How to Watch Online Video at Work (Without Getting Caught)

“When I discovered YouTube, I didn’t work for 5 days.”
-Michael Scott, The Office

I love online video. I watch news and movie trailers in the morning, viral videos during the day and my favorite TV shows at night. Sometimes when hanging out with friends, I’ll casually refer to a video I emailed them only to be greeted by a blank stare and a sigh, “Marie, I’m not lucky like you, I don’t work in online video and can’t sit at my desk and watch the videos you email me every day. As much as I want to.” So, to all my friends and anyone else who has this dreadful problem, here is my foolproof plan for watching online video at work.

1. Use online video as a tool to see what’s going on in your company. - This is great way to stay informed, especially if you work for a large corporation like Ebay where you might not always know what’s going on outside your division.

2. Pitching a new client? Show an online video or two that gives them an idea of how you’re going to sell their brand. - Online video is exploding on the web right now, and you’re likely to find a very relevant video. Ex: “We want to do something revolutionary along the lines of this thought-provoking Dove commercial.”

3. Manage the boss relationship. - Let’s say you work for a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. Come Monday morning, grab coffee with your boss, “Did you see Tony Romo’s play?” and then change the subject to that project you’re dying to be on.

4. Looking for a way to blow off steam and get to know your colleagues? Organize a Friday online video lunch - Order some pizza, check out Top Videos, talk weekend plans, have fun.

5. Use online video for work and you won’t get suspicious looks when you’re enjoying it during your own downtime. - And finally, no porn. Keep it light. Watch porn at home (unless you want to be like this guy).