Thanks to advancements in technology, running a company virtually is becoming an increasingly popular choice for business owners. Often, entrepreneurs choose to start their ventures virtually due to cash restraints, but later realise that there are many benefits of continuing to work in this manner.
If there’s one question that is asked most commonly in regards to virtual teams, it’s how is it possible to manage a team when you don’t all work in the same office. Believe it or not, if you put the right tools and devices in place, it’s actually easier to manage a team virtually than it is to manage an in-house team.
Thinking about going virtual with your company? Read on for everything that you need to know about what it takes to run your business 100% virtually in 2020.
Video conferencing is crucial
When you work remotely, you need to be able to effectively communicate with your team, which means that implementing video conferencing tools, such as Skype and Google Hangouts, is crucial. Aim to schedule weekly team meetings where the entire team is able to catch up properly and update each other on what’s been going on. It may also be worth setting up team messaging chats via Skype, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, or Slack, so that your team is able to communicate with each other on a constant basis.
Cloud software is vital
For running a business virtually, the use of cloud software is essential. Without the right cloud software in place, sharing documents and data with team members can become somewhat complex and time-consuming. However, by utilising cloud software, such as G-Suite for instance, you can streamline your processes and reduce time wasting. Whatever software you choose to use, it’s important to have adequate help in place from IT professionals. Take the time to find a local IT company, for instance if you’re based in London, look for an IT support service London that can offer you help and advice as and when you need it. When you work virtually, an IT problem can put a stop to your entire team’s work, so it’s worth having specialist support in place.
Time tracking is key
It’s a good idea to keep track of time and projects, for both yourself and your team members. It’s important that everyone knows what’s expected of them each day, which is why tracking projects and time management is so important. For project management, Asana is a great tool to use, as it allows you to see how each team members are spending their time. As well as allowing you to monitor their progress on each task that has been set to them, and check for productivity.
There you have it, a few simple tips for how you can ensure your business is a success, when implementing a virtual strategy for management. There’s a lot that you need to consider, but with the right tools in place, you can ensure that your virtual business is a soaring success.