Remote working has become a regular part of life for many of us, especially if you run your own business. There are many things to learn and get used to, but it’s a million times easier when you’re working with the right tools.
Here is everything you need to work remotely.
A Good Computer With Reliable Internet
Basic, but effective. Also a pain if you don’t have it.
A PC gives you a bigger screen and more power, but a laptop gives you the option of working on the go. Your regular household Wi-Fi is probably enough for remote working, but you may also look at your usage and consider adding more bandwidth.
Communication Tools
Remote working requires some kind of communication tool beyond email to talk to your colleagues and clients. Email gets clunky and hard to manage, and messages pile up on threads. It’s especially inconvenient when you have a team of people talking together.
A chat platform like Slack or Skype is a much better option. You can talk with clients or contractors throughout the day. It also makes searching for shared files or information a lot simpler.
Video Conferencing
It’s highly likely that you’ll sometimes have to attend virtual meetings. For this, you’ll need a video conferencing software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Both of which also have helpful features like screen share and presentations.
Project Management
If you’re collaborating on projects with other people, you’ll need a project management program like Asana, Jira, or Basecamp to organize all the content you create. These programs allow you to see and edit the progress of projects, share and edit documents, and communicate together as you work.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage allows you to store files in the cloud rather than on a physical device. The advantage is that you can access these files anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about losing them if your device breaks.
It also gives you more storage in addition to what your computer can handle. The simplest and most popular are Google Drive and Dropbox.
Pocket Wi-Fi
If you’re going to be taking your work on the road, you may want to buy a pocket Wi-Fi. This is a small device that gives you your own hotspot that allows you to use Wi-Fi anywhere and not have to rely on unsecured public networks. You can also use it as a backup at home if your Wi-Fi goes out.
Organizational Tools
Finally, there is a wide selection of tools that help you get and stay organized. When working remotely without a boss or office, this can be quite helpful for staying on top of things. These tools include online calendars, time management tools, automated to-do lists, and time trackers that help you audit how you spend your time at work.
Many of these options can be found for free and are very easy to use. They make work easier and more efficient for remote workers—so don’t discount them when you’re setting up your new remote work environment!
Do you need help navigating all the moving parts of running a remote business? Click here to set up a discovery call with me to see how I can help you manage and scale your remote business with ease.
