The Invisible Writer

Telecommuting benefits companies: it lowers costs and saves space –no rental of your office space; it lowers absenteeism –You don’t have to take time off as much as the next worker; it increases productivity – fewer distractions.

Allen, Daree. STC Proceedings (2008). Careers>Telecommuting>Presentations

Fifteen Tips for Remote Collaboration

It will always be easier to rally a group of people who work in the same building, but you can accomplish just as much (or more) with a motivated remote team. Getting team members motivated in the first place and holding their interest are your goals. Here are fifteen quick and useful tips to get you started.

Young, Indi. Adaptive Path (2003). Articles>Collaboration>Telecommuting

Saving Money With Virtual Teams and Working at a Distance Without Travel

In this article, I will identify some of the tools we have used to bring together contractors, writers, and clients for our projects. Often, to determine a tool’s value, I will use a trial version. Some tools are very valuable but cost more, while others are functional and free. Although I cannot recommend which tools are best for your organization, I do recommend trying those tools that might fit your needs.

Stuhlemmer, Barbara. TechCom Manager (2009). Careers>Collaboration>Telecommuting>Teleconferencing

Can You Be a Web Worker From a Small Town?

Part of the promise of working independently is to able to live and work where ever you choose. Getting away from the big city sounds great, but can you really work remotely from a small town? Can the technology support it?

McCray, Becky. Web Worker Daily (2008). Careers>Telecommuting>Online

Ten Tips for Working With Clients Remotely: Part 2

When you’re working with clients remotely it can sometimes be difficult to keep everyone happy and your project on track. Without the benefit of face-to-face meetings, it’s easy for a client to feel neglected or out of the loop. The key to successful remote work relationships is frequent and honest communication and trust between both parties. The tips below will help improve your everyday interactions with clients, no matter how far away they may be.

Webdesigner Depot (2009). Careers>Freelance>Telecommuting

Ten Tips for Working With Clients Remotely: Part 1

Collaborating with clients you never meet face-to-face has become normal for most web workers. Ours is an industry where working remotely poses very few real obstacles — nearly every part of the web design process can be done from the comfort of a home office or coffee shop. We’re lucky to have this flexibility, especially in tough economic times when a swanky office doesn’t fit in the business budget. Even if you do have an office, chances are you will land a few clients who aren’t located around the block. But you quickly discover that working remotely has its downsides. Without face-to-face interaction it’s easy for major communication issues to develop… often without you knowing until it’s too late. Avoid a major meltdown with these simple tips.

Webdesigner Depot (2009). Careers>Freelance>Telecommuting

Virtual Insanity: Why Telecommuting is Tough for Small Companies

Years of experience with far-flung organizations have taught me more about the limits of telecommuting than about its advantages. I firmly believe that you should expect employees to show up for work, whenever possible, no matter what kind of company. The reasons for this have nothing to do with checking that people are actually working. It's about efficient communications, building company culture and camaraderie, and sharing the daily bits of work and personal experiences that create a shared sense of purpose.

Weber, Jonathan. Big Money, The (2009). Careers>Telecommuting>Business Communication>Collaboration

The Dirty Little Secrets of Telecommuting

In the year 2007, higher-ups and bigwigs in Corporate America still believe that telecommuting is not a good activity for their workers' long-term career plans. Trends@Work data revealed that 61 percent of surveyed execs believe that telecommuters are less likely to advance in their careers when compared with employees who work in the traditional office setting. That's almost two-thirds of the 1,320 respondents.

Wailgum, Thomas. CIO Magazine (2009). Careers>Telecommuting

Telecommuter's Notebook: 15 Things I Miss About the Office

Sure, telecommuting is great. Until you realize you've got nothing but moldy cheese in the refrigerator for lunch, you're way out of the gossip loop and you never get the Friday afternoon back-slaps.

Wailgum, Thomas. CIO Magazine (2009). Careers>Telecommuting

Essentials for the Mobile Writer

For the freelance writer on the go, there are some items that are essential for what they're doing. This post looks at the gear that one writer uses when working away from the home office.

Nesbitt, Scott. ScottNesbitt.net (2009). Careers>Freelance>Telecommuting>Writing