Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
By Henry Brown
If you’re steering the ship of a remote business, you already know the high seas of decentralization can be both a blessing and a storm. Especially when you’re grappling with scattered business sites like contractors or travel agencies which can have multiple remote locations that they operate from. It can feel like you’re commanding a fleet rather than just one ship. So, let’s dive into the depths and discover some lesser-known pearls of wisdom on streamlining operations.
1) Micro-experiences, macro-insights
Before the pandemonium of multitasking takes over, assign a day or even a few hours where you deep dive into one specific part of your business. Be it understanding the day of a contractor or getting a grasp of the queries your travel agency gets. This not only gives you hands-on insights but also boosts your team morale. “Look, the Captain is on deck!”
2) Remote-first, not remote-only
Contrary to popular belief, having a remote business doesn’t mean exclusively remote. Plan annual or bi-annual in-person retreats, not for meetings or brainstorming, but for pure connection. When teams in diverse locations understand each other’s culture and vibe, operations streamline almost automatically.
3) Gamify the process
Imagine awarding your contractor in Italy for the most on-time projects or the travel agent in Bali for the most unique itinerary. Turn your operation metrics into a competitive game. It instills a sense of playful achievement.
4) Intelligent automation: The silent first mate
If you haven’t met Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) yet, say hello to the future. It’s more than just automating repetitive tasks. It understands patterns and can make certain decisions.
5) Ephemeral think tanks
Every month, create a temporary ‘Think Tank’ comprising members from various locations and departments. Their mission? Discuss and brainstorm on ONE operational hurdle. The varied perspectives will shock you with innovative solutions you never even thought of.
6) Dynamic dashboards: The new age compass
Use dynamic dashboards that provide you with a live pulse of your operations. Instead of waiting for a report at the end of the month, get live feeds. This real-time data aids in making swifter decisions, ensuring you’re always sailing in the right direction.
7) Crowdsourced solutions: Harness the power of the crew
Got a major operational challenge? Throw it out to your entire team, irrespective of their departments. You’d be amazed at the kind of out-of-the-box solutions someone from a completely unrelated department can offer.
8) Foster a culture of micro-feedback
While annual reviews have their place, they encourage a culture where teams can give and receive feedback immediately after a task. This ‘in-the-moment’ feedback can lead to instant course corrections, avoiding larger icebergs down the line.
9) Streamlining logistics
In the sprawling expanse of remote business, one often finds the need for tangible solutions amidst the digital chaos. One of those solutions is the logistical challenges. Enter the 3/4 ton truck rental, a versatile behemoth that complements the ebb and flow of operations. Imagine having the freedom to mobilize resources across various sites without the commitment of ownership.
To sum it all up, my fellow business explorer, steering the ship of a remote business through the tumultuous waves of varied sites can indeed be daunting. But with a blend of technology, human connection, and some uncharted tactics, you can not only streamline operations but also enjoy the voyage.
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Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop, he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.
