In the world of business, the year 2023 served as an important turning point. During this time, it became clear that business executives could be highly effective even while working remotely. As a result, many business owners began aspiring to build fully remote companies, with employees scattered across the globe. While this approach comes with enormous potential for success and countless benefits, managing a virtual organisation is anything but simple. It requires careful planning, enthusiasm, and foresight. In this article, we offer valuable guidance for setting up an online presence for small businesses.
A Guide to Ensure Success in Telework Activities
Passion for business is undoubtedly crucial, however, it alone cannot guarantee success. The foundation of any successful business, regardless of whether it operates remotely or in person, lies in its organization. Failure to establish the fundamental elements of your business will undoubtedly lead to its eventual downfall. To assist you in building a remote business, we have provided a checklist of 8 practical suggestions:
Develop a Telecommuting Strategy
In the case of businesses with a hybrid workforce or even just a few remote team members, it may be necessary to establish a policy that allows remote working under specific circumstances. Employers should provide comprehensive information on the acceptable terms for remote work.
When launching a remote business, it is paramount that your policy should illustrate the fundamental principles and attributes that all employees should understand and follow.
Factors to take into account, such as:
- What financial compensation arrangements are in place for those who work from home?
- What technology or equipment will be necessary for workers who are not physically present in the same location?
- Is the company allocating a specific amount each month for these resources?
- What is your strategy for dealing with team members spread across different time zones?
- Are there specific periods when all team members are required to be online?
- What measures will be implemented by workers to ensure the security of their workstations?
- How frequently should we anticipate team get-togethers? How often are team meals arranged?
- Is there ever a scenario where a camera is unnecessary during a meeting?
- As an employee of a company, what are my legal rights and responsibilities?
Create guidelines for effective communication between team members.
Establishing effective communication channels is crucial in ensuring the success of a remote business. Body language nuances cannot be relied upon by distributed teams, hence, it is important to over-communicate to ensure a common understanding among team members. To set the tone for future interactions, it is recommended to establish clear guidelines and ensure that all members are familiar with them.
Setting up the appropriate communication methods and channels from the start will guarantee that all team members can perform their duties efficiently.
Sharon Koifman, the Founder and President of Works, has designed a sample template for business owners to use as a guide in crafting efficient communication policies.
Establish Objectives; Specify Approaches; Recognize Resources
In a distributed work setup, communication among team members is primarily done via computer screens, and the absence of physical interaction can pose a challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous tools and applications tailored for remote workers that can aid in overcoming these issues.
Before launching a remote business, it is critical to establish secure communication channels. What channels and technologies will your company utilize for communication? It may not be practical to rely on a single solution for all communication needs since dealing with partners in varying time zones can be challenging. Furthermore, using a single tool for all requirements may not be the most efficient strategy for all parties involved.
It is important to determine the optimal resources for video conferencing, note-taking, and archiving files.
Another factor to consider is selecting a suitable project management system. Traditional paper-based processes are no longer applicable in the modern era, as digital options such as Asana, Basecamp, and Trello are readily accessible. Each team should work at their pace, with well-defined goals and precise tracking of their accomplishments. Managers can establish deadlines and verify their completion, without requiring input from their staff.
Tools for safeguarding and storing data in the cloud should also be taken into account.
Hire Skilled Personnel
Having the right team is crucial in achieving business success. Unfortunately, some managers lack trust in their staff and attempt to shoulder the burden themselves. This issue worsens when unsuitable individuals are recruited for the position. Nonetheless, conducting comprehensive interviews, posing relevant questions, and assessing both technical and interpersonal proficiencies can culminate in a robust team.
As a leader, it is vital to confirm that the team you assemble has the required abilities and knowledge to complement your own. Every member of the team can provide a distinct perspective, making it your duty to ensure that all team members are knowledgeable of the company’s mission and aim to attain the highest standards of performance.
Have a Clear Destination in Mind
Lack of a discernable objective can lead to confusion and a lack of motivation. What is the foremost reason for establishing the business? I am interested in knowing your primary objective.
Start-ups, particularly those that become prosperous, originate from unambiguous objectives. Apple serves as an instance; the distinguished technology firm commenced its operations in Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage. What led to the conversion from a simple workspace to the numerous contemporary office buildings scattered worldwide? It was because Steve Jobs had crystal-clear goals in mind. He was committed to blazing new trails and transforming the usage of technology.
Merely having the finest team and cutting-edge technology is inadequate for success. A clear objective and direction are critical for attaining desired outcomes. Without them, staying motivated and making progress can become challenging. Thus, it is crucial to determine goals before commencing any undertaking.
Get to Know Your Counterpart
When contemplating the establishment of a shoe shop, merely conceiving a shoe design and anticipating customers to purchase it is insufficient. Before devising a production plan, it is crucial to ascertain who is likely to display interest in the footwear you offer.
- Who exactly is the intended audience for this product/service?
- In what ways can I introduce my fledgling enterprise to this specific demographic? (Using online platforms such as social media, banners, etc.)
- What is the optimal approach for engaging with potential clients?
Apprehending your intended audience is a fundamental initial phase in constructing a thriving business game plan.
Cultivate the Suitable Ambiance
Corporate culture is a frequent discussion topic in business management literature. Building and sustaining a constructive corporate culture is an art, with numerous resources accessible to help organizations in this endeavour. However, there are diverse ways to approach this matter. To some, a business’s culture is specified by a standard set of rules determining the accepted conduct and expectations of all staff. Nonetheless, others view culture as being more comprehensive than this.
Culture holds tremendous significance in any work environment, particularly in the current era of remote work. It cultivates a feeling of belonging and recognition for all employees, which can be particularly advantageous for individuals who experience loneliness due to the absence of face-to-face interaction with colleagues. Luckily, there are numerous methods to bond and interact with peers digitally, ensuring that team members can still feel united despite being geographically apart.
Believe in Your Novel Enterprise
“Chase your passions, not your balance sheet; accomplishment will come.”
Author: Tony Hsieh
As a result of money’s importance, several efforts to invest, labour, build, and innovate are motivated by this demand. However, if you opt to establish a business with the intention of obtaining rapid wealth, you are more prone to throw in the towel when things do not progress as anticipated. This is primarily due to the extensive duration and exertion required to attain initial funding for a new enterprise.
If you have faith in the triumph of your start-up, it has the potential to be an authentic source of motivation. Devoting time and effort to it will be rewarding, and you will be capable of instilling a culture in which all personnel embrace your principles and strive towards identical objectives.
Aspire to Build a Flourishing Online Business?
The economy continues to confront unparalleled challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, causing numerous businesses and start-ups to confront adversity. With over a decade of experience overseeing dispersed teams, Works is a leader in this arena. In an attempt to help business owners navigate these trying circumstances, our Vice President of Operations, Rustam Ahverdiev, is conducting a complimentary remote leadership masterclass. Do not miss out on this priceless opportunity — reserve your spot today.
