Team development for businesses sure has changed over the years. Entrepreneurs can build a team with employees from around the world, even in other time zones. Business owners are no longer tied solely to the talent in their own geographic locations. This level of freedom is beneficial for both businesses and employees who have greater flexibility to work their specialty in virtually any area of the world. The following guide explains how building your team is now easier than ever, thanks to online support and recruiting options.
How to Build Your Remote Team
As you start your recruiting process, consider what you need most in team members and how many people you need for things to run smoothly. Launch a recruitment campaign targeting the individuals with experience in the roles you’re trying to fill.
As you start to recruit team members, seek people who will support your mission and work well with others. One way to accomplish this outcome is to ask potential employees to take a Myers-Briggs assessment. This simple test can help determine the personality styles of prospective workers and how well matched they are for your team’s needs.
Hiring remote workers and freelancers can save money on payroll expenses and benefits, as you can hire on an as-needed basis. Some freelancers are also willing to take on contractor roles, which may be a better fit for your business needs, yet affords you a greater commitment than hiring an occasional worker. Be sure to secure a no-compete clause or non-disclosure agreement for your business protection. Remote workers can be full or part-time employees, regardless of their location.
Practical Uses for Remote Workers on Your Team
Remote workers and freelancers can be useful to your business in many ways, according to The LAB. Often, they have a range of experience and can add value to your team for projects that may not require an in-person worker. Content marketing services are a good example of something that freelance, remote workers can provide; professionals in the field of content marketing have a comprehensive understanding of how to formulate useful, SEO-friendly content that reaches the right audience at the right time.
Online job platforms simplify the process of finding the best marketing specialists and other important team members and offer you a built-in screening process to review work history and samples prior to hiring. Freelance workers are also valuable for consulting purposes. Whether you need a business consultant or a strategist to help you develop a plan for growth and development, hiring a remote worker from a freelance platform can get you the most skill for your money. Once you have your team of employees and remote workers, it is important to come up with a strategy to manage your staff.
Managing Your Remote Team
With your team of freelance and remote workers, Lighthouse points out that management strategies will differ from traditional business methods. A remote team requires alternative ways to stay connected, mostly on digital platforms. Depending on the type of business you operate, a daily group stand-up or weekly meeting to review progress and discuss needs may be warranted. Connecting as an entire team can also make your staff feel more connected and unified toward the common goal of your business.
Collaborative work platforms like Slack and Trello offer space for projects to take shape with internal communication options. Some teamwork platforms offer advanced edit features and internal chat, as well as a streamlined process for tracking varying projects through completion. Regardless of which collaborative platform you choose, make sure you offer paid time for training on that system to ensure that they can hit the ground running after orientation.
For best results with a remote team, try to check in with workers routinely to avoid issues that may fly under the radar, such as feeling stressed or fatigued, tech struggles, or feeling stuck on an aspect of work. Another important consideration is work satisfaction, as this can mean the difference between retention of employees and needing to rehire and train new folks frequently. Checking in with your team about their wellness and self-care, offering support, and giving the opportunity for open feedback will keep employees feeling cared for and committed.
Image credit: Pixabay
Written by: Lauren M.
CTM Team
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