Tweet

How to Manage a Virtual Office

Written by: Ken Wisnefski

Article Overview: Are you managing your office away from the office? Virtual offices are becoming more regular as technology and the Internet are creating new business models. The following offers insight on how to manage a virtual office.

How to Manage a Virtual Office

Introduction-


Are your workers present in the office, or do you have a virtual office? It seems like the existence of the latter would make it exceedingly difficult to run a business – but that does not have to be true.


A “virtual office” does face its challenges, but it does not make it impossible to be successful. The virtual office requires a different approach and set of strategies.



Everyone is a part of the team-


People that do not report to a physical “office” every workday may feel idle or isolated from the company. This can be resolved by regularly established teleconferences and other methods of communication.


Feedback and other forms of contact should be fostered frequently (as often as if you all were in the office together). It is okay if the topic of discussion is strictly social at times; the key is to maintain a sense of comradeship amongst your employees.



Training-


Your workers will be away from you. This means that you have to make sure they are proficient in the usage of their necessary equipment (computer programs, laptops, etc.). Likewise, if they are working from home, make sure they understand that working at their house should not deter them from work. Housekeeping, chores, and other distractions are not part of the workday.



Trust-


Trust is huge in a virtual workplace. The supervisor must be sure that their employees are responsible, and have the work habits to get their jobs accomplished without being immediately supervised. This will make the hiring process more vital to your business’ success.



Tracking-


One aspect that will ease your mind is seeing results. Meaning, if you have devised a system in which you can track the progress of your employees, then there will be no need to worry about what is being completed. Quantify as many goals as possible. Keep tabs on sales, contacts, defects, returns, and other pertinent factors.



Goals-


It is easy to lose sight of main goals when everyone is dispersed. Make sure that employees understand what is expected of them and the company. These goals can take theoretical shape, but it is best to formulate a concrete definition of what you expect from your company, the employee, and their contributions.



Technology-


Establish an efficient and reliable network enabling communication and transference of information. Cell phones, laptops, software, Web conferencing equipment, and other necessary tools need to be employed. Data and communication needs to be accessible and consistent.

Related Articles
  What Is A Virtual Assistant Business
  Advantages of a Virtual Office for Entrepreneurs
  Need To Cut Costs by 50% - Use a Virtual Assistant
  6 Qualities of a Great Leader in a Virtual Team
  How To Hire A Virtual Assistant

Article Tags: communication, communication, employees Training, physical office, virtual office



Related Forum Posts
Moving from Home Office to Real Office - Thought I'd revive this thread, as the people who contributed to it before were UK-based. I do all my work out of my home - I'm a writer - and I travel alot - in state right now - because I write travel articles. With a Notebook comoputer, the world's my oyster. How many people here run their businesses out of their homes, and how many dream of becoming such a big business that you'll actually need to take an office elsewhere? I know I've heard ads for .... a company whose name I can't recall...that rents out "offices" for people for a day - indeed I [i:83joj35g]think [/i:83joj35g]it's called Virtual Office... where people who work from home can order up an office for a day to hold meetings with potential clients, etc...
Re: Traditonal Demographics Do NOT Work with Generation V - That article is the first time I ever heard the term. I found this definition - [i:189o61sy]The term Generation V (for Virtual) is used to describe the online culture in which relationships, services and communication are carried primarily and preferably through electronic media. Generation Virtual is made up of people from multiple demographic age groups who make their social connections primarily online - through virtual worlds in online games, in social networks, as bloggers, or through posting and reading user-generated content.[/i:189o61sy] I like the targeting options the internet offers much better than the typical demographics. Age is particular is not nearly as effective in finding a target market unless you want to target kids. Too many of the typical demographics rely on stereotypes and just seems outdated for many types of promotion. That's one of the reasons this article title caught my eye. Shri
Outsource your work? - Hi BinaryGuy - do you really need someone 4 days a week to do accounting work? If you bring someone more experienced on you won't have to take them around with you and you can spend the time building your business. There are a number of people who you can outsource the work to - either a Virtual Assistant or a bookkeeper - have you thought about these options and not having someone actually come into the office?
Re: Feedback on a New Company Name - Hi Shri, In my honest opinion, I think your new business name is too long. Anything more than 3 words is already a tongue twister and difficult to remember. Why not just call it "Promo 101 Tours"? Another suggestion would be to brand the blog tour with your name. Besides, the word "Virtual" is useless since once you mention "Blog", it's already implied that the tour is conducted online.
Speaking of shipping.... - The US Post Office raised its rates a few months ago, and it's rates for magazines has trebled, I believe, which is going to drive the small press magazine publisher out of business... Anyone deal with shippig on a regular basis, and what do you use? Your in-country regular postal service FedEx UPS DHL Freight carriers and what are your experiences with each one?


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Why We MUST Reinvent The Wheel

Earn More Money - Easy Home Business Ideas

LEARNING TO HAVE FUN – EVERYDAY!

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.