Let's start with a test: “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning." Who said it? answer will come later...


Where is your office? Do you have a traditional work arrangement in a corporate environment or are you on the road more than a broken yellow line? Is your office in a corner of your home and are you one of the new virtuals? Perhaps your office is in a black bag in the form of a lap top and you don't leave home without it, ever... More and more people are working the mobile way. The advantages are many and although time may seem to be one of them, this is merely an illusion.


Going virtual solves many economical issues and is also an environmental step:
• Less traffic = less pollution = less time lost due to commuting
• Less company overhead = company money saved = more money potential
• Less time away from home = cut day care costs for aging parents or smaller children
• Less stress = less friction at home and at work = less illness = less time off of work

And while these all sound great and of course are, related complications may arise. Those that have the opportunity to clock in when they want tend to do just that. Anytime, anywhere. Converse to the advantages, disadvantages loom and can easily cloud an otherwise sunny virtual day.
• Longer working hours..., because you can and it's there
• Sleep disrupted because minds are preoccupied and wander to your virtual office more easily
• Requires individuals to be self-driven and enterprising - not everyone is
• Less commitment to co-workers and employers, as well as the three C's (Clients, Customers, and Candidates) due to less developed personal relationships and less face-to-face interaction

The disadvantages are weighty but with so many clear-cut advantages, there has to be a way to make it work. Given the current state of the economy, it would appear that going virtual is becoming more popular and will probably be around for a while, if not forever.
• If you are self-employed or working with a small group, clearly define your roles. Written job descriptions and /or contracts with specific duties outlined will distribute the work load evenly and present clear expectations.
• Have defined working hours. Allotting time for emails, research and conference calls will assist in efforts to not overdo it. Rules like, "No computer after 7pm" may seem unreasonable at first but will force you to be more productive during daytime hours.
• DO NOT have your computer in your bedroom. How can you possibly rest soundly with a constant work reminder just feet away?
• Make an effort to meet with co-workers/employers and the three C's face-to-face, as often as is feasible
• Create goals that force you to stretch, that are difficult, that improve your work ethic; BUT make them desirable and achievable

With skype, twitter, ubiquitous wifi, and mobile "everything," the crazy technologies of Dick Tracy don't seem so far-fetched anymore. Until "Beam me up" is a reality, virtual is the wave to catch. But it doesn't work without effort and it certainly is not easy.

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” Benjamin Franklin said it... over 200 years ago.