How to Run a Successful Online Business While Traveling (3 Tips)
I know the feeling all too well. It’s the feeling of coming home from a long vacation or business trip and being totally disengaged from work and unmotivated to accomplish your daily tasks. It can be hard to get back into the swing of things and pick up where you left off. So how can we avoid the negative feelings and stress that comes with this? I’ve found there are three things you can do to avoid the vacation blues so you can jump back into your routine. Let’s dive in.
Create a routine and stick to it.
When I was in college, I used to practice a morning and nigh time routine because I thought that’s what you were supposed to do. I thought that if the most successful people in the world had mastered their routines, it meant that I should, too. It wasn’t until after college when I realized there was a deeper reason why you should create your routines. A routine isn’t just set in place for the sake of having one. It’s beneficial on days where you wake up with sickening anxiety, when life gets crazy and you don’t know which way is up or when you’re traveling and your surroundings are unfamiliar. When you’re not in your usual environment, it can be easy to lose your footing, get distracted, and behave in ways that aren’t aligned with the goals you have for your business and personal brand. And we can’t have that, can we? Our routines are in place so that when life gets crazy and you find yourself feeling “off” you can always fall back on your habits and rituals.
Stacking good habits on top of one another is also a great way to feel accomplished. Sidenote: one of my favorite books to help break bad habits and form good ones is Atom Habits by James Clear. In the morning when I wake up, I take my supplements, drink a big glass of water and meditate for twenty minutes. Afterwards, I write my morning pages and check my bank accounts so I can track my expenses from the day before. Practicing these consecutive habits have made them feel second nature and they are no longer a chore for me but a part of my everyday routine.
When you’re traveling, you might find yourself more easily distracted and less willing to practice the tasks that help you accomplish your goals. A solid morning routine will greatly enhance the quality of your trip, making you feel more grounded and available to fully experience everything that happens to you. When you fall back on your routines, you can travel more frequently and with less anxiety because you can trust that you won’t abandon the goals you have for your business and personal brand.
Use time blocking to maximize your schedule.
Allocate time in your schedule that’s dedicated to independent work, meetings, and socializing/play. Batching similar activities together will help you stay focused without getting distracted by moving from one type of work to another. For example, while I was in Chicago last week, I made sure to schedule all my meetings in one day. I knew I had to work while I was visiting my friends, but I also wanted to make sure I could save room in my schedule to enjoy time together without having to excuse myself to take a meeting in the middle of the day.
If you’re traveling for pleasure, some business owners might argue that you shouldn't take meetings at all. I’ve found the opposite to be true. I enjoy working in small doses while I’m on a leisurely vacation. When I disconnect completely, I never feel good about it. As an entrepreneur who owns her own business: I love my work. I genuinely enjoy working while I am traveling because it helps me enjoy the trip even more.
If you’re traveling for work, it still helps to use time blocking to maximize your schedule. For example, this could look like doing some writing and independent work in the mornings, scheduling your meetings for the afternoons, and exploring in the early evenings and weekends. Batch it any way you want it! The most important thing: pair similar activities together to make your day flow easier.
Pro tip: eliminate anything on your schedule that doesn’t need to be there. For instance, if you have those small, “let’s connect” calls or independent work that can be saved for another week, move them! You don’t need to do it all in order to give it your all. Be where you are and enjoy it as much as you can!
Join a co-working space that has locations nationwide.
When it comes to work, environment is everything. I am highly-attuned to my surroundings and what I need to adjust in order to get good, quality work done. For example, having a clean space, setting the mood, lighting a couple of candles, and adjusting the music can contribute to improved focus and attention span. Don’t sleep on this! Take the extra five or ten minutes to create an environment that works for you. You’ll be surprised with how much it helps, especially when you’re traveling and working in places that are unfamiliar to you.
Stay focused by having a designated place for work (even when you’re away from your familiar working environment.) As a Personal Brand Strategist, I work with team members and clients who live all over the country. While selecting a co-working space, it was important to me to work with a company that could provide office space in more than one location. With Carr Workplaces, I get the same supportive staff no matter what city I find myself in. Not to mention, I get to work from some of the most beautiful offices that overlook gorgeous skylines.
Wherever you are, you are always more in control than you think. Creating healthy rituals and habits will help you stay engaged with your work even when you’re not in your normal routine. Additionally, think ahead so you can time block your schedule during the time you know you will be traveling. When do you want to take meetings vs. play with your friends? As someone who owns their own business, you get to decide! And lastly, I highly recommend joining a co-working space that has nationwide locations. If you can swing it, nothing beats it. And if you can’t, go the extra mile to create a conducive working environment that works for you. Happy travels!
