The bracing benefits of a car-free business life
As regular readers will know, last year saw me setting myself up as a freelance writer after a long HR career in the City. So far it’s a decision I haven’t regretted, mainly because each and every week I hear new and interesting stories, and my diary is packed full with new people to see and introduce myself to…all over the lovely county of Essex, which is where I happen to live.
“Won’t you struggle with all those meetings…” friends and well-wishers started asking me, “…especially as you don’t drive?”
To give you some background, I have failed my driving test a grand total of six times (making me someone who definitely can’t, rather than doesn’t drive). Given the amount of occasions on which people have rhapsodised emphatically about how driving “gives you so much independence…I honestly don’t know where I’d be without my car…” you’d be forgiven for thinking my non-driver status was a something of a problem.
Yet so far, it hasn’t been – at least not while I’m able to walk and use public transport. I have clients all over the county, with one in particular who lives in a rural location over five miles away from me. I’m ghostwriting his autobiography, so we meet every Monday morning to discuss the latest chapter. Come the beginning of every new week there I am trudging my way across the village fields of Great Wakering in all weathers, for my hour-and-a-half walk over to his house.
It was on one of these morning walks that I started to consider the benefits of being a non-driving business person (I’d say “entrepreneur” but that just conjures up awkward images of myself stuttering through a presentation on ‘Dragon’s Den’). Anyway, here are five of the very best.
Do I really need to be there?
It’s so very easy to spend working days fielding endless meeting requests on autopilot, getting into your car and driving mindlessly there, sitting mindlessly through the meeting itself, and then driving mindlessly back again.
Because every journey I make needs a little forethought and planning, I’m forced to think about whether or not the meetings are actually necessary in the first place. If they are, I go. If they’re not, I suggest e-mail, phone or Skype instead. This approach has saved me a wonderful amount of time, and my clients don’t have to pay unnecessary travelling costs.
The obvious (and not-so obvious) health benefits
The benefits of my foot-propelled work trips include all kinds of things productivity gurus keep telling us are so very important. Namely fresh air, exercise…and a free mind to focus on creativity and story ideas (though if you insist on a productive walk, you could try listening to management podcasts as you go!) I also don’t spend any time at all stuck in traffic jams.
It’s cost-effective
I don’t have to worry about road tax, MOT or parking charges – not to mention actually finding places to park! – which make the odd times I need to call a taxi, or take an otherwise expensive train journey, very cost-effective.
Public transport can be an endless source of creativity (seriously!)
If you write for a living – or even if you don’t – you will find public transport an endless source of fascinating conversations, full of snippets from a wide selection of lives other than your own. Even people’s daily habits can prove a source of wonder, such as the people who always choose the same seats (and are visibly enraged if they don’t manage to nab them), or the scruffy man who used to sit in front of me on my old commute, who every evening at 5:59pm precisely, would take out a Snickers bar from his laptop bag and eat it very noisily.
It makes you count your blessings
You know the warm thrill of arriving home after a stint outside in the rain or freezing wind? Well, if you walk everywhere you’ll feel this every day, and you’ll be more grateful than ever for the sanctuary of your home (or even your office!). You’ll also start to notice the changing seasons, the longer and shorter days, how pretty the sun looks as it rises and sets, all the leaves rusting and falling from the trees…the list is endless.
Even if I haven’t convinced you to give up driving entirely (I understand it’s a very hard sell!) - why not ditch the car every now and again and make 2017 a new year of activity?
Related Articles
How to Shape Your Book Idea… So You Can’t Wait to Write it!
Maybe you haven’t done anything with that idea yet, because it’s just too vague.
Read moreThe Persian Flaw (Or, Why We Don’t Have to Be Perfect When We Write)
Don't let spelling and grammar fears stop you from writing.
Read moreSecret Sauce to Give Your Blog Posts Added Spice
"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read moreDoes Your Website Need a Copy Refresh? (Mine Did)
Revamping your web copy will give your business the gift of reconnection.
Read moreHow to Write a Review (That's Actually Useful)
Reviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreAre you too modest to write a book?
If you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read moreTalk confidently about something you love: set a speaking challenge!
How setting a speaking challenge forced me to talk confidently about the work I love.
Read moreWhy spelling and grammar don't matter
Don't let bad spelling put you off writing the next bestseller!
Read moreWhat's in a name? Captivate and connect with simple business stories
Finding the 'what's', 'whys' and 'hows' of your business will help people connect with you.
Read moreLone wolf or team worker - which is best?
You're writing great content. So why aren't people reading it?
It takes time to craft compelling
Got a book or blog to write? Beat the block and get it done!
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreWhy storytelling is your secret weapon in business (and how to do it properly)
Learn how to live happily ever after through the power of storytelling
Read moreDecoding the mystery of SEO
"SEO" is an often confusing term for those not well-versed in website maintenance. In reality, it's not quite as confusing as you might think!
Read moreTake control of your career this summer
Take advantage of summer downtime to learn and grow in your career - or discover a new one!
Read moreWhy being old is great for business
Age aint nothing but a number, right? Wrong - here's how getting older can be great for business.
Read moreHow to brief your copywriter
Trusting someone else with your words can be one of the best things you do for your business - but it has to be done properly!
Read moreThe Ultimate Guide to... the Ultimate Guide!
A how-to guide for writing the ultimate downloadable guide for your business.
Read moreTry this simple formula to create a killer profile headline!
Headlines are always difficult to write, so here's an easy way to craft something original for your personal and professional profiles.
Read moreHow to beat those pre-presentation jitters
Standing up and presenting to a group of people is something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most confident people - so if you're an introvert like me, it can really be the stuff of nightmares! Here's how I tackle my nerves head-on, with some careful preparation and relatable content.
Read moreCopywriting for beginners
Whether you want to hire a copywriter, or just want to give it a go yourself, it can be hard to know where to begin. My experience on the copywriting trail has helped me discover a few handy insights.
Read moreHome truths for aspiring remote workers
Remote working is on the increase - so here's some advice on how to work it well!
Read moreReal-life lessons I learned from changing my career
I'm a 'Success Story'! My career change journey was featured on Careershifters' website this week, and I'm incredibly proud of it. But I wouldn't want anybody to think changing my career has been easy. And so this is a reflection of sorts, on where I was when I began, and how I've ended up where I am now.
Read moreNo job for life? How a tailored approach to job-hopping can win your next career move
Did you know that so-called 'job-hopping' can be an asset to your career search? Whether you prefer stability or excitement in your career, planning your next move is all about packaging your skills and making the right kind of approach.
Read moreThe truth about blogging for business
Are you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read moreHow to write your first CV
Writing a CV is tough enough when you've got years of experience under your belt, but when you're just leaving education it often feels like you haven't got anything to shout about. Here's how to write a first CV that will stand out from all those bland lists of education dates and shop jobs!
Read more“Telling it like it is” – giving effective feedback in writing
There's a new trend sweeping Silicon Valley - giving honest and direct feedback to your colleagues. Before you go rushing in, focus your message by writing it down first...your colleagues and your career will thank you for it!
Read moreShare your expertise - write a business book!
All those celebrated business gurus had to start somewhere...and the most successful ones know how to tell their stories in a relatable way that inspires others to act on their dreams and ideas. By writing a business book, you can do just that yourself!
Read moreRead this before you write your next recruitment ad!
Writing a recruitment ad is often a rushed activity, with the words used ones you've read many times before ("dynamic" anyone?) Here's how the Banks children managed to recruit their ideal candidate - Mary Poppins! - by using clear and creative words that stood out.
Read moreThe bracing benefits of a car-free business life
What better way to kick off a new year by getting out into the fresh air? Here's how I manage a busy working life as a non-driver - and it's not as hard as you might think!
Read more‘CV Greatest Hits’ Countdown – 10 ultimate CV tips to prepare you for the Great 2017 Job Hunt!
'Greatest Hits' countdowns are rife at this time of year - so now, here's one featuring the best CV advice. This list will give you the ultimate steer if you're looking to get your CV on track for the new year job hunt. Wishing you a very happy 2017!
Read moreGive yourself a special Christmas gift...a happy working life in 2017!
If you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreWriting to get what you want at work!
Have you ever thought that making a few tweaks to your working life would help make living it much easier? Harness the power of well-chosen words to state your case and win better work-life balance in the process.
Read moreFitting in ‘me’ projects – five panic-free time management tips for the professionally overwhelmed
Is time getting the better of you? With a growing business, several passion projects on the go, books to read and friends I'd quite like to see, I was starting to feel overwhelmed...until I decided to take a closer look at planning my time more effectively. Here's how you can do the same.
Read moreUse your sense of style to build trust and win business!
Looking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read more"I'm a Quiet Revolutionary..." she whispered
I'm very proud indeed to be featured as this week's 'Quiet Revolutionary' - a celebration of all things introverted.
Read morePersonal copywriting - attract a new boss AND a new relationship with the perfect profile!
Are your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreThe (Not-So) Secret Life of an HR Manager
Ever wonder what your HR Manager is really thinking, or what they do all day? I worked in this oft-misunderstood profession for a number of years and now I'm safely out of it, I'm free to vent!
Read moreGoing it alone - surviving self-employment
Going it alone, releasing yourself from the shackles of a traditional nine-to-five, is exhilarating. It's also incredibly scary! To celebrate my first quarter-year in business, here are some of the most important lessons I've learned from the front line.
Read morePlan a memorable speech...in three easy steps!
Great speeches vary in tone and content, but they all consider the same elements - who they're for, what they're about and why they're being heard. Here's how to plan yours effectively, so you can conquer any nerves and make your speech memorable for all the right reasons!
Read more