The Productivity Phoenix - From the Ashes of the Inbox True Online Collaboration Is Born

In the electronic age we have acquired a new master and it is not our boss, our spouse, or any person for that matter. It is our inbox. Even in our mobile universe, with our little magic black rectangles, we have become slaves to the masses of emails new and old. Along side this beast of burden are smaller companions, text and instant messaging. While on the surface they all seem like benefits, they are isolated and leave us struggling to maintain a pulse on our content. It is time for another advancement in communication, and while it started with social networks, online project management and collaboration systems it needs to advance to become a true layer on the web.

With every advancement in technology, especially in communication, comes another requirement related to the speed in which we communicate. When horse could not get our messages across the land fast enough, locomotion was the next step. When telephone lines gave us a global network, it had to become wireless to finally suit our needs. Then came the miracles of the internet. Now with social networking we trigger both the need for and the ability to manifest this next step in our electronic evolution. Our social layer and mobile agility are established. They have made communication instantaneous, multi-directional and accessible from anywhere. Yet we are still burdened by repositories and receivers that are archaic. This is why a new layer is forming on the net. A productivity layer that combines the best in social interaction with project collaboration. This new layer is the next phase in how we get things done.

There are still those who wonder what shape it will take. The real question for any new concept, especially a potential game changer, is what does it eliminate. This productivity layer will eliminate three things:
Lag between execution of tasks or objectives - In today's business environment, when others are taking action we sit and passively wait for things to get done. With group collaboration there is a clear understanding of what is happening in any project environment in realtime. We can inquire and get notified upon change and completion; waiting will only happen by option.
The segregation of information, data and documentation - Even with online email systems and file servers, most of us are still working from independent silos called inbox and sent folders. When the productivity layer becomes the information depot, you know have a structured group environment to review and source all data. With it being in the cloud, it can be accessed from anywhere.
True mobile agility - With the integration of RSS, Text and Mobile applications, the productivity layer will be as accessible as any social network. Managing work will be as easy as getting and sharing your Twitter and Facebook updates.

This is the next stage in process and execution. We will drive efforts through a transparent layer similar to how we drive entertainment on the social network. We have found purpose in groups again, but now instead of the boardroom we will meet in the Teambox. I will continue to share more about this in greater detail over the next few weeks, but for now here is the conceptual vision of how change will come.
The integration of a multitude of applications in the cloud. Each of them offering a different set of features that compliment each other. The connected set of applications will help any organization easily build their productivity framework for a relatively low cost.
Email communication will change. We will deliver notifications of data instead of the data itself. The data instead will move to the repository in the cloud.
We will start to see what I have dubbed Procial Networks pop up. These will be networks that like social networks allow us to collaborate in rapid group natured manners, but the communication will be around getting things done.
The time it takes to accomplish efforts will be reduced in relation to the absence of time between communications. With immediate updates and responses what now takes minutes will soon take seconds.
People en masse will start to enjoy the work environment again as social aspects of collaboration and gaming layers are introduced.

We have moved quickly in the last two decades as the internet has taken a hold of our business and social universe. The thing to keep in mind is a 20-year-old is still a child in many ways and there is a maturity yet to come.

Karl Goldfield is Collaboration Agent 001 with Teambox. For the last 30 years he has been playing on the bleeding edge of computing and internet technology. From Sales Teams to Consulting he has been managing teams for the last 15 years.

Now with Teambox he would like you to join us in our goals to change the way people work by making it easier and more fun to get things done. Through collaboration and better project management we intend to help everyone with this objective. http://teambox.com http://teambox.com/projects/communicate-with-the-teambox-collaboration-agents

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Earn Money Freelancing

Freelance skills

More and more people are turning to the Internet as a means to make additional income or even a full-time income. If you have any of the following skills you can certainly earn money as a freelancer.


Web development
Graphics and Multimedia
Programming
Software development
Writing
Translation
Sales, marketing, SEO
Project Management
Administrative


There is a big demand for people with the above skills. On the flip side there is also a lot of competition. Still if you are determined you can find online work in one or more of the above categories. Finding work as a freelancer

You can find work at any of the established freelance websites. Some of the well known ones are:


Guru
Freelancer
Odesk


There are many more. Some offer secure payment options such as guaranteed paid for hourly work. Other freelance sites use secure Escrow type payment options. In this way you as a freelancer will be guaranteed payment if a project is completed successfully.

The key factors to success are:

A strong profile

Your profile should summarize your areas of expertise and related experience. Also include your portfolio show-casing your previous and current work. These could be actual samples or links to online projects such as websites you have worked on. You should also include any academic achievements. Include courses, tests and other academic qualifications.

Once you start working as freelancer the results of this work will be reflected on your profile. These will include details of jobs, the type of work and most importantly the feedback from your buyer or employer. When potential buyers view your profile they pay specific attention to your feedback score.

Your job applications

Only apply for work that you are confident you can actually do. When applying read the job requirements carefully and address them in your application. Do not use a generic approach. Buyers receive many applications and will scan most of them. Address the requirements and if you have done a similar project say so, and give the reference.This will increase your conversion rate. It is common to apply for 10 jobs only to get one interview. Apply for many suitable jobs. It is also a numbers game. Apply for as many as you possibly can. This gives you a better chance of getting more interviews. Then you can accept jobs according to your workload and commitments.

The terms of the assignment

You must be comfortable that you understand the scope and requirements of the project. With this knowledge you must ensure the time frame and remuneration are reasonable. In the beginning you may need to accept lower paying jobs simply to get your foot in the door. At the same time don't shoot yourself in the foot. Do not agree that a job can be completed in week when you know it will likely take 3 weeks.

Payment - when and how? Will the job be fixed price or hourly. Most freelancers work internationally, so buyers and freelance companies will need a way to pay you. In most cases the buyer will pay the freelance company, which in turn pays you.

There are many international payment gateways. Make sure you know how you are getting paid and that you have the appropriate account to receive payment. You also need to know when you will be paid. There is often a waiting period before you actually have access to the funds.

Up-front fee - in the beginning this might be difficult. However try to negotiate a 10% or higher up front fee as this will provide you with some security.

Safe account - some freelance companies have a system where the buyer places the funds in a secure Escrow account. On successful completion the money will be released from the secure account. Apart from guaranteed hourly work, this is your strongest form of security.

Communication

It is vital to communicate with your buyer during the course of an assignment. If you are unsure about a specific requirement, ask the buyer for clarity. If you have an idea that will be beneficial to the project, put it on the table. Many projects fail as a result of poor communication.

Quality work

You want a good feedback and to this end you need to deliver quality work. Quality involves amongst others presentation and functionality. The project must function and appear as the buyer expects.

Deliver on time

Most buyers are on schedules and some have tighter schedules than others. Make sure you deliver the project within the agreed time frame. If there is some reason why this is not possible you need to get your buyer's agreement on an extension of time.

Sign-off and feedback

If you deliver a quality project on time you have a happy client. Make sure you get the appropriate feedback as this becomes part of your profile. The more positive feed backs you get the more work you will get.

Follow the above guidelines and to improve your career as a freelancer.

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Tips On Project Management

Project handling is one of the biggest responsibilities in any business today. Most managers try to keep themselves organized but with high workloads there are chances you could get messed up. Businesses have found a solution to this problem in the form of business management templates. Project management templates keep a check on every single detail of your project making sure you don't miss out on anything. This allows you to prepare for your project in an intelligent, advanced and organized manner. There are number of ebooks and software's which contain a wide variety of these templates online. You could order them at very affordable rates. This would ensure you improve your management skills as well as project handling skills.

In this article I am going to list a few of the most important templates for efficient running of a business as well as discuss a few benefits of project management templates

1. The First and main benefit I think of is structure. These templates show you the best way and cycle to follow to tackle an important project. There are a lot of things people have to do along with planning their project. It often happens that managers have a many other things to deal with which often causes problems. These templates give you structure and clarity. They simplify the planning process which enables a smooth process. This simple yet professional way of presenting your project is bound to impress your boss.
2. Confidence - These templates would help you create high quality documents. This would definitely boost your confidence while planning. They would help make your work look professional. This would help your employers trust and belief in you as well.
3. Speed - When you have a lot of things to take care of on the job. Project management templates would help you save a whole bunch of time. It would help save time and you could focus on other things which are also important. These templates provide a step-by-step guide and will help you save at least a few hours every week.

Here are few of the templates, guidelines and strategies you can find online to help your Business run at optimum efficiency.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEMPLATES

1. Benefits Profile
2. Full Business Case
3. Outline Business Case
4. Change Request Form
5. Checkpoint Report
6. Customer User Acceptance
7. End Project Reports
8. Exception Plans
9. Feasibility Reports
10. Forward Activity Plans
11. Highlight Reports
12. Investment Appraisal Worksheets
13. Issue Register
14. Lessons Learned Report
15. Post Project Review Report
16. Product Description Forms
17. Project Health Check assessment
18. Project Mandate
19. Project Status Report
20. Quality Review Form
21. Risk Capture Form
22. Risk Register
23. Purchase Order Request Forms
24. Web Development Project Plan
25. Work Package Template

GUIDES & STRATEGIES
1. Change Control Process
2. Issue Resolution Strategy
3. Program Management Guidance
4. Project Change Process
5. Management Guidance
6. Project Quality Plan
7. Scheduling Guidelines
8. Risk Management Process
9. Risk Management Strategy
10. Quick Reaction Checklist For issues
11. Quick Reaction Checklist For risks

These are just a few of the templates you can buy out there. All of these would help your Business and management skills in a big way.

Prince 2 Accredited [http://www.projecttemplates.co.uk/]Project Management Templates with detailed guides and examples. Everything a project manager needs to deliver a successful project.

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Filed under  //   Project management   as well as   project  

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Online Project Management - The Benefits of Using the Internet

When it comes to running a successful business, you can use all the tools you can get your hands on. Online project management software is one of the powerful tools that, when used correctly, can help you take your business to the next level. Many businesses become squeamish about using online tools to manage their business. Part of the reason for that is they are afraid that online tools take a long time to learn how to use. Another reason is they are not sure that their sensitive data will be safe from people trying to hack into their systems.

If you sign up to the right online project management software, they will put your information on a secure and encrypted server that will keep malicious people from trying to hack into your account and steal your sensitive data. In addition to that, losing data is also a concern. Therefore, a good online program will backup your data on a regular basis to prevent a devastating loss in the event of a breakdown. Restoring this data is usually quick so that you do not experience more downtime than needed. This is important in this digital age when lost time equals lost money.

Conversely, another benefit to using online project management software is its accessibility. Employees, contractors, and outsourced help will be able to access the program from wherever they are in the world. That means people do not have to be onsite in order to work on the project. This opens up the possibility of being able to employ people from around the world who work out of their homes which will save you money in building costs. Office employees will be able to travel to home or other parts of the world and still be able to stay on top of the work that needs to be done on their project.

Since nothing needs to be downloaded from the internet, you won't have to worry about inadvertently installing a virus on your machine. Additionally, users won't need installation codes or anything like that. You will be able to add workers to projects and assign them their appropriate level of access quickly and easily. And just as quickly, you will be able to remove people from projects that no longer need access. Online project management software is an internet tool that can help your business blow past your competition and become a leader in your field.

An easy-to-use and robust [http://www.Projecturf.com/]online project management software will help you manage your business more effectively. To learn more, visit http://www.Projecturf.com today.

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Localization Project Management

Localization project management is a kind of service provided for those advertisers or companies who availed of website and software localization services to be able to translate the entirety of their websites into new ones using another language or dialect. If you make use of localization project management, you will be provided with your own project manager that will facilitate and monitor the entire translation process to be made to your website.

The project manager will basically make sure that the website passed world-class standards as well as the preference and taste of the clients. He or she is tasked with the following responsibilities; first to make sure that you are constantly reminded regarding changes that were and to be made to the website; second is to scout and look for the best translators that will perfectly match the language you wanted to use; third is to incorporate multimedia presentations to enhance the splendor of the website; and fourth is to make sure that the files edited will be re-evaluated before finally be given to you.

Aside from these, he can also manage any software localization services you wanted to make use for your website. Like for example incorporating software to the website which will be able to accommodate various resource files alike XML, java, or rc, and binary files like exe and dll. Since multimedia will be used, it is also a must to make use of software in the form of graphics application systems for DTP purposes like Photoshop, flash media, and so many other more related to interactive media and animations.

Software localization services are needed for any types of website localization jobs to be able to maximize the capacity of your website. The project manager will be the one to ensure that all these software will be placed to your site. You can actually ask the manager regarding the details of how he or she will go about the whole translation processes.

In addition, one of the latest developments made are the incorporation of glossaries and translation system that can provide add-on features to your website to attract more customers and viewers in general. Online localization companies will provide you with everything you need as far as translation are concerned. You don't have to wait for very long hours because here, in just few minutes you can get feedback right away and your needs will be instantly entertained.

Aside from that you can directly do business with them and get the result right away. Software localization services and localization project management are just few things you can enjoy if you avail of their services. They have been in this business for so long making them the best in this line of work.

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Filed under  //   as well as   project   project management   qt   software   translation   website  

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The Best Tools to Use For Communicating With Virtual Assistants

Hiring a Virtual Assistant offshore can often create a lot of doubts for those who are only beginners in the field of outsourcing. Well, such doubts are actually valid especially because venturing into outsourcing for the first time could mean a drastic change in some portion of the business set-up. From the surface, it would seem impossible to conduct business with someone who is continents away from where your business is located.

However, looking at it rationally, outsourcing exists because technology existed. With that, communicating with Virtual Assistants is possible because of the many available technological tools that are already available. The best thing is most of these tools are free. The basic requirement in order to efficiently communicate with a Virtual Assistant is a high-speed internet connection to assist all the functions to be done by the tools used. Here are some of the most useful tools that our company has also personally been using for the past years, and have proven their efficiency as collaboration tools throughout the years.

Skype - It offers free Skype to Skype calls, with the highest quality. Since in most instances, you would not only be communicating with one person, Skype is also the perfect tool to use for conference calls, as it still provides clear connections despite the geographic differences of the participants. And of course, Skype can be used for regular chatting.

Google Apps - This is the business version of Gmail. There are countless of reasons why business should opt to use Google Apps rather than Gmail. First, Google Apps allows the business to use its company name as their domain. Second, you can set-up your assistants' e-mail accounts, and have total control of those when the need arises. Outsourcing remains to be a risky investment, so it is only safe to have all the means to retrieve whatever you need to retrieve in case you encounter some unfortunate instances with your VAs. Third, Google Apps is as user friendly as Gmail and still have all the features that are available in Gmail:

* Google Docs - all your business documents can be stored here for retrieval and accessibility purposes.

* Google Calendar - you can organize the daily tasks that you have for your VA through this Google tool.

* Websites - well, you probably have your own established website already, but in case you need another one, Google Apps also offers the easiest way to build up a website.

Project Management System - This is an online application that allows you to post all the details about the task you are giving from the To-do-list, schedules and deadlines, and messages or comments. Your virtual assistant can also directly put their output in your PMS. This is also most helpful if you hired a project manager for all the tasks you are delegating.

Screencasting - To keep track of what the VA is actually doing, or if he or she is doing the task right, a regular screencasting can be done. However, this should be done sparingly, to not impede the productivity of your staff. Trust is still very important when investing in Virtual Assistants. Screencasting is also very useful in giving instructions, since some instructions are just too complicated to be explained through chat or call - some visuals can make the process easier. Our company basically uses Jing for screencasting.

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Filed under  //   Project Management   available   business   complicated   gmail   google   mail   of course   skype  

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Why You Need Skills to Make Money Online

The internet businesses means a very competitive business environment because the money stake is high. I know marketers telling that they are not interested in niches where they earn less than 10,000 usd per month because they use employees to exploit them.

Yes, your competitors are sometimes small, medium or even large enterprises with specialised staff, high tech capabilities, inside information about moves in how the search engines work and more. Now comes the question: How can you compete with them without skills?

I've put together a set of skills which have to be taken into consideration if you think at starting your own online business:

1. The ability to write articles - this is needed for any information you will post in your blog, website or article directory;

2. Search engine optimization - It is essential to know how to build content to be friendly for the search engines so people interested for what you offer to be able to find you fast and easy;

3. Ad Sense and Ad Words - depending on your strategy you will need sooner or later to understand how to earn money by placing ads on your webpages or driving traffic through pay ads;

4. Basic html - you will not need to become a programmer but at least you will have to know how to build a hyperlink;

5. Blogging - blogging skills are essential because you will include one in your strategies; how to set up a blog, what plugins to use, how to optimize it, how to add links;

6. Video, audio and pictures - since the search engines started some time ago to index also the media files it will be essential to know how to work with them;

7. Web 2.0. - with so many social networks growing, the clients are there so you will need to learn how to promote yourself in this medium;

8. Basic web hosting and domain management - Any site will need hosting so you will have to learn how to choose a quality hosting company and how to deal with your internet domains;

9. Public Relations and Marketing - these skills are necessary to be able to promote yourself and your business;

10. Project management - every site and blog is a project and you will manage them;

Even if you will outsource most of the tasks above you will need to know what to ask from the outsourcing company, so you will need the know how to do it. Also, investing in yourself will prove to be a winner strategy which will help you making even more money online on a long term.

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Filed under  //   Project management   Search engine   hosting   money   need   online   ro   web 2 0  

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Opportunity

Whether you want to make a little extra cash in your spare time or a full blown six figure income, below you will find what is in my opinion the best internet business idea, SFI.

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