In our new millennium, businessmen must employ all of their resources effectively in order to succeed. In previous times, a businessman like an ipod repair man, on vacation may have taken it easy, but those days are over. Even on vacation, executives may need to work. That’s why we are witnessing the era of the caboose office – Internet-enabled trains that feature WiFi and cell-phone support. The productivity gains available to vacationers are huge and growing.
All over the globe, new train cars are being tricked out with the latest electronic gear. It is only a matter of time until the trains that tour Alaska join the revolution. Railers for IPod Power (RIP) have petitioned train systems to make available USB ports, power cords and headsets to accommodate tech-savvy riders. Notebook owners need rail cars to be WiFi hot spots, allowing Internet use without a cell-phone hotspot connection.
There are many types of businessmen who might need to take advantage of a caboose office. Think of the whole area of phone sales. A salesman who can sell leads from a confidential list can make very good use of his or her vacation time. The development of advanced acoustic techniques in the latest train car designs can substantially reduce the noise usually associated with train travel, facilitating normal phone conversation without a lot of background squawk. This is important for salespeople because call recipients may not want to shout above the din of a passenger train. Yukon Quest tour trains have food service available during the day and bar service in the late afternoons. Nothing eases the pain of making a cold call from your train seat while on vacation like a tasty fish sandwich and a fine glass of Alaskan ale, or perhaps a lager.
The workaholic salesman can physically arrange all his important materials around himself. He will have his laptop propped up on the tray table in front and will be sporting a headset linked wirelessly to his computer. He will use Skype or one of its competitors to make Internet phone calls to prospects on the sales-lead lists stashed on his computer. He will no doubt have a snack and a refreshing cold one nearby. The train will be bright and quiet. Under these conditions, some salesmen may be lulled into enjoying their vacations by working through them. Why waste an expensive vacation when you could be earning commissions? Would you enjoy doing business from a caboose office? We think we are on to something big, and you can participate by putting forth your own opinions for the benefit of Alaskan train tour management the next time you attend the Yukon Quest.