adapters for Phone, Laptop and Other Gadgets, Spare iPod/iPhone Headset.
3b: Cable Kit
The most important cable you might want to pack is a cheap power extension cord. I have one that is almost 4 meters long and it is my most used gadget. Most places have wireless internet but the power sockets are always inconveniently hidden somewhere. A simple extension cord gives you a lot more freedom!
4: Medical First Aid Kit
Aspirin, Sleeping pills (lethal dose to escape boring meetings), Cough Suppress Pills (Mints/Drops/Anything that works for you), Bandages.
(Optional: tampons and/or condoms).
5: Personal Hygiene Kit
Toothbrush and Toothpaste (Take mini set from plane or hotelroom) and/or Mints and/or Chewing Gum, Toothpick and Floss, Nail file and Nailclipper, Comb, Small Mirror.
6: Papers
Passport, Businesscards, 3 ballpoints, 1 Permanent Marker, Notebook (moleskine), Book or Magazine (for when batteries are empty (inevitable) and you are bored), 4 Paperclips (to eject disks, sim cards from iPhones or poke between teeth when bored).
7: Assorted Tools Kit
Leatherman/pocket knife, Screwdriver, Tie rips, Ziplock Bag (for storing liquids such as drinks, beauty products and vomit), small umbrella.
8: Money Kit
Spare Change, 100 Dollar/Euro/British Pounds, Credit Card Emercency Numbers, Electronic Banking Identifier Gizmo.
9: Other Accesories
Sunglasses, Eye Cover (so you can sleep in the airplane) & ear plugs, Inflatable Neck Rest Device.
10: Anti-Gravity Engine
Because your bag, filled with all this stuff, now weighs at least 200 kilos!
Please send me your suggestions and let me know what else you keep in YOUR work bag.
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