Emre Bolcal

I would like to hear from folks, that have actually used both for business purposes. Which has more consistent video and audio quality for worldwide use, or are they the same? What about features and pricing? It feels like Zoom may be a bit complicated for small teams. And more expensive per user.

I worked from home for over 7 years. Here are my top 20 tips for achieving maximum productivity: . ' ... 1. Find something that you enjoy doing most of the time. This is not a cliche. It is doable. 2. Get fiber internet, a 4k or better camera, an active noise-cancellation microphone/headset, and lights. It will pay dividends. 3. Separate living from a working environment. When I shut the door of my basement, that's it. Work begins. 4. I have my "office" shoes. I am primed to think that work just started when I am in them. It's a neat way to divide my routines. 5. Occasionally, go to a coffee shop or work with somebody you like for a day. Or go to the office. 6. Prioritize focused time. Block some time on your calendar without distractions. Just deep work. Google Calendar now even offers it under "focused time." I call it "doing the important work." 7. Turn off sounds, notifications, and other distractions at all times. 8. Please just put your phone out of sight and out of reach when on your laptop/desktop. 9. If you work on a computer, get a standing desk. That's it. Period. Go! And get that standing mat, too. 10. Figure out what calms you. Example: Sometimes, I take a shower in the middle of the day. On other days, I take a nap or go jogging. 11. It's OK not to be productive. Take time off the screen. Do it often. 12. Set up times in your calendar for (1) meals, (2) exercise, and (3) hobbies. 13. Try to have at least 1 day/week without meetings. Book it off. Fridays are good days for that. 14. Jam as many meetings together as possible. Keep meetings from being spread out too much. It will kill your productivity. 15. Do meetings standing. You'll finish them quicker. 16. Try to avoid bringing any digital/office gear to your bedroom. 17. Have two computers. One for work. One for fun. 18. Have something nearby that helps you to decompress... I have an electric guitar + and a loud amp. 19. Print out some useful reminders. I have a picture that says: "Be kind to your mind." 20. If you can't get away from the virtual office, do something where you have to apply your undivided attention. For example, I do MTB or a long drive to someplace. Or do anything where you can't have the internet, and that'll do. :) Add your tips in a reply... P.S. I don't believe in a work-life balance. Yikes! You are YOU, wherever you are at work or home. Hence, point no.1 is so important! There's no need to facade things. So keep playing and discovering. And you'll find the optimal balance between you and the output (legacy) you leave behind. No need to live two lives. Live one that matters. Keep creating

I used to work at a company that had a very soft background lo-fi music playing in the background all the time. Have you experienced a similar situation? what do you think?