A legitimate remote business has a physical address, which is required by law to register the business. Remote business owners can opt-out of publicly registering their home address. Instead, coworking spaces enable remote businesses to share their office space and use their physical address for business purposes. A remote business is a sustainable business. This type of business generally offers:
#1 - Low Overhead Costs
Starting a legitimate remote business is cost-efficient. It doesn't require much capital. There is no office building rent, other real estate expenses, utilities, furniture, nor any other conventional business operating expenses, including no commuting required. Instead, there is an initial business registration fee for a remote business. Working at home enables the use of a home office space, equipment, tools, supplies and technology - all available at home. A virtual office, like provided by Alliance Virtual Offices, allows remote businesses to instead use a featured office location's address, receive mail, and for extra fees - forward mail, utilize their meeting rooms, live receptionist, and extra features. A registered agent is a separate service required for LLCs and corporations to receive their legal notices. Additionally, a business license(s) and certification(s) may also be required to run the remote business (check your local regulations). Other expenses include payroll fees, business insurance, applicable business taxes, and optional expenses like a business phone number, marketing expenses, technology purchases, SaaS subscriptions, and recruitment platform fees. Some suitable remote businesses are in consulting, coaching, teaching, translation, travel agency, graphic design, photography, IT services, virtual call center, e-commerce store, writing/editing services, and virtual assistance.
#2 - Remote Hiring
Employees and contractors can be hired in any location. They can be hired through employment platforms, like Indeed, or other job boards. Interviews can be conducted over the telephone or through virtual meeting platforms, like Zoom. There are also online background check platforms available, like Checkr. Remote hiring enables you to streamline HR. Onboarding is done more efficiently, with employees and contractors signing employment documents online and even participating in orientation and training - all online. There is also the option of using local recruiters to assist in the hiring process, from freelance to permanent positions.
"Does the "normal" way of doing things seem broken to you?" – Luisa Zhou Live
#3 - Work Remotely or Hybrid
It is not a "normal" brick & mortar business where you have to be at the office during standard business hours or work overtime at the office. There is the option of work-from-home. Other working space options include co-working spaces, public meeting areas, and digital nomad friendly locations. The carbon footprint of a remote business is relatively lower than that of conventional businesses. Researchers from Cornell University and Microsoft discovered that the carbon footprint of remote employees show a reduction up to 58%. Everyone is working remotely from home, or from somewhere else. Working hybrid at a remote business may mean working at the virtual office or another physical work site, as needed. Working either remotely or hybrid allows flexibility between work schedules and personal time, creating a work-life balance. Essentially, it enables parents to have more time with their family, allows caregivers to work and care for their disabled child or relative, gives more people with disabilities needful employment, and provides work opportunity for those determined to be digital nomads. Research proven by ConnectSolutions shown that remote employees and contractors are about 77% more productive.
#4 - Essential Communications
Communication guidelines provide clarity on what is expected in communications, the proper communication tools, frequency in communication, and the maintaining of quality assurance. It should all be included in a remote work policy. Technology is heavily used in a remote business to enhance team collaborations and company performance. Tools like email and chatbots enable quick communication. Video meetings allow more face-to-face interactions, while in any time zone. Work hours can be tracked through time-tracker or payroll platforms, like Gusto. Workflow and employee performance can also be tracked using software or apps, like Trello. Conducting micromanaging practices can be daunting and counterproductive. Instead, using positive feedback can dramatically improve worker performance.
#5 - Utilizing Remote Tools
Cloud technologies enable a remote business to effectively complete work, store data and information, and report data from anywhere. Those working for a remote business need to have a desktop, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or ethernet. Adherence to the company's confidentiality and cybersecurity policies help to deter hackers and cyber-attacks. Using a telephone may also be a part of the job, to either make calls and/or text messages. Software, including apps vary with responsibilities and tasks. The most suitable tools need to be selected in order to ensure efficiency.
Resolving the Challenges of a Remote Business
There are some challenges to owning or working for a remote business. Marketing, networking, and partnerships for the remote company still need in-person interactions. Making time for events that enhance the remote company's presence is essential. Owning a remote business requires being in compliance with both applicable local and global regulations and taxes. It is pertinent to be aware of them. Sharing data remotely requires security protocols to prevent cyber hacks. Furthermore, cybersecurity is important in maintaining a virus-free, spam-free, and hacker-free remote business. Having employees and contractors necessitate the establishment of a quality, remote company culture. It's beneficial to have cultural awareness of workers and clientele, embrace diversity, and remotely share company values. Remote team building activities can help build a sense of community and diminish the feeling of isolation. The remote company's sustainability goals are juxtaposed to that of the home offices of its workforce. However, sustainability support and policies can help bring some cohesion between them. Communication is key to working at a remote business. The agreed communication tools need to be proactively used in order to maintain open communication between managers, employees, contractors, vendors, partners, and clientele - really everyone involved. Despite the challenges, a remote business can potentially have a global impact and can essentially promote sustainability practices.
