Five quick tips to manage your virtual relationships22 April 2005
With wireless working becoming highly regarded as an option for mobile businesses, managing your virtual teams can be crucial to how effective your business is. With employees spread over large geographic areas you need to be able maximise productivity.
Here are some quick tips to help you make this happen
Technology is key
To get the best of your virtual teams - make sure they have the working equipment that they need. Good hardware, software and training are essential to good virtual working.
Plan ahead
Don't leave things till the last minute - hold regular team conference calls and structure your workday. This way, information can be easily shared, discussed and exchanged.
Use technology but don't let it rule you
Don't create an over-dependency - there are bound to be times when systems fail or email doesn't function. In these events have back ups by way of traditional media - use the post or call up!
Keep the personal contact
People are crucial to any business so when working virtually - don't lose contact with real people. Make sure, you do meet up with key contacts occasionally - that personal contact will make your virtual working more effective.
Adapt
Make sure you are flexible in your way of thinking and working. If resorting to traditional media like letter writing - this will require a different set of skills, so remember to adapt to the medium you are using.
