The Anywhere Office » twitter

Talking Mobile Work (and playing harmonica) on My First Live Ustream Broadcast

Phil Montero — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:31:44 +0000

Yesterday I did something I’ve been wanting to do for some time – I did my first live Ustream Broadcast to have an open Q&A about mobile work technology, working from anywhere, and growing your business online. In case you are not familiar with Ustream it is a service that allows you to do live real-time online broadcasts using nothing more than your webcam and a microphone. You can check out the replay of yesterdays session:

In this initial broadcast I chatted with some folks about mobile work technology – we discussed online musical collaboration, co-working and coffee shops, why it makes sense to create your website in WordPress, CRM software, Windows vs Mac, Skype and Tokbox, multi-person video chats, the Blue Yeti microphone, Twitter Apps, and I even jammed a little harmonica!I’m thinking of doing these either weekly (or bi-weekly) to make myself available to answer any burning questions you may have about mobile work technology, cloud computing, setting up an effective home office, using social media, automating common business processes, internet marketing, and anything else about working from anywhere or growing your business online.

Let me know what you think of the idea and what time/day might work best for you.

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How to Use Social Media for Your Small Business Success

Phil Montero — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:12:14 +0000

I’m really loving the growth of social media – especially the way it can serve as a watercooler and networking environment for those that work in The Anywhere Office. One of the downsides of being virtual is losing the connections and social element of working in an office.

I have found Twitter to be a great way to connect with people and in many ways it’s even more powerful than the traditional water cooler as I have connected with people from all over the globe!

Being a work at home dad, entrepreneur, and small business owner it’s hard to find the time in my schedule to get out to networking events. This is another area where social media has really been amazing – I’m able to take a more asynchronous approach to finding and starting conversations with other liked minded people I meet. I think the key, however, is to then take those conversations to the next step and schedule a real-time phone call, Skype chat, or in person meeting when possible.

Still haven’t taken the social media plunge? I came across a recent article that helps you get up to speed on the big three:

Here’s a quick 101 on how to best leverage the top three social networking sites — Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. via Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn? Finding the Right Fit for Your Small Business | Small Business Matters.

If you haven’t explored any of these services yet I strongly urge you to do so! You can connect with me on all three here – Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

Twitter is by far my favorite – which is yours? Post your thoughts in the comments below.

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Using Social Media for Inspired Learning and Education

Phil Montero — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:00:02 +0000

I love it when people get creative with the tools and technology available to them! When you think of social media you may think of staying in touch with friends, or another avenue of business networking – but what about tapping into this amazing technology in the classroom?

I came across a great post that was chock-full of ideas for how to use social media for learning. It breaks them down into grade levels and topics and even links to some case studies or articles that explain in more detail the specific examples:

Sites such as Facebook and Twitter and tools such as Skype are connecting students to learning opportunities in new and exciting ways. Whether you teach an elementary class, a traditional college class, or at an online university, you will find inspirational ways to incorporate social media in your classroom with this list.

via Fred’s Head from APH: 100 Inspiring Ways to Use Social Media In the Classroom.

Have you heard of any other innovative or creative uses of social media? Post a comment below and share!

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Our First Flexwork Chat on Twitter

Phil Montero — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:07 +0000

On Wednesday, February 17th we had our first Flexwork Chat on Twitter. I was joined by Jasper
Westerway (@JasperWestaway), CEO of OneDrum, and Lokesh Datta (@LDatta) of AllCollaboration.com as well as a bunch of other great twitter folks who were eager to discuss and debate the current state and challenges of flexible work.

The discussion centered around some of the findings from One Drum’s recent flexible work study.

We discussed a number of topics including:

How can flexible/remote working can make you more productive?
What are some of barriers to productive remote working?
What should businesses consider when choosing tools to facilitate remote working?

View this post on the One Drum blog for a summary of some of the key points and a full transcription is available in PDF form here (Thanks Chip!).

It was fun, exciting, and informative and we are planning to make this a fairly regular event. It looks like we will be doing one again next Wednesday so I hope you will join us!

What is a tweet chat?
For those of you unfamiliar with this online discussion format, a tweetchat is simply an organized group chat that takes place using the Twitter platform. Participants use an assigned hashtag (in our case #flexworkchat) for their tweets during the discussion. For more information on Tweet chats check out this short article.

You can follow along, or participate, by visiting http://tweetchat.com/room/flexworkchat or simply following the #flexworkchat hashtag on twitter.

If you want to know about upcoming chats (and other events) please subscribe to our email newsletter (on the right hand side of any page of this blog) or follow me on Twitter!

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Social networking – a shift in the way we communicate

Phil Montero — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:52:15 +0000

Let’s face it you can’t read an article anywhere these days without someone mentioning social media, social networking, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook. These tools not only affect the way we connect to each other as people but also how we share information and communicate.

Businesses of all size have now adopted the use of social media from large corporations and small businesses to solo-preneurs and freelancers. Much in the way desktop publishing and blogs put the power to spread information in the hands of the masses – social media has provided unprecedented ways for us to connect and network with one another. Check out this eye-opening video I found on YouTube that shares some amazing stats about the social media revolution.

One of the common myths we often dispel with virtual teamwork is that using technology makes relationships less personal and you can’t build trust or get to know people who you rarely or never see. I don’t agree – using these tools like Twitter and Facebook allows you to connect (or re-connect) with people, stay in touch, and get to know each other.

I’m amazed at some of the amazing people I’ve met through Twitter. Through a simple series of short message I get insight into their thoughts, views, work, and life. By the time we talk on the phone, via Skype, or meet in person I feel like I know them already and our conversations are richer for it. Without geographical boundaries I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with people from the UK, Finland, India, and all across the US. You can now work and make friends with people all across the globe – what a powerful and freeing experience that is!

If one understands the way social networks can deliver value, they have the opportunity to do more for themselves than ever before. What used to be a fairly linear world, one with ladders to climb rank, and lines to wait in for limited resources, are now built of vast and flexible networks, some loose and some rigid. Our social networks, both the old-fashioned type in real life, as well as the new constructs created by social software, give us the ability to do amazing things for ourselves and for others.

- Chris Brogan, Author of Trust Agents and Social Media Expert

Social networking has changed the playing field of business and you can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. If you haven’t jumped into the social networking fray – what are you waiting for? You don’t have to use them all but pick one and give it a try. This is no fad – although different services may come and go over time there’s no denying the point this video makes so clearly – it’s a new world and this is the way people meet and connect today. Whether you’re a person with a thirst for community and want to build your tribe or you’re looking to increase brand exposure and connect with potential customers, social networking knows no boundaries!

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How to use Twitter for Business (The Official Twitter Guide)

Phil Montero — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:51:21 +0000

Have you been hearing about Twitter just about everywhere you go? The microblogging service has been getting a lot of press lately and as an entrepreneur or small business owner you might be asking yourself – “What is this social networking service all about and how can I use it to connect with others and increase my business?”

I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon a few months back and I am loving it. I find it a great way to find and connect with like minded individuals. I’ve me some great entrepreneurs and others that are passionate about working from anywhere – digital nomads and others interested in workshifting and being location independent.

To be honest, when I first heard about Twitter I thought “What a waste of time . . . why do I want to know that someone has just taken the trash out or just had a delicious ice cream sundae?” But after some time I saw the light and started to understand how Twitter can be used for business networking and as a way to meet some wonderful people.

Twitter must have realized many people were asking the same questions I was because they just launched their Twitter 101 Guide for Business – which is a great overview of the business uses for Twitter. It covers topics such as:

What does Twitter do for businesses and how does it work
Learning the lingo
Best practices
Case Studies
Links to other resources

If you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, solo professional or freelancer – you need to know about Twitter! If you have been wondering what all the Twitter buzz is about and how you might use this service to grow your business I suggest you check out the Twitter for Business guide as well as these resources:

As you start to follow more people you will probably find that you need more than the Twitter website to keep up with the Twitter stream and manage your followers and friends. I recommend two programs to do this – Tweetdeck or my favorite Seesmic Desktop.

If you join the Twitter community, and I hope you will, please follow me @philmontero and say hello. I’d love to connect with you and find ways we can help each other grow our businesses and share common interests!

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Phil Montero — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there! Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxing day. #
My little boy Spencer woke me up this morning with a home made card, we made corn muffins for breakfast and will be playing and then BBQ … #
Raising a glass to our fathers for teaching us through their actions and their words! #
RT @safetelework: “Why do you care if he walks his dog” if performance objectives are being met, do the details matter? http://bit.ly/puZd3 #
RT @ManagementTip: Take Responsibility for Your Own Professional Development http://bit.ly/Yx86C << Have you learned anything new lately? #
Build team-manship, even with a virtual team – by featuring one teammate a week in your team call. (via @DaveChurchville) << Great advice! #
RT @codymckibb: Reading: The Ultimate Mobile Office Set Up For The Location Independent Professional http://snipurl.com/kqblg << Good Read #
Checking out Google’s Gmail (Ninja) Tips http://bit.ly/OVW4d (via @problogger). These tips will help since I left Outlook for Google Apps! #
RT @jlipnack: Enterprise 2.0: “Making Virtual Collaboration Work”-from InformationWeek http://bit.ly/KGp60 #
@leanneclc Ahhh nothing like a little Robert Parker in the morning – in Boston! Is it a Spencer novel you are reading? I’m a big fan! in reply to leanneclc #
Reading: Virtual Workforce: Managing Remote Employees – BusinessWeek. A good series of articles and tips for managers http://bit.ly/58m2E #
RT @jonathanmead: “Progress isn’t made by early risers. It’s made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.” -Robert Heinlein #
RT @AndyInNaples: What Did YOU Do to Add Value This Week? http://post.ly/zAo << Good advice for entrepreneurs #
Create standard operating procedures that support your virtual team’s communication and collaboration. It’s a MUST. (via @DaveChurchville) #
Working in a virtual team? 10 points to take into consideration http://bit.ly/LoN3L (via @Andi_Roberts) Short useful tips – Well done Andi! #
Hey @leanneclc I really like the Jesse Stone stuff too. Tom Selleck does a great job with them on the TV movies. in reply to leanneclc #

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Phil Montero — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

RT @ashleyacker: 5 Barriers to Workplace Flexibility: http://short.to/fsg7 [Too bad the same old fears get in the way of all the benefits] #
RT @KammieK: Awesome list of Virtual Office Tools for all you REMOTE peeps: http://tinyurl.com/n8e8zb [Web tools to run/promote a business] #
@KammieK Just found you on twitter. Really love your MorningMojo tweets – very inspirational – thanks! in reply to KammieK #
Moving my websites and blog to a new webhost. Working out the kinks . . . in the words of Captain Kirk – it pays to know how things work! #
@ashleyacker My pleasure Ashley – Ashame to see the same stumbling blocks still exist. June is going well – already hot here in Florida. in reply to ashleyacker #
@viralogy really enjoying the great video interviews on your site http://bit.ly/sXH3v How do you record the video for both sides of the chat #
Fellow entrepreneurs, good video interview with Loic Le Meur – Founder of Seesmic | @Viralogy Blog http://bit.ly/3heiy #
RT @ashleyacker: 51% of GenX workers say they’d leave their current employer for a chance 2 telework. What r you doing to retain this group? #
RT @projectshrink: Shared: What Kind of Rock Band is Your Team? http://tinyurl.com/ksxdfu [I love the analogies here - well written!] #
Trying the new versions of Seismic Desktop and Tweetdeck. Really torn between the two – features I like on both. Jury is still out. #
TweetDeck just released a free iPhone app that syncs with the desktop app – sweet but I can’t seem to get my searches to sync yet. #
Excited about the iPhone 3.0 software to be released today. Can’t wait to put it on my iPod Touch. Lots of good features! #
iPhone 3.0 firmware due at 10AM PT, 1PM ET http://bit.ly/4p7KT – The countdown is on! #
Reading: How To Use The Best 40 Features of iPhone 3.0 http://bit.ly/5j402 – Like a little boy at xmas I keep checking Apple for the link. #
Installing 3.0 software update to my iPod Touch now . . . giddy as a schoolboy! #
If you change the way you look at things, the things that you look at will change ~ Bob Proctor (via @bullhunter). Good virtual team tip! #
Cut, copy, and paste works like a dream on the my iPod Touch after installing the OS 3.0 update. This is what I was most excited about. #
@tomchartrand As I have an iPod touch and not an iPhone I need wifi to get online too. Too happy with Verizon’s coverage to switch. in reply to tomchartrand #
Need a WordPress pro to help you with your blog? Check out @Theworkingdad – he is good, helpful, and knows his stuff! #
What Remote Workers Do Worst http://bit.ly/3MWISR – Good post and why I emphasize the need for Communication Guidelines for virtual teams. #
Master the Art of Working Remotely @ginatrapani shares some excellent best practices for working remotely. http://bit.ly/1FxXYo #
Taking advantage of the Florida sunshine and going for a swim with my little boy. Precious moments like this r what flexible work is about! #
Now to covince Spencer that his stuffed monkey can’t go in the pool with us … Gotta love it! #
@focuscatalyst @ashleyacker @Dereksg53 @ivanthomas @vadi972 Thanks for the Retweets! #
Trying TweetDeck for iPhone and search columns for desktop were not syncing. Easy solution – I simply deleted and recreated them – solved. #
Considering a NetBook? Check this out: RT @webvideodave: How well do small, cheap NetBooks actually work? Here’s a test: http://sn.im/kdfr4 #
iPhone 3.0 a cut-and-paste win for Twitter http://bit.ly/NFc4a – This was my most desired feature in the new OS and it works great. #
How Inspired is Your Home Office Space? http://bit.ly/ev3s6 @chiefhomeoffice shares great tips (and photos). Now to get rid of my clutter! #
Oh I am certainly a victim to this – How to Stop Digital Fiddling and Start Writing… http://tinyurl.com/n5es8s (via @pfrigerio) #
Been plugging away all day and drinking way too much coffee – made me think of this song. I love the java jive … ♫ http://blip.fm/~8go23 #
Allow individuals to know individuals. Show photos/background about everyone on the virtual team. (via @kupe ) Great advice anyone doing it? #
Where Is My Virtual Mobile Office? http://bit.ly/15Ri5U @themobilityguy shares some insights about working from anywhere. #
@ChiefHomeOffice Jeff was really hoping to see your band play in Boca Sat but can’t swing it. Let me know when your next gig is! in reply to ChiefHomeOffice #
RT @telesaur RT @MyHBPTEA: Telecommuting is about PEOPLE not technology…. [How true! Virtual Teamwork is a human endeavor of sharing] #
Hey @ChiefHomeOffice you have to tell me how that harmonica class with Portnoy is. I have been wanting to check that out. Blow that harp! in reply to ChiefHomeOffice #
Telework Toolkit provides great information and resources. http://bit.ly/KxlA6. Part of Kitsap Telework Pilot. #telework #
RT @DanielPink: Are you the glue or the solvent? Good interview on management and motivation w/ Will Wright. http://bit.ly/19blHP #
Guy Kawasaki 10-20-30 Presentation Rule http://bit.ly/GWUl3 (via @jaytoddmartin) << I love Guy, straight to the point no pulling punches. #

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Phil Montero — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

@leanneclc being you have been reliving old tv shows check out http://www.retrojunk.com – u can watch old commercials and show promos – fun! in reply to leanneclc #
RT @ashleyacker: Quiz: Which Person is Working? Can you tell? http://bit.ly/KxJXs – excellent points Ashley makes in this post! #
@Loriannmac3 My thoughts for finding that type of work would be to search for people conducting teleseminars and contact them. in reply to Loriannmac3 #
No Such Thing as Failure; Only Feedback http://bit.ly/10tFWc I love the attitude @evelynlim brings to this topic! A gentle reminder. #
Why telework is tough for small companies http://bit.ly/114OY8. I don’t agree. Sounds like they lacked strategy and proper tools. Thoughts? #
RT @mrcruce: Virtual teaming / telework WORKS. It just takes work. [There is a shift involved but it improves your team and communication] #
Can anyone recommend a reliable webhost (especially for wordpress blogs)? 1&1 has been dropping the ball for me lately. Thanks for the help! #
Great article – how the founder of WordPress works http://bit.ly/qjxm3 Manages employees from home using chat programs they work home too. #
RT @ashleyacker Telework didn’t work 4 him b/c he didn’t want it 2 work Old school beliefs+lack of strategy+wrong tools=recipe for disaster! #
RT @WebWorkerDaily: How To Ask the Boss If You Can Work Remotely. [Good tips for those who want to telework]. http://tinyurl.com/mmpvex #
RT @inspiredeggs: “We have many communication tools. Let’s make the effort 2 know which tool is the rt 1 4 the job. ” http://bit.ly/3A1T2 #
RT @jbennett047: “What Cloud Computing Offers Start-ups” http://tr.im/okK3 [Great benefits for startups and virtual companies.] #

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Phil Montero — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:00:00 +0000

RT @motivation: “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” – Jimi Hendrix http://tqpage.com/32041
The Greenist Office? None at all “In a typical work week, occupancy rates of traditional offices are only 30%” http://tinyurl.com/cy45ra
RT @BalancingProf fed agency says telecommuters should work 3 extra weeks to make up time not sitting in traffic- http://tr.im/m1dr – What??
Installed Vista SP2 last night – worked without a hitch – whew. Made sure to image my laptop before just in case.
@tomchartrand Ahhh yes I must say after being a Windows zealot for some time I’m ready to switch myself. My next computer will be a Mac.
RT @ChrisFerdinandi: get out of the way and let your people be amazing: http://bit.ly/pQPRU – Amen to that Chris!
@ChrisFerdinandi I only just discovered you on Twitter – Was in Boston last week and we could have met up. What instruments do you play?
@ChrisFerdinandi Next time in Boston I’ll give you a shout. I play keyboards but these days mostly harmonica and percussion – learning uke!
Battling It Out During Tough Times: MBAs vs. Entrepreneurs http://bit.ly/A0zh8 Which are you? Interesting perspective – I’m an entrepreneur
@rtfelton We have sample telework agreements and documents available on our site – http://bit.ly/ARWzb #telework #telecommute
The Last Days of Cubicle Life http://bit.ly/11ZepI – An interesting look at the future of work and the workplace by Seth Godin.
RT @ashleyacker: How to combat wasted time at work: http://bit.ly/19wXi8 [Great post about ROWE. Make work about results rather than time!]

Grasshopper . . . we’ll miss you! RIP David Carradine – 73 years old was found dead in a Bangkok hotel while filming a movie.
RT @inspiredeggs: Google Wave: a one-stop-shop for collaboration on steroids http://bit.ly/nRUPh [interested to try this when it's released]
Cool app! CardStar stores your membership card info w/barcode for major chains in your iphone http://bit.ly/VIFxe – Get it while it’s free.
@hwakelam I think the biggest difference in virtual leadership from face to face is being a more “conscious communicator”.
RT @leanneclc Workplace flex – once again it’s personal for me http://twurl.nl/gzd1an [great post about work life integration vs balance]
RT @johnfschneider: What We Know About The Apple Tablet So Far http://ff.im/-37Rse – oooh this looks very interesting! I love my ipod Touch
Welcome to all my new followers! If you have questions on virtual teams, remote collaboration, or working from anywhere, send me a message.
RT @E_Wendt: Virtual Meeting Technologies Take Center Stage in AT&T Event: http://is.gd/PqDM How telepresence is being used in organizations
Just saw Pixars UP with my wife – my birthday movie date – I highly recommend it! Very creative and original.
Reading – Eight ways that cloud computing will change business http://snurl.com/jmcue – good overview of some pros and cons. #
@mitchellfriedmn we have a lot of articles and resources to help with your virtual team research – http://www.theanywhereoffice.com in reply to mitchellfriedmn #
100 Must-have Web Tools for Telecommuters http://bit.ly/KIkii [good list of resources to help you work from anywhere] #

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