If you work primarily from home, your internet connection is crucial. An outage can cost more than just your convenience: It can also result in you losing your clients, spending money for mobile data and expending more effort to deliver your output.

It’s inevitable that your internet connection won’t always be as stable as you want it to be – especially during times of natural disaster, an issue with your internet service provider, or something completely unexpected.

Rather than winging it for when it happens, it’s best to be prepared; formulate a backup plan now and minimise the headaches. Here are a few ways you can prepare for downtime.

Invest in a backup connection

A common solution to the potential problem of losing connectivity is having a separate connection from a different ISP. For instance, if you’re using PLDT DSL, you can get a Globe Pocket WiFi to ensure continuous access to applications critical to your work.

While backup connections do guarantee continuity, they often remain unused so it’s understandable if you’re reluctant to invest in one.

Have offline copies of your work

Being a remote assistant usually means that the bulk of your documents and files are found on the cloud. Your articles may be on Google Docs or your call recordings might be on Dropbox.

These files become inaccessible when you don’t have any internet. Hence, make sure you save backup copies on your computer or an external hard drive.

Doing so allows you to edit or check things even when the net is down.

Switch to a laptop

If you aren’t already using a laptop, consider switching to one. However, many people prefer using a desktop because:

• They’re more ergonomic.
• They typically provide better value for money.
• They’re easier to upgrade since you can quickly switch out parts.

The problem is that you can’t bring desktops along when you want to work outside your home – like when there’s an internet outage. You very well cannot carry all of your desktop’s components to a co-working space, after all.

Research nearby workspaces

You may want to look into co-working spaces or other venues near your home where you can get connected again. A coffee shop or cafe with reliable internet is a good choice too.

Do you find these places too expensive for your tastes? There may be a public library or similar facility where you can work in peace. However, you’ll likely need to sign up for a membership.

Manage with your smartphone

There’ll be times when you need to turn something in quickly or make adjustments right away. When this happens, use your smartphone if possible.

It’s hard to write a full-blown article through your phone but it does enable you to edit one through the right apps.

Email management is one task you can do on mobile with ease and another is invoicing.

Make the necessary preparations

There are times when you’ll be informed by your internet service provider about interruptions to their services. It might be because they’re conducting regular maintenance on their systems or are upgrading something.

As you already know, when it’ll happen, make sure that you top up your mobile data beforehand. Download any documents or programs you need as well.

Keep your data protected

Warning: As you connect to different wireless networks other than your own, there comes the risk of exposing your information to the wrong people. You never really know who else is connected to the same public network or how secure the web is.

There could be a hacker trying to get your credit card information from your email. Or perhaps you’re connecting to a rogue hotspot. The bottom line is that you need to be vigilant in protecting your data.

Share your knowledge with others

Now that you’ve figured out different ways that you can prepare for an internet outage, share your knowledge with fellow virtual assistants or other members of your team.

It’s hard to work with people to produce good results when you’re the only one who’s online. You’ll also need your colleagues to be there to do their parts.

If they’re not ready for internet outages, you may end up having to do their jobs too since you’re the one who’s available.

Remote Workmate Can Guide You

We’re already providing you tips on how you can prepare yourself for when the internet is down, as seen above. We can give you further guidance on how you can get ready for worst-case scenarios as a home-based worker as well.

We at Remote Workmate have been in the business of connecting qualified virtual assistants with reliable clients for some time. This means we’re familiar with your struggles and have experience in how to keep online employers happy. We’ve been through the same challenges and are more than willing to share our knowledge with you guys so you can become great remote workers too.