Whether you're working at home, on the road, or in any othernontraditional work arrangement, here's what you'll need to set up,survive, and thrive in the virtual office. Alice Bredin, theleading authority on the virtual office, gives you expert adviceon: * Getting there--choosing the right business idea, negotiating fortelecommuting, and selling your family on your new workstyle * Organizing yourself--structuring your environment, setting up avirtual office in your home or car, dealing with a satellite officesituation, choosing and finding the best technology * Maintaining your virtual office--staying in the loop when you'renot in an office, keeping in touch when you're on the road,generating business, finding free publicity, adopting the habits ofhighly successful virtual office workers, maintaining contact withthe office or customers, communicating effectively via technology * Surviving--creating and maintaining work/life balance, working athome with kids, avoiding overwork, making sure your accomplishmentsare recognized, learning to take vacations, staying away from thefridge, being a good boss to yourself Whether you are contemplating this new work arrangement, activelyin transition, or firmly entrenched in this workplace revolution,this comprehensive guide is your key to success in your new workingenvironment. Working from home is like the legendary curse: may you get what you wish for. Bredin, who is a commentator for National Public Radio's "Marketplace" and manages two online forums for home-office users, addresses the pitfalls of working at home for either the telecommuter or home-based businessperson. She addresses distractions, isolation, and time management as well as the not-so-obvious headaches like technology support and types of office equipment. Bredin knows the territory and offers assistance on a wide range of concerns from zoning and taxes to when to take a nap. She offers self-assessment tools and problem-solving checklists for coping with whatever challenges might arise. Considering the growth in home offices, this is an essential purchase for libraries. Highly recommended.?Joshua Cohen, Mid-Hudson Lib. System, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. Home-based work has never looked so promising to so many Americans, whether they be corporate employees or bona fide entrepreneurs. To forestall all the myths, journalist Bredin dutifully tells the truths about the virtual office, beginning with a readiness survey and concluding with notes about security and fraud protection. In between is a lot of helpful advice, some of which is clearly repetitive (e.g., that on computers and other technological "must haves" ), but most of which adds value to existing literature. Consider, for instance, her thoughts on child care and working with a spouse; or ruminate on her words about coworker resentment (for telecommuters), rejection, and isolation. Throughout all the hints and tips, resources and checklists in separate, boxed sidebars. Barbara Jacobs Set up and thrive in a 'virtual office' which covers everything from developing a business idea which can operate from home or on line to balancing work with home life. Telecommuters and entrepreneurs alike receive a practical manual which covers the nuts and bolts of at-home office management. -- Midwest Book Review 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. 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 th