Show #9: Work Unchained – Work where and when you want with a virtual office

This week we explain the concept of a virtual office including the different types of virtual offices and their uses. Thanks to Guillermo Rotman of Regus for joining us as our guest on the show.

If you missed the show you can listen in below or download the MP3 file.

Show # 9: Work Unchained – Work where and when you want with a virtual office

Whether it’s a web-based collaboration service or an actual physical office that you can use on an as needed, on-demand basis virtual offices are empowering teams, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. This show will cover the ins and outs of all types of virtual offices and new ways to collaborate. Phil and Jason will be joined by Guillermo Rotman president of The Regus Group Network for the Americas, the world’s largest provider of outsourced workplaces for companies of any size.

Here’s what we covered:

• The rise of virtual offices: We look at the way that working and workplaces have changed to embrace a more mobile, flexible style of work.
• Different Types of virtual offices: We explore the different types of virtual offices and how solo professionals, teams, and companies of all size are using them to improve productivity and collaboration. Smart phones, free web-based collaboration tools, web-based virtual offices, and physical virtual offices.
• Websites and Resources:
  • Yahoo Groups and MSN Groups – setup a shared collaboration space or virtual office for free. Basic features include calendar, discussion boards, document and photo storage.
  • Webex Weboffice – Professional level web-based virtual office. Shared contacts, calendars, documents, task lists, and more. Get everyone on the same page. This is what we use at Montero Consulting.
  • How Virtual Ofices Work – Good article that guides you through some of the issues you have to deal with when setting up a virtual office. They also discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of operating solely in cyberspace.
• Guest: Guillermo Rotman, President of The Regus Group Network for the Americas, the world’s largest provider of outsourced virtual offices and workplaces for companies of any size.

To listen to the show you can use the flash player below or download the MP3 file. Use the PLAY IN POPUP link below if you want to use our flash player and roam the web while listening.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:19 — 10.8MB)

TAO Podcast – Virtual Team Tips

This episode contains the Top 5 Tips segment from last week’s radio show. We discuss tools and strategies for virtual team success.

Visit www.TheAnywhereOffice.com and click archives to listen to the complete show. While you are there be sure to visit our blog and post comments and feedback as well.

TAO Podcast Theme Music – Begin by Andy Simon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:01 — 0.0KB)

Show #6: Working Together While Apart (Virtual Teams)

This week we discuss strategies, technologies, and trends for virtual teams and remote collaboration. Thanks to Jim McNeill for joining us as our guests on the show.

If you missed the show you can listen in below or download the MP3 file.

Show # 6: Working Together While Apart

The increase in outsourcing and advances in communication technology have both forced and allowed many organizations to explore virtual teamwork; while new to some, freelancers and artists are accustomed to working this way. Joined by artist and freelance graphic designer Jim McNeill, we discuss the challenges and benefits of virtual teams and collaborating across distance.

Here’s what we covered:

• In the News:
  
  • Happy 25th Birthday to the PC – boy have things changed!
  • Flight delays and new rules for carry on when traveling internationally – Are there other ways you can meet and collaborate without travel?
• Top 5 Virtual Team Tips: From our book 2-Minute Virtual Team Tips. You can also download a free tip book on our resource page.
• Our Guest: Jim McNeill, Artist and Freelance Graphic Designer. Be sure to check out the Jimplex (for some fun Flash animations) and find out more about these tessellations. Jim has been sharing his talent with us for years and is responsible for almost all our logos including The Anywhere Office, You Can Work From Anywhere, and MusicIsland.

Other Resources (including some things we mentioned in our Top 5 Virtual Team Tips):

• Online Virtual Offices and Shared Workplaces:

  • Webex Weboffice – One of the best web based virtual offices and the one we use to keep everyone on the same page.
  • Yahoo Groups – Looking for a free alternative? While not nearly as full featured as the Webex solution Yahoo groups are another way to keep your group or team connected.
• Free Conference Call Services:
  (for real time discussions, meetings, and brainstorming)
  • FreeConferenceCall.com – up to 96 people on a call and free call recording – WOW!
  • FreeConference.com
  • Mr. Conference
• Ze Frank on communicating via email – the always irreverant zefrank with a lesson on email communication

To listen to the show you can use the flash player below or download the MP3 file. Use the PLAY IN POPUP link below if you want to use our flash player and roam the web while listening.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:45 — 12.5MB)

Show #4: Work is something you do, not some place you go

This week we took a look at pros, cons, and tips for working in a home office. Thanks to Jeff Zbar and Andy Simon for joining us as our guests on the show.

If you missed the show you can listen in below or download the MP3 file.

Show # 4: Work is something you do, not some place you go

Joined by musician and freelance audio engineer Andy Simon and Chief Home Officer Jeff Zbar, we will tackle the pros, cons, what fors and how tos of setting up and thriving in a home office. Whether you’re a solo professional, freelancer, telecommuter, day extender, or just someone who has a dedicated workspace at home – you don’t want to miss this broadcast!

Here’s what we covered:

• Top 5 Home Office Tips: From our book 2-Minute Home Office Tips. You can also download a free tip book on our resource page.
  
• Website Spotlight: Stetch and excercise with MyDailyYoga.com
• Tech Talk: Programs and services to share large files with others
  • IM programs like Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, or AOL Instant Messenger
  • YouSendIt.com
  • Avvenu
  • Pando
• Our Guests:
  • Jeff Zbar the “Chief Home Officer” – Journalist, Author, Speaker, and Consultant
  • Andy Simon – Musician and freelance audio engineer
• Music: Music leading into breaks “Don’t Know Where I’m Going” compliments of Andy Simon

To listen to the show you can use the flash player below or download the MP3 file. Use the PLAY IN POPUP link below if you want to use our flash player and roam the web while listening.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:25 — 10.9MB)

5 Steps to Approaching your Current Employer about Telecommuting

I was interviewed by Jeff Zbar today for an article he’s writing for South Florida’s Sun Sentinal about how rising gas prices are prompting some companies and employees to explore telework as a possible solution. Jeff, aka the Chief Home Officer, will be joining us on next week’s show to talk about the pros and cons of working in a home office.

One of the questions he asked me was how employees should propose telecommuting to their employers. Although I was only able to give him a few short tips I figured I would post an article here I wrote a few years ago about that very subject.

5 Steps to Approaching your Current Employer about Telecommuting

A question I am often asked by people who would like to telecommute is, “How do I approach my manager or boss about this subject?” Many people fear that if they suggest telecommuting, or even working from home occasionally, that they will be viewed as “less than serious” about their job. Of course, if your company already has a formal telework plan in place it is much easier, but what do you do if they don’t?

Before you approach your boss or manager there are 2 main things you need to consider:

• Is my job right for telecommuting? If your job involves doing a lot of independent work such as reading, research, number crunching, report or document writing, or phone work then at least a portion of your job can be done outside the office – and might actually benefit from being away from common office interruptions. On the other hand, if your job requires a good deal of face-to-face contact or access to information or systems that are only available in the office, then your job might not be a good fit for telecommuting.

• Would I make a good telecommuter? There are certain traits that help make someone more successful at working outside the office. Successful telecommuters are usually self-starters who do not require much “hands-on” help from mangers or colleagues. They also need to be organized and possess good time management skills. If you don’t have all of these skills don’t worry, they can be developed over time.

Many companies have heard of the benefits of telework but they still have fears or misconceptions about what is involved. Here are 5 steps you can take to approach this topic professionally.

1. Go in with a plan, not a request. Do your research and be prepared to address any questions, fears, or objections that your manager and/or boss might have. Put together a short proposal including:

• Why you want to telecommute.
• From what location you will be telecommuting.
• Is the space and equipment sufficient?
• How will they know you are working?
• How many days a week you will work from a remote location. (Usually only a day or two a week to start)
• How often will you be “checking in?”
• Why do you, in particular, have the skills necessary to work from home?

2. Think like a Manager or Supervisor. Approach this proposal/conversation thinking like a manager. Don’t explain how it will benefit you; instead focus on how it will benefit the company and increase your productivity.

3. BE FLEXIBLE! Don’t initially propose this as a permanent arrangement. Explain that you’d like to try it for 2-3 months with an evaluation at the beginning, middle, and end of the trial to evaluate your progress.

4. Have measurable goals and objectives. How will they know you’re working? If you spend a lot of time preparing reports, figure out how many hours or days they usually take you to complete. If you work in a customer service position, then track how many calls you put out to clients. The bottom line is to find some way to quantify your current level of productivity so your boss or manager will have a basis for comparison.

5. Ease their fears with facts. Find recent statistics and articles about other organizations that have implemented telework programs successfully. It’s best if you can find those that pertain specifically to your job description. If you can show that other, similar companies are successfully executing telework, then the perceived risk is reduced.

I hope you found this article helpful. I cover this topic and other ways to find more flexible work and legitimate work at home jobs in my book Lose Your Commute.

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