Remote Working Part 3 – What should be in your tool box
Self discipline more….
Before I present to you my list of great online tools that will definitely assist you to operate remotely, I wanted to make you aware of one more point about self discipline and specifically to do with keeping your focus and levels of concentration
I’ve uncovered and verified a common trait in members of both sexes who work on the Internet and I’ve been in contact with for a substantial period and I call this behavior the fifty minute rule. I identified these people who concentrate and work for fifty minutes and then make themselves take a complete ten minute break and are a significant order of magnitude more effective and produce a considerably higher quality of work than individuals who don’t have structured working practises.
OK as promised here is my list of choice remote working web applications:
Electronic Mail
Google Mail is free. For my money the search and label (categories) functions are superior to anything I have previously seen. Googlemail can be a little slow on aging PC’s
Phone calls
Skype continually perplexed me as the service performance was appalling, but all credit to the software tech’s at Skype now as they have really improved the quality of the service. For few dollars a month ! am able to call and conference in any phone and Skype user in the world. The current edition of Skype has a wealth of superb features and there constantly expanding collection of valuable add on applications.
Organising Content
Evernote has secured more than a million users in a very short space of time – it lets you to store, organise and annotate any type of digital media on the net. Just go check it out…it’s free.
Invoicing, Time and Expenses capture, Accounting and CRM
You definitely know that my ambition to work remotely was originally motivated by Quickbooks Online, a small business accounting software web application. But it is easily beaten hands down by the free edition of salesorder.com – a lead to cash system that’s as easy to use as a pc mouse I looked at NetSuite whose pricing (and people) scared me off. My choice here is salesorder.com – Go check it out.
Remote Working Part 2 – Best practises
The key reason members of both sexes fail to succeed at working remotely is they fail to recognise the need for high-quality organisation and enduring self discipline.
I have been working remotely for almost a decade since I first unearthed Quickbooks online an ‘on demand’ small business accounting software online system and was mesmerised by the fact that if you can perform accounting on the Internet then why shouldn’t it be viable to do other important types of work remotely?
Whilst working remotely has significant advantages there are numerous pitfalls which evolve into issues that cause cuts in work output and reduced morale. The top reason for decreases in productivity in remote professionals is distraction and it is a confirmed and well publicised fact that it can take a professional up to 0.33 hours to establish their original efficiency level after experiencing an interruption.
Studies also show that men and women who are consistently subjected to distractions are more likely to be susceptible to lower memory capability and are prone to developing mental health problems in old age. We exist in an over communicated world and it is important that you know the issues this causes before you decide to work remotely. Whilst operating remotely you have to do everything possible to reduce the risk of being disturbed.
Here’s how I do it:
1, Get a consistent schedule, make sure that everybody knows it and rigidly adhere to it!
Good examples are a specific time of day when you review or write and send electronic mail and make or receive phone conversatiions. Before I began working remotely I used to get nearly hundreds of electronic mails over a period of twenty four hours. Now I think I am unfortunate if I receive over five. To ‘restart’ my e-mail experience I changed my e-mail address and vigorously took precautions to protect the details being passed on to anyone. I then educated every person who I gave my e-mail address to, to use it with special care. I also configured an auto-responder that swiftly told anyone sending me mail my routine for processing mail and if someone needed my immediate consideration to mark it as ‘Urgent’.
2. Get rid of alerts.
Disable every possible mechanism that can send you a interruption. This includes portable and
conventional telephones and forms of alerts from e-mail such as visual alerts, beeps, display changes to your inbox folder and of course facing a window. Get a door on your office and put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign on it.
In ‘Remote Working Part 3 – What should be in your tool box’ I will reveal my favourite tools and software.
Remote Working Part 2 – Best practises
The most cited reason workers fail to succeed at operating remotely is they fail to realise the neccesity of good organisation and sustainable self management.
I have been working remotely for nearly 8 yrs since I first uncovered Quickbooks online an ‘on demand’ small business accounting software web application and was mesmerised by the fact that if you can perform accounting on the Internet then why shouldn’t you be able to do other key types of of work away from the conventional office?
Whilst working remotely has substantial gains there are numerous mistakes that people make which lead to issues that result in decreased productivity and reduced morale. The most significant reason for low productivity in remote employees is disturbance and it is a verified and well publicised fact that it can take a worker up to 0.33 hours to establish their original output level after experiencing an interruption.
Studies also show that individuals who are continuously affected by interruptions are more likely to suffer from decreased memory capability and are prone to developing mental health problems in later life. We live in an over communicated era and it is important that you are aware of the problems this causes before you decide to work remotely. When working remotely you have to do everything possible to eradicate the threat of being disrupted.
Here are the essentials:
1, Get a consistent schedule, tell everyone about it and stick to it!
Good examples are a specific time of day when you review or send electronic mail and make or take telephone conversatiions. Before I began working remotely I used to receive nearly hundreds of e-mails over a period of twenty four hours. Now I think I am unfortunate if I receive over 4. To ‘restart’ my e-mail experience I changed my e-mail address and tenaciously took precautions to look after the details being made available to anyone. I then made sure every party who I gave my e-mail address to, to use it prudently. I also configured an automatic reply that swiftly told anyone sending me mail my schedule for attending to mail and if an item must have my urgent consideration to mark it as ‘Urgent’.
2. Get rid of alerts.
Turn off every function that can send you a perceptible alert. This includes portable and
conventional handsets and forms of alerts from e-mail such as visual alerts, warning sounds, display changes to your inbox folder and of course facing a window. Get a door on your study and put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign on it.
In ‘Remote Working Part 3 – The ‘kit’ list’ I will reveal my favourite tools and software.
Remote Working Part 1 – Start here
Obviously not everyone can work remotely as many jobs require individuals to be at their office or travel to undertake their duties in person. But for those of us who are allowed to work remotely then I thought it would be useful to share what I have learned and offer some practical advice by distributing it on the web with the sole objective of providing useful ways for adapting to remote working or supervising remote workers.
I would caution you that there are a lot of so called ’experts’ on the web who will try and sell you videos for vast sums of money, trust me you don’t have to do this.
I am privileged to be permitted to work wherever I choose and just about everyone who asks me what job I do wants to learn how I am able to work remotely. Don’t be fooled here I am still refining the science of remote working as each day I meet people online who show me new methods and I am constantly coming across new tools and ways that make my life easier and improve my productivity.
In the past 7 years I have steadily adapted my working processes to allow me to do most of my work remotely with a kit of online tools and solid self management. One afternoon whilst surfing the web I came across Quickbooks online and this got me thinking about what just might be possible. The discovery of ’cloud’ based ‘on demand’ small business accounting software was the turning point for me and the start of my ‘remote working experience.
I have got to state up front that productively working remotely is as much about the tools as it is about self discipline. Working remotely also means informing your co-workers, supervisors and clients as to what they can expect and how they will stay in touch with you.
In ‘Remote Working Part 2 – Self discipline essentials’ I write about how to focus.
Video teleconferencing products on the market today
Nearly all businesses strive to make a profit and saving time is money in the pocket. Video teleconferencing is one tool a business has that not only saves money in time but also in travel costs.
Today’s technology market is moving at such a fast pace and video telecomunication systems are a requirement. There are a rather large number of advantages with using the latest video audio technology including:
• Little initial investment to set up video teleconferencing communications
* the world is open when using video telecommunication
* Less hassle with logistics to streamline the use
• The ability to work on ever-changing demands of the marketplace with simplicity
• The ability to share and evaluate digital as well as audio presentation from across the world instantly
• Simultaneous communication and collaboration on projects with time sensitive projects
* The financial saving are proven
• The ability to hold board meeting consistently and on schedule
Moderators are given the ability to control things such as attendance, time, content and frequency of meetings with video teleconferencing as well as having the freedom to deny access to those whose presence is not welcome.
All businesses technology requirments are different and there are telecomunication software packages available. What all can your businesses achieve with increased productivity and communication that also saves money?
There are a number of companies who have created the latest video teleconferencing technology and have won technology awards for their product.
There are so many companies on the market which are offering the latest business video technology. Always research before you buy! Find out more from the web, there are reviews of all the latest conferencing equipment.
Over the last 10 years Video teleconferencing has become the norm in a majority of companies around the world.
There are a number of sites which offer helpful information. take a look at Millenium Technology Awards, the are some great deals and fantastic information.
There are a number of internet sites which can offer you assistance with making your decision. Shop around as their are some fantastic deals to be had for hight quality products.
Web Teleconferencing Can Make Your Business Excell
when you use interactive worldwide video conferencing business is limited only by our imaginations. You can use conferencing to conduct meetings, train current staff, present products and plans, and do a lot more. Plus, there are even individuals using web teleconferencing services to attend family gatherings they can’t be at in person. From media personnel to companies and contractors, there are lots of individuals doing current things we couldn’t have dreamed of a few years ago. Your goal is to run a seminar to a group of individuals? think about doing it via web video conferencing online.
Radio stations have been using intercation techniques for some time now, from request shows, to interactive internet options liek chat client and emailing that let people chat it up with DJs. Online radio stations took it even further, since programs could be heard online conversely, web teleconferencing can even serve live radio shows. people who want to be part the teleconference should click on a link to log into it, wittnesseing the administrators and if the webcasters have web cams of their own, being seen, too. phone all of the sudden looks a lot more like video.
The most primary thing about web teleconferencing is the ability to join with the audience on a whole unique level. There are all sorts of different web teleconferencing services and applications out there. a couple require investment, but a few are free. Some need to be downloaded, while others scoot in your browser. There are conferencing tools that dependent on a particular operating system and ones that are considered “agnostic” and can be run by individuals with even the most obscure systems. From conferences of ten to a thousand, there are tools out there to support the one you want to have.
The new ease of employment that many people are experiencing with web teleconferencing makes it simpler for professionals and amateurs alike. Realtors can exhibit homes to prospective buyers and to their relatives living elsewhere using this kind of software. There are even lawyers who’ve used video teleconferencing utilities with secure transmission to make depositions in court via the Internet. This saves time and travel costs, and makes it comprahendable to talk face to face with people who are across the world.
Auction houses can also employ video teleconferencing applications to exhibit items for sale to bidders without needing to be there in person. Larger corporations are allowing bids to be placed online for auctions, while smaller companies are starting to catch on as well. Even Ebay sellers might be able to benefit from theuse of web teleconferencing services and technology. It’s improbable what options we have, and what kind of potential is represented by this swiftly growing field. Curious about whether or not video conferencing could assist you? find out more information on it today!
The business benefits of cloud computing
All of the technology and business people I regularly talk to keep talking about cloud computing. But what is it, what does it really mean for business and what are the economic and tangible upsides?
Cloud means Internet. The computing happens on the Internet – instead of the software you use running on your computer, it runs somewhere on the Internet on a server installed in a data centre commonly staffed by people who are adept in managing technology. This type of “cloud” software is commonly known as “on demand” or Software as a Service (SaaS).
Some good examples of popular Software as a Service are:
Web based CRM Software (Customer Relationship Management) – Salesforce.com pricing about $9 per user/month.
Small business management and accounting software (small business ERP) – Salesorder.com pricing $45 per user/month.
Medium sized business ERP software – NetSuite pricing around $99 per user/month.
There are 3 substantial benefits for every business here:
Time, cost savings and reliability
Businesses no longer need a permanent IT professional to help them procure, bed in and manage the technology infrastructure thus lowering operating costs and time to implement. The effort of regularly backing up data is eradicated as this is usually an inherent function of the “cloud” software. Cloud software “operators” normally have stand by systems that can be turned on in instantly should a disruptive problem occur.
Easier selection and wider choice
Using a web browser, businesses now have immediate access to hundreds of business software they can in the majority of cases immediately test and rapidly establish if the software fulfils their needs at no expense. This makes it effective for employees in large corporations to circumvent the usual information technology procurement processes and easily test and prove their business case.
Better user experience
The net provides immediate feedback to system architects and has led to substantial progress in user interface design resulting in more intuitive systems in turn reducing learning times and increasing user satisfaction. This of course means faster adoption and higher productivity.
Why You Should be Holding Web Meetings
How many times have you been discussing something with somebody on the phone and thought how great it would be if you could very quickly show them something on your computer? Or have you ever wished you could give a presentation to a customer without having to jump on an airplane?
If either of the above questions resonated with you, then you are a perfect candidate for a interactive web conferencing product. When you use a web conferencing or online meeting solution, you can effectively get your point across, just as if you were meeting in the same room with the the person you are meeting with.
Assuming everyone in the web meeting have an Internet connection, you can hold a meeting just like you were in the same room. While you discuss things via the audio interface, you share your computer desktop and the other meeting attendees see what you see. This allows you to give a PowerPoint presentation, show someone how a certain program works, work together on a project, or do just about anything you want.
Web conferencing products meetings give you most of the advantages of a in person meeting, without having to worry about traveling. Think about how much you will save in time and money if you do not have to travel across the country every time you need to meet with someone.
Increased efficiency is something you get when you use a web conferencing solution. You are more efficient because you travel less, and your efficiency increases because you can meet with more people faster, all from the comforts of your desk.
By looking into web conferencing reviews, you will see that they bring incredibly powerful features to your office desk. Web meetings are as easy as using any other desktop application, yet they allow you to meet via the Internet with anyone at a different location from you.
Increase your efficiency by using an online meeting solution. The time you save, and the aggravation you avoid will make you happy you gave online meetings a chance.
4 Benefits to Using Web Based Video Conference Services
The way we do business is constantly changing, and the practice of face-to-face meetings may be coming to an end thanks to Internet video conferencing system. Following are some reasons why:
*The cost. You don’t have to be an accountant to realize that the cost of doing in person meetings with clients, even those in the same city, isn’t that affordable compared to online video conferences. The direct cost of traveling and the opportunity costs of having workers operating in substandard work environments such as the confinements of a airplane cabin or the backseat of a taxi start to add up very quickly.
With online video conferences your staff never has to waste time and money on travel and there are whole markets full of frugal clients that look to do business with perceptive businesses who can offer a better bottom line more than an antiquated face-to-face get together.
*Company image. Image is always an important consideration when it comes to impressing new clients and keeping current business associations healthy and fruitful. Giving suppliers and clients alike the option to make use of the most current technology involving easy to use web video conferencing gives them the impression that your business does not only run with everyone else, it’s blazing the trail.
*It’s all about personnel who can be personal. Voice conferencing is something anyone can do with a phone, but the ability to video conference gives your staff a greater chance to make a truly indelible impression.
*Not for just communicating with clients. Larger companies that have offices located far away from each other may find it very favorable to offer things such as anything from multi-site training sessions and employee meetings to corporate office meetings over a secure connection. Some online video conferencing services are so fitting that vital employees are able to take part in the Internet video conference even if they’re vacationing in the Bahamas or out ill; all that they need is a computer that can get on the internet.
There are numerous online conferencing services with differing service plans ranging from features that are just a little better than what can be found in modern instant messaging programs to advanced plans complete with customization of the interface and the ability to permit attendees to use any computer hardware to be part of a video conference.
You Can Benefit These 5 Ways From Using Online Video Conferencing
Online video conferencing is known by multiple names, such as video meetings or remote conferencing. Whatever you want to call it, this fairly advanced means of communication is quickly becoming a method of choice for many companies of all sizes. There are many benefits in using this means of communication.
* Time saver – When a business has multiple locations around the world, holding meetings can take a considerable amount of time because the attendees have to travel across states or oceans. With web based video conference solutions, the only travel required is the short walk from the desk to the video conferencing room, assuming they are not using their own computer. This is a great reason to look more into video conference review.
* Reduces expenses – Meeting face-to-face can be quite expensive due to plane tickets, paying for a place to stay, and travel allowances. If a physical conference goes longer than planned, a company faces high overhead expenses. With Internet video conference solutions, thousands of dollars can be saved.
* Happier customers – Keeping in contact with clients can be challenging and inconvenient if you need to travel to their location. With video web conferencing, customer can easily be reached in a very personal manner. With a faster and easier way to communicate, the company can continue to expand its client base.
* Health and safety – Meeting in person with customers poses certain risks, especially when travel of any kind is involved. This is especially true when you are traveling to a different country. With Internet video conference services, people can conduct their businesses without facing health and safety risks.
* Greening of your company – A decade ago, the planet would not have been an important factor to consider in business planning. But with the public’s increasing environmental understanding, it is beneficial to a company to have an environmentally conscious image. Using Internet video conference services, instead of traveling long distances, minimizes the company’s carbon footprint.
By using Internet video conferencing you can become more efficient. A company can become more competitive because the funds used for travel can be used for development and improving existing products. Get more information about audio video conferencing and see how this innovative service can help your business become more profitable and competitive.