Lately I have been fascinated with local media and the rise of the hyper-local media sites. After spending time on Workshifting.com (a collaboration of Chris Brogan, Justin Levy, and Eric Bensley) and reading a recent article in Newsweek, I’m really intrigued about the growing number of people working from home, and what that will do for communities and local businesses.

First, some interesting facts

1 in 10 works in LA and San Francisco is a part-time telecommuter

By 2015 there will be more people working electronically at home full time than taking mass transit

IBM- roughly 40% of the company’s workers now work at home or at a client’s location.

So, what does this mean for you, the reader of this article?

Well, for all of you independent entrepreneurs out there, I think it gives you some degree of satisfaction. You are not alone, and won’t BE alone. More people will work closer to home, in their home and  and in pockets of your town. The town won’t empty out from 10-4.  Starbucks- excuse me, Panera, or your local coffee shop will be busier. Your community will be stronger, more vibrant.

For those of you who do work in an office and are maybe thinking of working remotely (or asking your boss to work remotely). The big question is- “Can I do it?” How do I do it? and what tools do I need to do it?  I think that’s where it gets interesting. Are you cut out for working on your own?

That’s where this interesting study from Jacquelyn Brown come in. She’s doing a study (I just signed up for it) to test your personality type and telecommuting.

Which brings us back to working from home and some conclusions (and questions) I’m going to draw:

1. Yep, this makes local media outlets, newspapers and online stuff, more relevant to us.
2. With more people working close to home, I see a rising interest in local politics
3. What does this mean for social media- I’m still thinking about that one- are you?

What do you think?

Tyson