4 Tips for Setting up a Remote Business

In this age of flexible working structures and online collaboration, there is no need for many businesses to have a fixed physical location. Of course, if you’re in construction work or medicine this doesn’t apply, but digital services like marketing, graphic design, or computer programming can all be performed virtually.

There are many advantages to setting up a remote business rather than a physical one. It gives you and your employees the freedom to work from anywhere in the world they choose and at their own schedule. It also saves you the substantial costs associated with managing an office, and affords your entire team a significantly preferable work/life balance. Everyone wins.

Yet, there are some challenges that arise from this company structure, particularly pertaining to things like holding meetings, receiving mail and ensuring a cohesive company structure. So to help you in your entrepreneurial journey, here are some effective tips for setting up a remote business.

Have the right tools

With a remote team who are all operating from different locations, you need the right company infrastructure to make it work. Online collaboration technology such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom has become so advanced in recent years that the majority of physical business meetings have become futile. These tools allow you to speak to colleagues over video, share screens, and work together on online projects. Project management tools will allow you to assign tasks and deadlines to each of your workers, and a password manager can help you maintain remote security. If you are working remotely, then it could be wise for you to take out hurricane protection for your home, if you have a lot of equipment.

Devise a communication strategy

Without an office, you can’t simply walk up to a colleague’s desk and see how they’re getting on with that urgent deadline. Nor can a stressed employee come to your office for a confidential chat about managing their workload. Communication is the biggest challenge of running a remote business, particularly if people are working different hours, so you need a strategy in place to ensure everyone remains on the same page. Schedule regular meetings to check in and projects and use a project management tool which employees can update with their progress on specific tasks. 

Create a virtual business address

All businesses receive mail, even remote ones. And this can be a huge challenge if you don’t have a fixed working location. You will need an address for important documents like invoices and contracts to be sent. Fortunately, sites such as https://physicaladdress.com/ allow you to create a virtual business address and view all business mail online through your computer or smartphone. 

Look after your employees

Working remotely can be extremely liberating, but it can also be a very isolating experience. Make sure you check in with your employees to see how they are coping with their workloads and working structure. Offer guidance and support for their mental health, such as contact numbers for mental health organizations, relaxation tips, and the option to take mental health days if they need to. Schedule company-wide events, either in-person or virtually- to give people a chance to interact with their colleagues and wind down from work.