The Virtual Office Survival Handbook: What Telecommuters And Entrepreneurs Need To Succeed In Today'S Nontraditional Workplace

Whether you're working at home, on the road, or in any other nontraditional work arrangement, here's what you'll need to set up, survive, and thrive in the virtual office. Alice Bredin, the leading authority on the virtual office, gives you expert advice on: * Getting there--choosing the right business idea, negotiating for telecommuting, and selling your family on your new workstyle * Organizing yourself--structuring your environment, setting up a virtual office in your home or car, dealing with a satellite office situation, choosing and finding the best technology * Maintaining your virtual office--staying in the loop when you're not in an office, keeping in touch when you're on the road, generating business, finding free publicity, adopting the habits of highly successful virtual office workers, maintaining contact with the office or customers, communicating effectively via technology * Surviving--creating and maintaining work/life balance, working at home with kids, avoiding overwork, making sure your accomplishments are recognized, learning to take vacations, staying away from the fridge, being a good boss to yourself Whether you are contemplating this new work arrangement, actively in transition, or firmly entrenched in this workplace revolution, this comprehensive guide is your key to success in your new working environment.

ALICE BREDIN writes the nationally syndicated column "Working At Home" and broadcasts her home-office and virtual-office advice on public radio's Marketplace program. Bredin's popular online forums--The ExpressNet Small Business Forum and The Home Business & Telecommuting Forum--can be found on America Online and the Microsoft Network. Her home-based business, WorkAnywhere, Inc., conducts research and advises companies who provide products and services to the small business, home-office, or telecommuting market. Ms. Bredin lives in New York City.

Partial table of contents:

THE EVOLUTION OF THE VIRTUAL OFFICE.

What Is a Virtual Office?

Is the Virtual Office Right for You?: Assessing Your Skills and Work Habits.

BECOMING PART OF THE VIRTUAL OFFICE.

Working for a Corporation.

Working for Yourself: Evaluating the Options.

Managing Your Family and Other Personal Relationships.

SETTING UP YOUR VIRTUAL OFFICE.

Customizing Your Workplace for Efficiency and Comfort.

Nuts and Bolts.

LIFE IN THE VIRTUAL OFFICE.

Structuring Your Unstructured Work Environment.

Maintaining Visibility.

Communicating Effectively Through Technology.

Resources.

Index.