In today’s environment of communication, you can almost always access what you need for your job no matter the location. That is why remote businesses have become more common. The benefits of running a remote business include saving money on rent, skipping the daily commute, and the chance to hire employees from around the world.
Whether your mortgage business is remote due to COVID-19, or was remote from the beginning, remote businesses require a different type of management. If only a part of your staff is remote, you’ll also need to consider how to manage your in-person vs. remote employees. Either way, there are many things that you can do to help your team stay connected, and communicate seamlessly.
There are factors in running a remote business that you may never have had to think about in a traditional office! Check out six tips below for building your successful remote company.
1. Select the right remote workers
An important step in managing your remote business is selecting the right people. Hiring for remote positions gives you a larger pool of candidates to consider, but you still have to make sure they are the right fit for your company and team.
Once you get a group of candidates, you can interview them using video conference software. Make sure they are self-motivated. This is one of the most important qualities a remote employee can hold. You can’t constantly be managing them when you’re not together in an office.
2. Create a communication plan for your remote business
As many have experienced with quarantine over the last few months, one of the biggest changes is losing the traditional office setting. Talking in-person is not an option, and that is why a proper communication plan needs to be made.
Messaging tools are a great resource. Video calling on GoToMeeting, Zoom, or Facetime are also ways to connect, since email does not always do the trick.
Learn the preferences of your team members to be the most productive. Some platforms are inconvenient or less accessible to others. There are plenty of tools that offer great ways for your remote business to stay organized. Communication is key, wherever you are!
3. Check-in
Now you have a communication plan in place! Be sure to check-in with your remote employees regularly. Schedule recurring video meetings, either one-on-one, or with each team within your company. Be sure to schedule these times to fit within your team members’ schedules!
Check-ins provide structure and allow you to make sure everyone is on the same page. Scheduled check-ins also allow employees to ask you any questions they may have about projects.
4. Set up tools
Your employees will need to access important files to complete their tasks. Remotely, they will need to access these from their home computers or laptops. Several software tools exist to help you have a successful remote business.
Project management tools such as Basecamp allow you to assign specific tasks with due dates for individual workers. So, your remote workers will be able to easily see what they need to accomplish in an organized way.
Another tool for project management can be found for teams in Jungo. You can create tasks and assign them to team members, which keeps employees in tight communication. Jungo has all of your information logged, you do not have to worry about team members not having access to the information they need. It’s all synced and available right there for them!
5. Connect in new ways
Without face-to-face interaction, it can be hard to support a strong company culture. But, it’s not impossible.
First, create a clear vision for your remote business. Make sure this information is easily accessible for remote workers. This helps remind them of what brings them together.
Consider running weekly polls for teammates to participate in. Create discussion questions for employees to chat about. Interactive challenges for remote workers are also fun. And, if possible, try to get your whole company together in person at least once a year to allow for stronger bonds to form.
6. Set goals
Goal setting is an important way to keep your remote employees on track. As a manager, determine your expectations from each person. What are the expectations of their role? When should deadlines be met? How do you expect them to perform? Discover the best ways to track your goals and your team’s online performance.
Don’t hold back. And also remember to be detailed with your expectations and goals. Make these easily accessible to team members. Having clear expectations for your remote business from the beginning keeps everyone accountable.
Bottom Line
Working remote has become a more common option for both employers and employees. Running an entire company from your home is made possible today through new technology. So, these tips will help you build a successful remote business, allowing your team members to grow and thrive!
