The Complete Guide to Run Your Business Remotely

This article was last updated on March 24, 2020.

Prior to recent stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19, at least 70 percent of people around the globe worked remotely at least once a week. Now, many businesses are temporarily transitioning to full-time remote work. Whether your team has done so in the past or not, switching can be an adjustment. If you need some guidance navigating through this COVID-19 period, learn how to successfully run your business remotely and take advantage of the benefits.

5 Tips to Run Your Business Remotely

Day-to-day business operations are a bit different when you’re away from the office, so you’ll need to learn the best approach to foster success. To help you run a business remotely, utilize the following tips.

1. Communicate Clearly

   Express goals, timelines, and expectations you have with your employees to avoid any communication errors. Set up weekly meetings with teams or employees to check in and make sure everyone is on the same page. Remember that communication is vital when it comes to running a home-based business or remote business. Decide how you’re going to communicate deadlines and new projects with your team, and set up a system to keep everyone accountable.

2. Use the Right Tools

   In order to communicate clearly, you need to use the right platforms. While email is a great way to stay connected, it’s not an instant messaging platform and you’ll likely need to employ another method. Applications such as Slack are great to communicate and collaborate with your team quickly and efficiently. By limiting the need to constantly communicate verbally with your team, you’ll be able to successfully streamline processes and keep track of tasks for employees.

3. Connect With Your Employees

   Running a business remotely limits the interaction you have with your employees, but it’s imperative to create a company culture and connect with your team. While meeting face-to-face may not be possible, find creative ways to connect. Connect via video chat or create fun, company-wide challenges for your remote workers to participate in to further boost morale.

4. Keep a Schedule

   Having a regular schedule when your team can get in touch with you is necessary to successfully run your business remotely. You may find typical 9 – 5 working hours appealing, or you may prefer to work more sporadically. Whatever schedule you decide on, be sure to communicate with your employees when you are available and stick to the decided upon availability.

5. Consider Permanent Remote Work Arrangement

   Eliminating an office setting directly impacts your employees, their happiness, and their productivity. Studies show that when employees are able to work remotely, they’re more productive and efficient than if they were in an office due to the absence of loud coworkers, impromptu meetings, and other distractions. Ultimately, workers value flexibility and a better work-life balance, which working remotely offers. Once stay-at-home orders are lifted, consider eliminating mandatory office time to help boost employee morale and future success.

Running a business remotely can be difficult, but keep in mind that it is not impossible! Contact your local Sunbelt Business Brokers office to discover remote business opportunities!