The Anywhere Office » Podcast

This video is the basically part 3 of my series on switching from Windows to Mac. Yes I know I said it was a 2 part series but I thought this video would make a good 3rd part. In it I share 2 great resources I found that were invaluable to help me cut the learning curve.  These resources let me get up to speed quickly and be productive in no time! Here are links to the resources in case you want to check them out yourself: Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Snow Leopard Edition By David Pogue Amazon Barnes & Noble MacProVideo.com - Great video tutorials on Mac programs.  They are running a special sale until October 20th - use these special links to take advantage of these discounts: 33% off any HD downloadable tutorials 25% off subscriptions I purchased 5 of the downloadable tutorials and I highly recommend them. Have you found any great books, tutorials, or other resources that help cut your learning curve ?  Please share them in the comments below!

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.

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!! I got tired of troubleshooting technical issues and just wanted to be able to get work done and have fun while doing it.  I'm not so foolish to think that I won't have any problems on the Mac side - but I can already tell it's a world of difference and it has opened my eyes. Here are links to the 2 software programs I mention in this video: eCamm Call Recorder for Skype - This program is great for recording Skype audio and/or video calls on the Mac.  This is something I tried desperately to do on Windows but none of the programs I tried did a very good job. Telestream ScreenFlow - One of the best programs I have ever seen for creating screencasts (where you record everything happening on your computer screen).  I loved Camtasia on Windows but this program blew me away! I'll be posting a screencast video I made with this soon about how to setup a USB drive for automatic backups using Time Machine on the Mac. I'll be making a lot more videos, screencasts, and podcasts sharing some great Mac and cloud computing tips so be sure to check back.  Next week I will post part 2 of the video so stay tuned! 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.

Welcome to Part 13 - the final part 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". Today, in part 13 (the final part) of our telework podcast series our panel of experts answer any remaining questions from those who attended the teleseminar on how to start an effective telework program. So listen in to Part 13: Q&A Armed with the ideas, tips, and best practices we shared over the 13 sessions you can develop a telework plan that will dynamically change where and how you and your people work. We wish you the utmost success in embracing telework in your organization and enjoying all the benefits it has to offer! . OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS: Jeff Zbar : Founder of ChiefHomeOfficer.com (and faciliator for our discussion on telecommuting). Rachel Hastings: Vice President of WFC Resources Inc. Phil Montero: CEO of Montero Consulting and Founder of YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com and TheAnywhereOffice.com. Want the whole story? Listen to all 13 parts of Telecommuting in the 21st Century. We hope you find this audio series useful - please take a moment to post a comment and share your thoughts and feedback with us below! Subscribe (in the right hand column) to be sure you don't miss anything! What to Look for in a Telework Candidate?

Welcome to Part 12 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". After discussing some of the various issues over the past 12 parts of this podcast today we will be discussing how to take the important "next steps" to get the ball rolling and implement telecommuting in your organization. In part 12 of our podcast we look at the "next steps" to moving forward with you telework plan. So listen in to Part 12: Next Steps . OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS: Jeff Zbar : Founder of ChiefHomeOfficer.com (and faciliator for our discussion on telecommuting). Rachel Hastings: Vice President of WFC Resources Inc. Phil Montero: CEO of Montero Consulting and Founder of YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com and TheAnywhereOffice.com. Want the whole story? Listen to all 13 parts of Telecommuting in the 21st Century. We hope you find this audio series useful - please take a moment to post a comment and share your thoughts and feedback with us below! Subscribe (in the right hand column) to be sure you don't miss anything! What to Look for in a Telework Candidate?

Welcome to Part 11 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 approaching telework it's important to look at some of the key business issues and consult the right professionals before jumping in. Today we will be discussing some of the Legal, HR, and Tax implication regarding telework. In part 11 of our podcast we look at some of the considerations and planning involved for the business side of telecommuting. So listen in to Part 11: Legal, HR, and Tax Issues . OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS: Jeff Zbar : Founder of ChiefHomeOfficer.com (and faciliator for our discussion on telecommuting). Rachel Hastings: Vice President of WFC Resources Inc. Phil Montero: CEO of Montero Consulting and Founder of YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com and TheAnywhereOffice.com. Want the whole story? Listen to all 13 parts of Telecommuting in the 21st Century. We hope you find this audio series useful - please take a moment to post a comment and share your thoughts and feedback with us below! Subscribe (in the right hand column) to be sure you don't miss anything! What to Look for in a Telework Candidate?

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 . OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS: Jeff Zbar : Founder of ChiefHomeOfficer.com (and faciliator for our discussion on telecommuting). Rachel Hastings: Vice President of WFC Resources Inc. Phil Montero: CEO of Montero Consulting and Founder of YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com and TheAnywhereOffice.com. Want the whole story? Listen to all 13 parts of Telecommuting in the 21st Century. We hope you find this audio series useful - please take a moment to post a comment and share your thoughts and feedback with us below! Subscribe (in the right hand column) to be sure you don't miss anything! What to Look for in a Telework Candidate?

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!

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 . OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS: Jeff Zbar : Founder of ChiefHomeOfficer.com (and faciliator for our discussion on telecommuting). Rachel Hastings: Vice President of WFC Resources Inc. Phil Montero: CEO of Montero Consulting and Founder of YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com and TheAnywhereOffice.com. Want the whole story? Listen to all 13 parts of Telecommuting in the 21st Century. We hope you find this audio series useful - please take a moment to post a comment and share your thoughts and feedback with us below! Subscribe (in the right hand column) to be sure you don't miss anything! What to Look for in a Telework Candidate?

During this past holiday season I spent about 18 days in Syracuse NY visiting family and friends.  I decided for the first time ever to travel for an extended holiday vacation without my laptop - having to walk through several airports lugging heave luggage I figured the less tech gear I had to take with me the better!  Thanks to two small pieces of technology (that fit in my pocket) and one service I use I was able to stay connected, entertained, and when needed - productive. Watch this short video to learn more about how I took The Anywhere Office with me and was able to work from anywhere while traveling lighter than ever before! Two things I forgot to mention in the video . . . The reason I have an iPod Touch and not an iPhone is because I refuse to switch from Verizon to AT&T as my cellphone provider.  I have been a loyal Verizon customer for years for two main reasons - excellent signal (I can make and receive calls from just about anywhere and almost never have a dropped call) and great customer service (sadly almost unheard of today).  The minute Apple gets smart and moves away from their exclusive deal with AT&T and brings the iPhone (or some variation of it) to Verizon I will be the first one in line to get one! Also one additional app I use on my iPod Touch that really helped me stay in touch was Yahoo Messenger.  Yahoo is the main IM service I use and I was able to seamlessly stay connected using my iPod Touch so I didn't miss any messages from my family, friends, and colleagues - simply awesome. BTW - I shot this video using my new Flip UltraHD camcorder and the Gorilla Tripod - 2 more great portable pieces of technology I have! Comment below and let me know what is the key technology you use to stay connected when on the road.