My two partners and I have have been working on the development of Razorr for over two years now. The three of us are truly a virtual team.
We live in three different states, in three different time zones, and communicate in multiple ways including email, IM, and teleconference lines.
Since we founded Razorr International, LLC, we’ve only met in person as a group one time! Collectively, we’ve gotten together in twos but as a group of three it has been only once.
Amazing, considering all we’ve been able to accomplish.
What we’ve discovered is that our entire team (including administrative assistants, attorneys, accountants, and independent contractors in five others states and a few other countries) has been able to grow and thrive in a virtual world that has made our entire office global.
I am as close to my two partners, who have become trusted and adored friends, as I am with my family.
How does that happen?
We have sustained a constant sense of communication with each other. Rarely a day goes by that we are not in contact. With three of us, we make sure that all three are included in discussions, emails, and online chats, even if one is not necessarily involved. It keeps us each in the loop and up to speed so there is no back filling of information.
Using instant messaging (IM) has been foundational. We pop in and out with quick questions or comments, to brainstorm or blow off steam, to share successes and to be there when one of us is discouraged.
These quick IM visits have caused us to develop a certain intuitive understanding of each other. It has brought us closer and given us that close, we’re-all-in-this-together feeling. Although we work miles apart, it feels like we work in the same office.
Technology has made our widely separated virtual team positive, productive, and very, very close!
- Ann Vertel, Co-Founder, Razorr International, LLC
