A Definitive Guide On Running A Remote Business With Ease

Running a remote business effectively takes a lot of know-how. But worry not! We’ve got you covered! As one can imagine, remote businesses have already become the future of businesses, with over 7 million people (3.4% of the total population) working remotely.

While brick-and-mortar offices and businesses might still be around, events like any pandemic have forced businesses to either move their business dealings online or risk closing due to lockdowns and shutdowns.

The good news, the Internet has paved the way for running a remote business to bloom, while workers can work from the ease of their own homes. All they need is a computer and or smartphone to work!

7 Steps To Run A Remote Business Easily

In this article, we’ll show you a definitive guide on how you can run a remote business without much hassle. So, are you ready to learn how? Then let’s jump right in!

Have The Right Tools

A Definitive Guide On Running A Remote Business With Ease In 2021 1

First, do you have the right tools for running a remote business?

While it doesn’t take much for running a remote business, you should still have the necessities (i.e., a computer, a smartphone, etc.) to get the job done.

So, when evaluating the tools that you need to start a remote business, keep the following objectives in mind:

  • Ensure you have the files saved (even if you’re not required to hold onto physical files).
  • Be sure to have a working and robust Internet connection. You’ll need the Internet to do things like:
    • Email coworkers, employees, etc.
    • Hold videoconferencing meetups
    • Collaborate with other people in your business, and so on.
  • Be sure to have the right software installed on your computer. Plus, make sure to have the right apps installed on your smartphone. (Remember: Apps and software are either paid or free; so, do your research before investing in a software or application.)

Now, when selecting software and apps, be sure that you have the following in your remote business “toolbox”:

  • Teleconferencing software
  • Project management tools
  • File-saving storage tools
  • A virtual office, etc.

When you have the right collection of tools at your disposal, not only will you be better prepared when running a remote business, but also, your remote workers will thank you for it!

Define Your Goals

Work remotely can be fun and excited. However, you can’t dive right into remote business without having a set of goals first. Even getting that spark to run a business takes some goal setting. That’s when you have to put on the supervisor cap and think about the times that your former supervisors (or teachers, if you’re starting a business as your first occupation) had had a set of expectations for you to follow. That means setting goals that are realistic and practical.

When defining your goals, keep in mind these objectives:

  • Think about it every day for the next month or so.
  • Have a system where you can create and reinforce deadlines for tasks.
  • Get used to creating To-Do lists.
  • Find various ways to measure the performance of your workforce effectively.
  • Get in the habit of seeing which areas need improvement, and make your objectives clear to your remote staff.

Having clear goals allows you for running a remote business without backtracking or second-guessing yourself on what needs to be done.

Also Read: The Significance of Forensic Readiness or Foerensic Compliance in Running a Successful Business

Hire The Right Talent

A Definitive Guide On Running A Remote Business With Ease In 2021 2

So, who ARE your remote workers?

First of all, you wouldn’t want to hire just ANYBODY. So, make sure that you implement a system where you interview, test, and then choose your business’s best talent.

Let’s run through these three stages:

  • During the interviewing process, make sure that candidates’ resumes, work history, references, etc., meet your qualifications for the remote job. Afterward, you can invite them to do a test run, as if they were auditioning for a role in a movie.
  • In the test run, you can have them test their virtual setup and or complete mock tasks as if they were remotely working.
  • Once every candidate in the talent pool has been tested, now is the time to choose the best talent.
    • Whoever didn’t pass the test run and or didn’t have the best qualifications for the job, you can send them a courtesy rejection email/letter to encourage them to try for the job again in the future.
    • Those who have passed the test and have the right qualifications can offer them the job with a courtesy job offer email/letter.

Sometimes, you won’t get a perfect talent, but with the know-how and what to look for in talent, you’ll be sure to hire the right people for your business.

Also Read: Top 5 Benefits To Hire A Virtual Receptionist For Your Business

Get Creative With Connectivity

Meeting with remote staff can be a fun experience. So, why not find creative ways to connect?

While connecting with your team is always essential, especially when you’re running a remote business, you can still bring creativity to almost every virtual meeting, regardless of when or where everyone is. Encouraging creative activities for virtual meetups can enhance your workplace culture, which many employees like to see in their jobs.

Here are some great ideas on how to bring creativity to your virtual meetings:

  • Host icebreakers (so that people can get to know each other).
  • Encourage collaborations amongst the staff members.
  • Suggest creative projects for staff members to do every while in a while.

As you can see, being creative with connectivity can bring people together, even when everyone is meeting remotely.

Also Read: 10 Best Online Business Directories for Listing And Citations

Have A Strong Online Presence

Nowadays, people and businesses are on social media. No matter the platform – Facebook, Instagram, etc. – it’s essential to get in on the buzz. It’s reported that in the US, 7 out of 10 people use social media regularly.

So, why not bring your remote business to where the consumers are at – social media!

No matter what your remote business is (i.e., the industry, the products you sell, etc.), it’s crucial to have a robust online presence that allows your business to gain awareness and, possibly, potential customers or clients to where you are online.

On social media, there’s a lot you can do:

  • Create content (i.e., photos, videos, etc.)
  • Upload and post photos and videos
  • Create ads
  • Respond to comments/inquiries
  • Like and follow other people and businesses.

Ultimately, social media is one opportunity gold mine that you can’t miss out on.

Also Read: 7 Technological Advancements that Promote Business Growth

Have A “Plan B” For Running A Remote Business Successfully

A Definitive Guide On Running A Remote Business With Ease In 2021 4

Sometimes, businesses won’t work out the way you’ve planned it initially. That’s been the sad truth for many entrepreneurs.

At first, challenges may seem minimal to you at best; but there are other ones that you can’t just sweep under the rug.

Having a business, especially a remote one doesn’t mean that you won’t run into a few snags here and there.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a “Plan B” when the first plan fails.

How you manage challenges will determine how your business will fare. If you manage challenges poorly, then your business will suffer along with you. That’s why having a backup plan is crucial for your business.

For example, if you run into legal problems with your businesses, you can either stain your business or bring it down. So, before you start a business, be sure that you have a legal backup if there are any lawsuits that you’ll need lawyers and legal teams for.

Also, consider getting insurance for your remote business. Having insurance allows you to have the right protection for almost anything that might happen.

Also Read: 5 Tips That Can Impact Successful Business Transformation

Go Hybrid To Run A Remote Business

Finally, just because many businesses are meeting remotely doesn’t mean that meeting in a physical office setting is off the table. Some companies have come up with the idea of alternating their workforce between remote working and in-house working.

If people prefer to work a certain way (at home or the office), that should be open for them to choose. Or, if you don’t see your business as entirely virtual, then you can go with the hybrid model, where you’ll have both remote and in-house employees.

So, you see, there are numerous ways to implement the hybrid model – one that can work out for both you and your workforce.

Also Read: Why Does A Domain Name Matter In The World Of Online Business?

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no doubt that remote companies have transformed the way businesses are being run. This idea of remote work has no plans of ceasing anytime soon.

Also, one can thank technological advances for making remote work AND business-building possible in today’s world, thus possibly giving the traditional and expensive brick-and-mortar office setting a run for its money.

Remote businesses allow employees to work from the couch or anywhere else in their homes, giving them flexibility in their work-life balance.

So, how would you like to start a remote company today? While there is still much to learn about running a remote business, this definitive guide can help you get to the basics and work your way to running a remote business successfully, in no time!

So, what are you waiting for? Good luck!

Also Read: How to Setup a Remote Agency – Full Guide To Hire Remote Resources


Author Bio: Lauren Groff is a business development manager at Lia Help and Big Assignments. She helps clients grow their business and make life-changing decisions. Lauren is a tutor at the State Of Writing academic service.

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke, PublicDomainPictures and Gerd Altmann

DMCA.com Protection Status

Discover more from InfoToHow

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading