You’re busy, and so is your business. The commotion of life may require you to travel or work from home for extended periods of time, and the world of technology has made it easier for a business owner to work remotely! You can hire a team of employees and monitor them without having to show up at the office. You have the ability to maintain your management control, and travel extensively, when you set up remote operations.
Advanced Technology
Certain advancements in technology have made it easier to run a business remotely. Set up video camera systems to monitor every angle of every room in your office or store. Monitor the activities of your supervisors and employees from any location in the world. Install wireless cameras in remote areas where it’s difficult to connect wires.
In addition, smartphones are designed to allow the streaming of any video that you see online or download to an app. According to ADT, most modern security systems will stream a live feed to your computer or mobile device, and many will provide cloud-based storage of old security footage. Software like iMessage, Facetime, and Skype allow you to connect with your team supervisors and speak to them without being face to face.
Partner with Other Companies
You can operate a business remotely by hiring outsourced companies to handle operations while you’re away. Hiring a third-party company can help you handle the shipping/receiving, manufacturing, or customer service department. Give them access to incoming orders and monitor the results as they work. This strategy works for physical goods production and retail, but also for marketing and web design. You can outsource your entire web presence to digital professionals.
Virtual Employees
Virtual employees include personal assistants, accountants, lawyers and customer service agents who work entirely online. Half of the professionals who exist are able to provide services online from a remote location. Many of the best team members we’ve had the pleasure of working with are “virtual” employees. Ask for a reference or work samples if you are unsure of their abilities, but don’t discount them just because they’re not working within the four walls of your office!
Test, Test, and Test Again
Do not rush into setting up remote operations regardless of how eager you feel. Conduct various tests to make sure that this type of operation is right for you. Test the wired and wireless equipment that you will be monitoring from, and check the devices that you will use to communicate with workers. Know what to do if they are any technical problems like blackouts or poor weather that interfere with transmission. Having a plan in place will help you to keep your business running even when some of these systems may fail.
Communication
Maintaining a high level of communication is key to working at a long distance. Stay in contact with your supervisors, especially if your industry is unpredictable. No owner can predict when an accident or unexpected event will occur. Whether it’s as simple as keeping your cell phone on you, or as structured as weekly telecommuting meetings, staying connected is key.
Even with these tools and tactics, permanent remote operation of a business would be a challenge for most firms in most industries. Still, the irrepressible march of technology and prosperity are making possible increased freedom and control over operations from virtually everywhere in the world. This is one of the many reasons why you need to partner with a guide to modern internet technology so that you can take advantage of everything these things have to offer.
If you want to learn more about how a Partnership with Refined Impact will help you to work remotely, contact us today!
