Essential tools you need to run a successful remote company
Running a successful remote business is a dream come true for many people. To reach the level of operating your own company requires struggles, time, energy, resources, and automated processes. In today’s world of technology, many companies decide to go remotely and work from anywhere.
But, what does a company need to be successful in remote culture? Businesses of all sizes and structures need to be accustomed to working as a remote team, scattered throughout the country or the globe. Each company needs to decide which tools to use for successful and smooth operations and processes.
In this article, we’ll discuss each aspect of the business operation process and mention which tools and platforms to use for uninterrupted workflow.
Communication purposes
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Communication in a remote team is crucial and can be achieved via various tools/software. Since remote culture is becoming more popular due to technological advancements, your business has a lot of benefits. From cutting on office costs to maintenance, perks like snacks in the office, electricity bills, utility bills, etc, so you can run your tasks remotely.
Companies like Business Anywhere can help you register your business online and take care of the paperwork.
Platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Slack help businesses communicate smoothly. While Zoom and Teams are mainly used for video conferencing and meetings, Slack is mainly responsible for the communication in the team. Microsoft Teams can also be used for chatting, file-sharing, or video conferencing.
Slack is a platform used for instant messaging and it’s crucial because it allows for real-time communication to happen. Your team members can easily communicate and share files, screen share or search in the archive of sent items.
Hangout is another software used by loyal Google users that facilitates communication via video calling and messaging. Hangouts allows integration processes with other Google services and products like Google Drive, Google Calendar, etc.
Storing data
Data storage has changed dramatically over the years. Nowadays, companies store their data over a simple process. However, the data storage architecture can be complex, so you need to maintain the storage systems accordingly. At its core, storing data is all about how files are being recorded on the Internet.
Since working remotely requires using software for storing and hosting your data, tools like Dropbox, PCLOUD, BOX, iDrive, or Microsoft One Drive help your business store its premises appropriately.
For example, Dropbox is a cloud-based platform that allows storing and hosting data in one place. It’s an online library created to manage and organize information. It’s compatible with several devices and can be accessed remotely by any member of the team.
There are different virtual environments, so depending on your data goals, you need to choose between these. These environments include:
- On-premises data storage;
- Hybrid data storage;
- Cloud data storage;
Project management tools
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The main concerns for working remotely are resource accessibility and communication. Thus, the companies use software like Trello or Asana.
Asana is a project management platform that helps teams organize their work. Trello is another tool of such type that helps you track, manage and share tasks with teammates. However, it’s worth mentioning that not all companies use these tools, some have different preferences and that’s okay. Whatever rocks your boat!
Organizational tools
Having all of your eggs in one basket is important. Thus tools like Basecamp, Jira, and Milanote are essential when it comes to organizing your ideas and projects visually. With these platforms, you can facilitate your business operations, stay creative and manage your tasks.
Google Calendar, Google Keep, ClickUp, Airtable, etc., are some of the most commonly used tools in every business. These tools help you organize your space and improve business productivity so that employees can take notes, organize their thoughts and collaborate with the rest of the team.
The benefits of such tools are:
- Refresh memory – it helps employees to aid memory and remember some dates;
- Improved collaboration – allows team members to collaborate on larger projects more effectively;
- Save time – these tools will ensure that all of your tasks are described, stored, and accessed anytime;
- Fewer mistakes – organizational tools help you establish priority, reduce mistakes and clarify tasks with clear instructions;
Spreadsheets are another commonly used tool in remote cultures, especially when working on larger projects. This way, the employees can divide the project progress into smaller sections and compartmentalize the work.
Customer support tools
Tools like Intercom, Zendesk, etc. can assist in establishing proper communication with your customers especially if your company is in the SaaS niche. The main role of the customer support tools is to have a centralized/ticketing system where customer support reps can track, manage and solve customer queries.
It’s all about going digital!
If it hasn’t been clear until now, let’s summarize and emphasize that going remotely means going digital! For similar content, feel free to check our blog.
