For the past few years it seems that whenever I'm talking to someone they ask this question: "So, where are you now?" Really? I'm standing right in front of you. But trying to take it as an esoteric inquiry and less about where I am physically, I run down the list and they respond with, "You seem to be everywhere." I think today it's easier to be everywhere (or seem to be everywhere), because you do not have to take the office with you. I leave mine online or as they say, "in the cloud."
I was in Alaska and Philadelphia recently extolling the virtues of working virtually. The cloud--a piece of uber-hip tech vernacular--means you can participate in any meeting, event or give a speech anywhere in any time zone as long as your content exists virtually and is accessible through a broadband connection. The content and conversation can be shared by all, or only those invited in.
During my session at Alaska Public Radio Network and with a stable of Alaska-based community radio reporters, I was asked if I had slides and what computer I needed. I responded, "I speak both languages (Mac and Windows) and my slides exist virtually." I use this program for my presentations and almost all of the Google applications for documentation. Sure I carry around thumb drives, have my own laptop, cords, smartphone (I call it my office) but I'm trying to reduce my load. The cloud is a great place to keep most of everything.
Do you exist virtually? Do you have an online profile to forward or a link with a brief and nicely crafted e-mail that is polite but indirectly shows how savvy you are with living in the cloud? If not, make use of all that is free for establishing a public online portfolio, and claim a cloud of your own.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
