The Five Keys to Remote Business Success Every Founder Needs to Know in 2021
Think about this: According to the leading freelancer database Upwork it is estimated that 1 in 4 Americans, over 26% of the American workforce, will be working remotely through 2021. They also estimate that 22% of the workforce (36.2 Million Americans) will work remotely by 2025.
In 2020, business leaders had to pivot quickly as widespread pandemic closures and isolation measures forced companies of all sizes to establish an online presence just to survive. Changes happened rapidly in 2020, but in 2021 business owners need to build momentum and rethink their strategies for the new year. A remote business structure is no longer simply one option among many – it is absolutely essential to success. With that comes new challenges as leaders manage a remote workforce. What critical IT components do leaders need to focus on?
Richard Roth knows a thing or two about the technical challenges that come with a remote workforce. Roth is a 20-year industry expert and founded Progressive Tech, Seattle’s highest-rated IT support team. His team of real people is locally based in Seattle and ready to find real solutions to every tech problem from start to finish – no matter how complex. With a 14 year history of creating comprehensive tech solutions, Roth has developed the blueprint for creating a streamlined online business model built for thriving performance and has plenty of pro tips for your businesses’ remote success.
Roth’s five tips that entrepreneurs can use right now to best manage their remote business structure for 2021:
Use the best security measures across the board. You’re only as secure as your weakest technology/user. Always use multi factor security measures wherever possible. Consider using a password generator and/or a password management service to simplify and consolidate all of your usernames, pins, and passwords. If possible use an authenticator app or your email to authenticate, and avoid using text verification, as SMS is far less secure.
Expect problems and be prepared. Even giant companies with million dollar IT budgets fall victim to hacking, failures and accidents. Using technology is a bit like driving a truck on the highway; training, practice and maintenance are necessary for safety, but accidents can and will still occur. Make sure computers and devices – many of which are designed to last just 3 to 5 years – are updated and serviced on a regular basis.
Always be suspicious, look before you click. The majority of today’s threats come from hackers tricking users into clicking on fake websites, opening email links, or downloading unnecessary “utilities” in order to extract information and gain system access. Scammers will even pretend to be someone you know. Make sure you and your team are informed and prepared to recognize such attempts.
“Free” isn’t truly free. Using any free or add supported service means you are the product. Similarly, connecting to any public or private WiFi connection enables the network operator and or hackers to position themselves between you and the connection point, gaining access to your information or distributing malware. Consider using premium paid or open source software whenever possible. Avoid installing any apps you don’t absolutely need on your computers or mobile devices. Consider using a private hotspot, or find a trustworthy location with WiFi secured by a strong password.
- Maintenance matters. It is critical to have a plan in place for regular system maintenance and user support, not just automatic updates and hope. Unmaintained systems leave open the potential for malicious access to your data and devices. Consider an IT support plan with at least quarterly systems assessments and live on-demand user assistance.
You don’t have to do it alone. You’ve got enough on your hands with a business to run. A good leader knows when to call in reinforcements. Progressive Tech is here to help with a tech support team committed to providing real value by creating a stable, secure, and highly functional IT environment for businesses of all sizes and budgets.