Shooting Flip Video or Digital Photos? Get yourself in the shot with XShot!

Recently while using my Flip camera to shoot some video for this blog I came across a problem. I was shooting the post about “working outside your office” so I wanted to move around and decided to hold the camera so I could be mobile and not be stuck with the static shot I would get from using my tripod (like I normally do).  There were two issues with this approach:

1. My arms are only so long so I couldn’t hold the camera out far enough to get much of me and the background in the shot
2. The camera shook a lot so the video jumped around a bit

As I always do when looking for the solution to a problem I searched Google and found a solution – the XShot 2.0 camera extender.  This amazing device is only 9″ in length and weighs 5 ozs. when closed but folds out (like an antennae) to 37″ long and can hold a camera up to 1.25 lbs.  It includes a standard tripod mount on the end that swivels up to 180 degrees so you can attach your point and shoot digital camera or your pocket camcorder (like the Flip video), simply extend it and get yourself and others in the shot!  I was jonesing on trying it out so I contacted XShot and they were kind enough to send me one so I could give it a try and review it for you.

Watch this video below where I do a quick demo of how it works:

Ever since I’ve had a digital camera I’ve always done the single-arm stretch to take photos of myself and others without having to ask someone Read more

Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 10: Keeping at home workers safe)

Welcome to Part 10 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting –  Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.

When implementing telework many managers and HR departments are concerned about how to ensure workers health and safety are protected adequately, outside of the normal office environment. When working from a home office it is really a shared obligation. While companies have a responsibility for their employees safety while “at work” employees are also responsible for maintaining a safe home environment.

In part 10 of our podcast we look at some of the considerations and planning involved to ensure safety and reduce risk for your telecommuters.

So listen in to Part 10: Keeping at home workers safe

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:25 — 4.0MB)

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Terry Tate Office Linebacker – Our Hero!

In honor of the SuperBowl this weekend (which should be a great game) I thought I’d post one of our favorite videos from SuperBowl’s past – Terry Tate Office Linebacker!  I still can’t understand why Reebok ever stopped this campaign.  Even if they put it on hold you think they would bring it back to life every year during football season.

I think a lot of offices could use TTT in the house! (Warning – if a bit of strong language bothers you, or laughing so hard you cry, then you might not want to watch this).

You know you can’t bring that weak-ass stuff up in this humpty-bumpty! You kill the joe you make some moe or else your in for a long day a loooong day babyyyyy wooooo!! Jason and I never get tired of watching this . . . it was one of the first videos I put on my iPod Touch!

For more Terry Tate videos visit Returnofterrytate.com . . . Happy Superbowl Weekend – enjoy the game!

Work Outside Your Office – A shift in perspective

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day in sunny Florida so I decided to work from the back patio rather than my home office as I usually do.  It got me to thinking about how this is another example of what Jason and I are always talking about with regards to changing your workstyle – small adjustments that lead to big results.  I recorded this short video to talk about it and encourage you to work from somewhere other than your usual workplace.

Please excuse the shaky camera work – I was holding the Flip camera instead of using a tripod as I wanted to be able to show you some of the surroundings.  I’m still learning how to hold it steady when shooting myself (either that or maybe I should have had a little less coffee!)

So what is your favorite alternative place to work? Post a comment below and let us know!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (10.1MB)

Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 9: Security and Confidentiality)

Welcome to Part 9 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting –  Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.

One common concern when allowing people to work from home, or anywhere outside the office, is the security of company data.  With more people using laptops, smartphones, and other portable computing devices company data is often used and accessed from multiple locations. While security should certainly be a concern when setting up a telework program – don’t let fear prevent you from taking advantage of all the flexibility this way of working has to offer.  With proper planning and forethought you can have the technology and policies in place to ensure your people can work from anywhere while still keeping your company data secure.

In part 9 of our podcast we’ll be discussing security and confidentiality while looking at how to keep your data safe when people are working from remote locations.

So listen in to Part 9: Security and Confidentiality

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:55 — 3.6MB)

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