Switching From Windows to Mac – Part 2
October 6, 2010 by Phil Montero · 3 Comments
This is the second of my 2-part video series on why I switched from Windows to Mac (click here to see Part 1). In this video I discuss how cloud computing, being a web worker, and compatibility made this an easier switch than it would have been in the past.
In my next video I’ll share some resources I found that really helped me get up to speed quick and shortened the learning curve as a new Mac user.
Have you made the switch to Mac or been thinking about it? Post a comment below and let me know your thoughts, what has made you want to switch, or what is keeping you on Windows.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:29 — 26.1MB)
Switching From Windows to Mac – Part 1
September 30, 2010 by Phil Montero · 7 Comments
Well it’s official – a few weeks ago I finally made the shift I’ve been talking about for the last 6 months or more and jumped from Windows to Mac (some say I’ve joined the dark side but it sure feels like the other way around). I decided to go with a MacBook Pro and I have to tell you I couldn’t be happier.
It has certainly been a learning curve and in even the just the short time I’ve been a Mac user I’ve learned A LOT about some of the differences between the two operating systems, found some really cool new software and utilities, and basically been having a ball.
Sure I’ve been a bit less productive while making the transition but it is well worth it (and at least the lost productivity isn’t due to blue screens and dll errors)!
The video below is Part 1 of a 2 part series I shot about why I made the switch from Windows to Mac and why I felt I could make this jump without too much grief (my first project in iMovie):
Along with this post and video goes out a big heartfelt apology to all my family and friends who have been long time Mac users. I gave you all a lot of shit over the years about living in your “Mac world” and not using a “realcomputer” but let me tell you . . . I’ve drunk the koolaid and it’s good!!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (34.6MB)
Video Conferencing Breaks Out of the Boardroom – Watch it On-Demand
June 23, 2010 by Phil Montero · Leave a Comment
Video conferencing has changed. What was once a very costly technology only used by large enterprise type organizations with dedicated IT departments is now easier to use and more cost effective. There are a variety of solutions to fit almost any budget.
This was the topic of discussion a few weeks ago when I joined Bloomberg Businessweek in their New York Studios for a live Video Webcast called “Video Breaks Out of the Boardroom”. The show was hosted by Jim Ellis, Assistant Managing Editor of Bloomberg Businessweek, and I was delighted that they invited me to join Marc Beattie from Wainhouse Research to be part of this episode. Here is a photo from our broadcast:
The Bloomberg building was amazing and everyone I met there was extremely friendly and helpful. We had a wonderful discussion and looked at what’s involved with implementing video conferencing including how much technical know-how it takes, how and why companies using it, what it costs, and what are some of the stumbling blocks. We also took some great questions from those that were viewing the live broadcast.
In case you missed it you can now view the entire Video Webcast live. Just register here and you can watch the whole show. We discussed the topic for about 20 minutes and then had about 10 minutes of Q&A. If you’re currently using video conferencing, or thinking about it, you definitely want to catch this.
A big thanks to everyone at Bloomberg Businessweek for having me be a part of this event. I hope to join them again for future shows!
Please post a comment below and let me know what you thought of the webcast and feel free to ask me any questions you might have about using video to connect with your virtual teams and remote workers.
Working From an Airport with The Anywhere Office
June 17, 2010 by Phil Montero · 8 Comments
I have to admit that these days I don’t travel that often. Having a 3 year old son makes me want to stay home a lot more than I used to – and being I work in The Anywhere Office I find I can often avoid unnecessary travel by wielding my mobile work technology to work from anywhere. However now and again an opportunity arises that I just can’t pass up. Last week I was invited to be a panelist on a Bloomberg Businessweek Live Video Webcast all about video conferencing.
It was a great opportunity that I didn’t want to miss – so despite the fact that it meant flying out of town on my birthday – I went to the West Palm Beach Airport here in sunny Florida and flew to New York City.
The webcast was lots of fun and I got to spend some time with my good friend Marc and visit with his family as well – a splendid time was had by all! I got to the airport very early because I hitched a ride in with my wife (who works close to the airport) and it got me thinking about being productive in an airport and why I love flying out of PBI. Here is a short video I shot talking about working from an airport with The Anywhere Office:
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Conscious Communication – Voice Mail Etiquette
April 30, 2010 by Phil Montero · 2 Comments
One of the things we often talk about when making the shift to mobile work is the importance of clear communication. It’s essential to be a “conscious communicator” and think about what tools to use for what type of message and how you use them.
One tool we all use constantly is voicemail. It makes me crazy when someone leaves me a voicemail and doesn’t tell me what they want or rushes through their phone number so I have to replay the message several times just to write it down. When I leave a message I am always sure to speak slowly and repeat my name and number at the beginning and the end of the message. I also make sure to let the person I’m calling know what I need or why I’m calling. Something as small as this can cut down on a lot of wasted time and unecessary phone tag.
Today I discovered Jason Seiden’s blog and an excellent video he posted on voice mail etiquette.
Jason hit the nail right on the head here and I’m looking forward to exploring his blog further!
What do you do to be a more conscious communicator? Post a comment below and share your personal guidelines.
