On September 13, she’s presenting a free webinar called Telecommute Now! How to Get Fast Approval to Work from Home where she will be sharing secrets for the easiest way to ask for a flexible work arrangement and get your managers to say YES.

In our short interview Pat and I talk about:

• the importance of knowing how to negotiate the flexible work arrangement you want and how to ask with confidence.
• the different shapes and sizes of flexible work: including telecommuting, compressed workweek, part-time, and job sharing.
• the three-ingredient formula that gets managers to agree to a telework request — even where there are barriers. She also reveals a preview of two barriers that keep people from asking for a flexible work arrangement.

Listen to this 15 minute interview to learn more:

Pat’s expert advice on flexible work has been featured in several national publications including The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and also on NBC Nightly News. I’ve been following Pat’s work in this space for the last 15 years and we first spoke many years ago when I was working on my book – Lose Your Commute.

Pat’s story, and why helping people find legitimate flexible work has become her passion, is very interesting.  I suggest checking out the about page on her site to learn more.

Like Pat, it has always been my mission to help people achieve their flexible or virtual work goals. What frustrates me is that there is plenty of information available on how to start a “flexible,” work from home business, but not everyone wants to be a small business owner or an entrepreneur. A lot of people want to work a job or develop a career with a company – but also want to take advantage of the flexibility of an alternative work arrangement. Finding legitimate flexible work is made even more challenging due to the scammers and fakes who prey on honest people; taking their money and giving little or nothing in return. One way to transition to a more flexible work schedule while avoiding scams is to approach the manager at your current job about work-shifting or working from home a few days out of the workweek.

Unfortunately, there’s not much information available on how to approach your current employer about telework or other flexible work arrangements. That’s why I was excited to hear about Pat’s Flexible Work Proposal Packages and the upcoming free webinar she is offering.

FREE WEBINAR
Pat’s Telecommute Now!  webinar is being held on Tuesday, September 13th. She always provides the kind of reliable, trusted information that so many people have been looking for but don’t know where to get. In this webinar she’ll reveal the three key ingredients for getting your boss to say ‘yes’ to your request to work from home. This is based on 18 years of experience with thousands of professionals, she can tell you what changes managers’ minds. If you want to know how to get your manager to say YES, register now.

All webinar registrants are eligible to win a free copy of the Telecommuting Proposal Package. You’re entered to win automatically when you register for the free Telecommute Now! webinar.

Don’t put your dreams of a flexible work schedule on hold another minute. Cut the commute and free up time for your family, your side hustle, your life. There are only 100 slots available so click here and sign up now before it fills up.

NEXT STEPS:

• Sign up for the Free Telecommute NOW Webinar (Sept. 13th)
• Get more info Pat’s Flexible Work Proposal Packages (Templates & Strategy)
• Follow WorkOptions.com on Facebook

This post contains some affiliate links, click here to read our full affiliate disclosure.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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3. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 12: Next Steps) Welcome to Part 12 of our 13 part audio series...

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!

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3. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 8: Managing Expectation) Welcome to Part 8 of our 13 part audio series...

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!

Like this Post? Check Out These...

1. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 13: Q&A) Welcome to Part 13 – the final part of our...
2. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 7: Where Do We Start?) Welcome to Part 7 of our 13 part audio series...
3. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 12: Next Steps) Welcome to Part 12 of our 13 part audio series...

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!

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1. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 5: Common Telecommuting Pitfalls) Welcome to Part 5 of our 13 part audio series...
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3. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 12: Next Steps) Welcome to Part 12 of our 13 part audio series...

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!

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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!

Like this Post? Check Out These...

1. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 13: Q&A) Welcome to Part 13 – the final part of our...
2. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 5: Common Telecommuting Pitfalls) Welcome to Part 5 of our 13 part audio series...
3. Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 12: Next Steps) Welcome to Part 12 of our 13 part audio series...