Proven Ways to Run Your Business from Anywhere in the World
12 Apr 2021
Photo by Daria Obymaha from Pexels
It would seem that business owners should be much freer in their choice. But very often the owner becomes a hostage of his business. For the owners, the realities are as follows – constant overtime work on weekdays and on weekends. Working at the office – working overtime at the home – working at the office. Sound familiar?
Well, something that can really break you out of this rut is traveling. In this modern world, you truly can run your business from everywhere – you just need to do some prep-work. So, why not fly over to some lovely exotic place, get your eight hours over with, and then spend all your free time right on the beach.
Remote company management – key points
Business restructuring
We would greatly surprise you by saying that there is a magic “pill” or “button”. You press it – and everything will be turned out by itself at once! In reality, to establish remote business management you will need hard work, patience, and the will to achieve the goal. You got to work hard now if you want to work from your beach house later.
Restructuring a business from the state of “owner = manager = every day at the office” to the state of “owner = strategic development of the company from anywhere in the world” will take 5 to 15 months. It depends on the size and nuances of your business.
There is one positive point: work in this direction can be interesting and exciting.
Regulate all business processes
There is a simple rule: any repeatable action in your company must be regulated. Of course, you need to start with the main business process (for example: for a store, this is the process of selling a product to shipping it to a client). In the regulations, you divide the task into stages. Indicate the best actions for solving the problem.
When the regulation is put into effect, each employee he touches can make his suggestions and comments. You are part of a discussion. If necessary, the regulations are to be adjusted.
Delegate everything you can
Every time you are faced with the task of doing something, your first thought should be: “Who can perform this task with acceptable quality except me”? and “What does he need for this: knowledge, resources, experience”? This is where detailed instructions come to the rescue. Don’t you have such an employee on the staff? Find outsourcing contractors or hire a freelance specialist. Are you the only one who can solve this problem? Break your task down into several component parts. You may be able to delegate some parts.
Planning is the first antidote to chaos
Operational (short-term) planning consists of a weekly and daily plan. Daily and weekly plans are drawn up by employees based on project plans as well as strategic plans.
Project planning – for each project, create a monthly work plan (projects can be: the task of opening a new store, fulfilling obligations to a specific client, changing the internal business process, etc.).
Strategic planning – define within its framework a list of projects and key actions for them without detailing.
Reporting
A progress report should be a daily task for each employee. The daily report includes a list of tasks completed during the day + the time spent on each task.
Employees also need to draw up reports on the implementation of project plans and other plans.
While you do not have a reporting and control system in your company, it makes no sense to draw up any plans.
Control: Trust but verify!
Familiar picture: the owner enters the office and sees a picture pleasing to the eye. Someone fusses with a heap of papers. Someone is actively tapping military marches on the keyboard. Some, depicting the maximum seriousness on their face, immediately begin to dial-up to clients.
However, when you start summing up, it turns out that most of the tasks were not done. And the most important projects for your business – no one has started yet. But everyone is busy.
For each completed task, the employee must put down the actual time spent on its implementation. This is a great blitz tool for evaluating its effectiveness!
You also need to strictly monitor compliance with regulations. If you cannot control the process, you can only hope for the goodwill of the employees.
What to keep for yourself?
You will still have strategic development of your business. Strategic development is the introduction of new services/groups of goods and business areas, radical improvement of old ones, algorithmization of key business processes, development of a strategic development plan for the company (do not forget to set goals for this plan!).
You will also:
• Communicate with your employees using an employee app
• Maintain direct contact with key clients
• Control your finances
Come to the office once every 2-3 months for 1-2 weeks to see everything with your own eyes. In case of a crisis situation, be prepared to come to resolve it.
Conclusion
Whether you have to leave town for a couple of weeks on business, or just want a change of scenery, running your business remotely is totally feasible. Just remember to prepare your company before you leave. Learn how to delegate, set up a reporting system, and focus on restructuring the company in the best way possible. Learn what your employees can handle, and what you have to do yourself.
Emma Williams
Emma Williams is an Australian writer with a master‘s degree in business administration, who has a passion for anything lifestyle and design related. She spends most of her time redecorating and participating in house projects. As a great nature lover, her biggest pleasure is travelling to magical places and spending time in the small family cottage by the river.
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