Remote Business and work have been on the rise for the better part of the last decade. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created an exponential shift in how people go to work. While some teams have started working remotely as an alternative to a traditional office setting, some people have decided to venture out on their own and work as contractors.
Regardless of how you stumbled into remote work, the core needs remain the same. Here are five practical tips for running a remote business.
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Get the Right Tools
The tools you use to run your business play an integral role in how processes, projects, and tasks are implemented. While this remains true for any business model, remote enterprises are more reliant on these tools.
Ensuring you have the right tools to work from anywhere without diminished quality is a must as a remote worker. The best part is that the interconnectivity between smart devices and cloud-based software means that you can stay in touch even when you’re away from your computer.
Many of the best remote work tools offer an accessible version for those with limited needs as they get started. For example, you can get a free fax app for iPhone, a tiered-pricing project management tool, and a simple invoicing program to get started.
Real-time employee productivity monitoring software provides the easiest way to see what your team members are doing at the current moment, what websites they are visiting, what apps they are using. On which tasks and projects they are working. The tracker will capture activity levels based on keyboard and mouse usage, take random screenshots which will help you to gain full transparency, optimize time and increase productivity.
Prioritize Your Internet Connection
The core element of a remote business of any shape, size, or location is a strong internet connection. If you work from a place with a notoriously unreliable internet connection, you’ll need to rethink your strategy. The work-from-anywhere mindset only works if you have a great connection.
Fortunately, there are booster sticks and router extensions you can use to improve your connection. If you’re embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, do adequate research about the internet in each location you plan to visit.
Prioritize Cybersecurity
Another significant concern when working remotely is cybersecurity. Small businesses are often vulnerable to cyber-attacks because they don’t have the same protective resources. Additionally, many small business owners mistakenly assume that cybercriminals are only interested in large corporations when the opposite is true.
As a remote worker or team, you’re even more susceptible to attacks. Consider investing in a virtual private network (VPN) and being mindful about using public Wi-Fi when sharing private information.
Create Structure and Boundaries
One overarching benefit of remote work is that you can work from any place, at any time. While this tends to suit the business well, it’s not necessarily a healthy feature for employees and remote team members. employee productivity monitoring software
If you’re managing a remote team, put policies in place that help protect their best interests. Identify when people are expected to be available and how to communicate and manage expectations when they’re not.
If you’re a solo remote worker, this practice becomes even more important. Set office hours for yourself and create boundaries that help you find your balance and prevent burnout. Remember that as an entrepreneur, your health is your job; without it, the rest will fall apart.
Find a Human Connection
One of the most significant challenges remote teams and workers face is the lack of human connection. You lose the camaraderie of making small talk while getting coffee in the office kitchen or getting to know your team a little better. Remote business owners who work alone often experience isolation and lack someone to commiserate with regarding the nuances of their workday.
If you have a remote team, set aside team-building time where everyone can connect and celebrate their wins, talk about their lives, and become a stronger team. If you’re a solo worker, find a community online or network with local entrepreneurs to find that human connection.
With these five practical tips, you can successfully run a remote business.