There are so many benefits and rewards for me working virtually and having a virtual team. Being able to work with my business partners, as well as a “global” team has allowed me to connect with others outside my very limited physical world of opportunity.
I am able to travel and still work from any location, as long as I have my laptop and an Internet connection. I have a Blackberry that I can tether to my computer, and as my husband drives, I can be connected to the Internet and work while driving down the road. While this does not make me a good travel companion at times, it does allow me to take care of any business that “has” to be done.
Living out in the country for me is an understatement. (think “boonies”) The closest small town (population is 3,400) is about a 20 minute drive. All my major grocery shopping, doctors, shopping, etc. is a good hour drive for me.
So, while working virtually provides the ability to be mobile, plus has all the perks of no communicating, no rent for office space, etc., I value the connection that Twitter, instant messaging, community forums, e-mail, and phone gives me to stay connected to family, friends, and co-workers.
Online communication tools, such as Twitter also allow me network with other businesses and professionals to keep in touch and build relationships that would consume much physical time and money in order for me to do so. It also allows the ability to connect with a diverse group of business people that would not normally be easy to communicate with due to physical constraints and different type of networking events we would attend.
How do you stay in touch with your team, co-workers, family, and friends? How do you network to build relationships that can provide services, future services, resources, recommendations etc? How often do you “touch” base or check-in?
Let’s build great relationships even though we are working virtually!
-Debbie Franklin, co-Founder, Razorr International, LLC
