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What do you think of 100% remotely operated businesses?

by iPeter
10 replies
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Hi. I have a web hosting business that employs about 10 people. We are currently working out of an office, but I'm seriously considering to switch to remote operations altogether and hire people from all around the world as opposed to people from the city I live in.

We have a few different positions, and all of them seem to be compatible with remote work:

1. Customer care representatives to answer support tickets
2. System administrators
3. Developers
4. Sales people
5. Some other minor things that we already outsource to freelancers

If someone is running a remote business, I would love to hear their opinion on how such businesses compare to regular office-based businesses. What are the pros and cons of each model, and what results I should expect. I've read numerous articles on the matter, but I prefer to hear from someone who has had experience with this.

Thank you!
#100% #businesses #operated #remotely
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I've worked with both local and remote people in a few different ways and times.

    As long as the work can be done remotely then it can be done.

    Some of the challenges I have seen:

    Communication is key and a two way street, you need to make sure whoever you are working with can understand you and you can understand them without any assumptions, this is much harder with working with remote people.

    Technology challenges can happen, internet/phone/power outages are often more common in other areas of the world, regardless of where the remote people are - you need a plan for this and hopefully don't need to use the plan too often.

    Hiring can be difficult remotely, again, its all about communication.

    Timezones can help or hurt you, keep that in mind when selecting people and locations. (eg. 24/7 coverage can be easier if you hire people using the "follow the sun" method)
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve L
    Originally Posted by iPeter View Post

    Hi. I have a web hosting business that employs about 10 people. We are currently working out of an office, but I'm seriously considering to switch to remote operations altogether and hire people from all around the world as opposed to people from the city I live in.

    We have a few different positions, and all of them seem to be compatible with remote work:

    1. Customer care representatives to answer support tickets
    2. System administrators
    3. Developers
    4. Sales people
    5. Some other minor things that we already outsource to freelancers


    If someone is running a remote business, I would love to hear their opinion on how such businesses compare to regular office-based businesses. What are the pros and cons of each model, and what results I should expect. I've read numerous articles on the matter, but I prefer to hear from someone who has had experience with this.

    Thank you!
    Just make sure you have a good to-do/task management app, the company I work for uses Basecamp. Also, video/screencast communication is pretty key. I personally like using Loom videos for this purpose because of how easy they make it.
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    How To Design A Website That Converts!
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    OP, the more appropriate (and more productive) place to post your message is on an online store forum/sub-forum.

    Check the ecommerce section of this site. eCommerce Sites, Wholesaling & Drop Shipping | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

    eStores are the businesses who most need your services.

    However, if you need social media marketing advice, let me know.
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  • Profile picture of the author elevatingyourbusiness
    Anything is possible and probable with some systems in place (like Steve L mentioned).

    As a coach, I've known no other way to have a business. Although I had to get a special license to have people come to my home when I host VIP days or do workshops from home.
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    Maria Marsala,
    Financial Advisors Coach, Author, Speaker at http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com/

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  • Profile picture of the author PushrCDN Victor
    We do have remote as well as local staff. As a web host you probably have customers from all around the world like we do and it often makes sense to be able to have someone on board who is an insider into a market where your want to grow your presence. Even only because of the cultural differences and the way some nations communicate.

    The con is lack of control. If you need to watch after the local team, you need to watch after the remote teams twice as much. Another issue is that it is hard to bond with these remote people. You can't meet them in person often and this leaves a lot to be desired in how they are being integrated into the company and how they share and promote the company's vision.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    I have been a part of many remote working teams. As a freelance writer, I have actually been the writer for about a half-dozen medium to large hosting companies and a few of them were 100% remote. I know one guy who ran a virtual receptionist/assistant business, too and used hit own workers for both.

    You can hire everybody remotely, but it does mean you will have to stop employing the 10 people you have now, or allow them to work remotely from home.

    From my experience, the pros are huge when it comes to saving money, contracting work out instead of actually employing people, scalability and flexibility for you and your workers.

    The cons are letting go of the 10 people you have or letting them work remotely (probably cost you more than hiring new), less perceived control and a big life change that will require an adjustment period.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Originally Posted by iPeter View Post

    Hi. I have a web hosting business that employs about 10 people. We are currently working out of an office, but I'm seriously considering to switch to remote operations altogether and hire people from all around the world as opposed to people from the city I live in.

    We have a few different positions, and all of them seem to be compatible with remote work:

    1. Customer care representatives to answer support tickets
    2. System administrators
    3. Developers
    4. Sales people
    5. Some other minor things that we already outsource to freelancers

    If someone is running a remote business, I would love to hear their opinion on how such businesses compare to regular office-based businesses. What are the pros and cons of each model, and what results I should expect. I've read numerous articles on the matter, but I prefer to hear from someone who has had experience with this.

    Thank you!


    Might be ok as long as you don't need constant communication while you're working, considering people half around the world are probably sleeping while you're awake.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
    The folks that make Buffer do this. They've included a lot of information about how they handle the challenge of a 100% remote team on their blog: https://open.buffer.com/?utm_source=...paign=nav-open

    Lots of good stuff there.
    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Melvinjacobh
    Yes remote business will surely help you a lot! But instead of running your remote business online why cant you outsource something to the remote assistants available in India it would be much more cost effective than setting up your own remote business.
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