‘Work doesn’t have to suck…’: My conversation with Phil Simon about The New Small, mobile work technology, and workshifting (book giveaway)

I had the pleasure the other day to sit down virtually with author and small business technology expert Phil Simon for a skype video interview to talk about his book “The New Small“.  I recently finished it and in my opinion is a must read for any small business owner, entrepreneur, or solo professional or those thinking about making the jump.

At the end of this post (and the video) I explain how you can enter to win the free signed copy of Phil’s book that he graciously gave me for a lucky reader of The Anywhere Office!

In his book Phil Simon describes “The New Small”: a dynamic breed of  small businesses using 5 key emerging technologies to grow, thrive, and compete with larger companies. Phil breaks it down to these 5 enablers:

• Cloud computing
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Free and open source software (FOSS)
• Mobility
• Social technologies

I have long talked about these technologies here on The Anywhere Office – but I love the way Phil Simon codified these 5 as the core that level the playing field. By making smart, strategic use of these 5 enablers, your small business can be flexible, lean, and fun. And as he points out – meaningful work is a big part of what makes up The New Small. Read more

Video Review of the Case-mate Pop Case for Verizon iPhone 4 (great case)

I recently updated from my iPod Touch to the new Verizon iPhone 4.  The first accessory I needed was a good solid case.  I don’t like to use belt clips and instead prefer to keep my iPhone in my pocket.  Although I love the Rebel Touch Case I have for my iPod Touch they didn’t have the same case available for the new iPhones.  Also most other iPhone 4 cases that were designed for the AT&T iPhone 4 would not fit the new Verizon iPhone 4 because some of the buttons on the side moved slightly for the different placement of the antennae on the CDMA version of this phone.

I did lots of research (as usual) and reading of reviews and it seemed Case-mate was one of the first to release a variety of cases specifically designed for the Verizon iPhone 4.  There are many different case styles but I don’t like to use a belt clip and prefer a case that has a combination of a solid spine (to protect from impact in case you drop it) but also has a rubber on the sides to help increase the grip to it doesn’t feel like it will slide out of your hand.  The Case-mate Pop case seemed to fit the bill – so I ordered one and in this video I show my unboxing as well as my review of this case.  Although I need to see if it stands the test of time so far I am VERY happy with this case and feel confident it will keep my precious iPhone 4 safe and sound.

Watch my video review and unboxing below:

What case did you pick for your iPhone and what do you like most about it?  Share your thoughts by posting a comment below!