Today’s work environment has seen a dramatic evolution over the past few years. No longer are working professionals tied behind a desk reliant on an office environment to get the job done. Today’s workforce is on the go, working on the road, working from their vehicles, working in hotels, and of course working at home. New independent office supplies companies now have office products that cater to these mobile professionals, by offering unique office supplies and tools for the business person on the move.
Without question, there is an expanding need for office supplies and accessories that help this growing mobile workforce stay productive. Office products for today’s “road warrior” need to be portable, focused on organization and flexible for a variety of settings. It’s hard enough to keep organized from a stationary permanent office, so it’s very difficult to stay organized and maximize productivity while working from a variety of remote locations or traveling on the road.
Kensington, the computer accessories division of ACCO Brands, Inc., recognizes the needs of the emerging mobile professional and have designed new office products for their needs. As an example, keeps you connected and “charged for business” better then their new power adapter that is incredibly lightweight, razor-thin, and charges in the wall outlet, or uses an airplanes power connection, or a cars power adapter.
An innovative product example is the Kensington Auto/Air Power Inverter – #KMW38037 – that saves space, is flexible, and charges your electronic devices while in the car or in the air! It’s an awesome power source to charge mobile devices like notebook computers, smart phones or PDA’s whether you’re in a hotel room, in the car driving to your next appointment, or in the air. This unique inverter is designed with multiple functions, so it not only charges your laptop, but also your iPod, cell phones and more using a USB power port that is built right into the unit.
If you’re looking for organization while on the go, look for Contour computer cases by Kensington. Contour is recognized as the industry leader for organization, comfort and styling while not breaking your budget. The key to it’s unique “comfort features” is a proprietary weight distribution system built into the cases that intelligently positions the weight of the briefcase to a traveler’s stronger muscle areas, reducing the load and muscle fatigue by over 30%. Available in a variety of styles and colors, Kensington’s Contour cases combine professional style with contoured panels for the mobile business person.
The road warrior of 2012 cannot take their filing cabinets with them on the next three hour drive to meet a client. They aren’t able to take the desk with them on the road so they’re certain to have the right documents when the need arises. The most well known company for filing supply solutions, Smead, understands the unique needs for our time, and so they focus on portable filing products that maximize organization needs while being flexible and transportable.
Smead knows that filing and organization is a pain, and portable filing is particularly difficult, so here are some tips for staying organized on the road. First, find the right portable file container for your needs – one that can be a temporary substitute for your standard file cabinet or desk, but can travel with you on the road. Look for Smead file boxes, project totes or mini-carts that can carry at least a week’s worth of files, and make sure they are sturdy enough to travel well without becoming damaged.
To properly keep contents organized in your portable storage unit, use classification folders or file jackets with pockets that have closed bottoms so contents will not fall out. Color coordinate your files with hanging folders using colored tabs, and use assorted color file folders so you can color code your important projects for easy reference. Classification folders are the most reliable way to file documents because of the multiple sections, secure fasteners and large expansion.
While Smead filing products and Kensington computer accessories are great items for the mobile professional, there are also many other wonderful brands and products for the business traveler. Companies like Rubbermaid, 3M, Avery, Esselte Pendaflex, Safco, Hon and Quartet/GBC all have focused recently on this growing market segment which is here to stay.
As for shopping alternatives for the mobile professional, I look for online office supply companies that offer free shipping and have an easy to use website. I no longer buy anything from the huge corporate big box office retailers. Today, I search for companies like Whole Foods Market who practice conscious capitalism and give back to the community. In office supplies, I was thrilled to find a new store that even donates 50% of profits to worthy charities. Look for companies that do good work, and trust them with your office supply needs.