You're working with a remote team in Sales Operations. How can you ensure that everyone stays on track?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is communication. You need to make sure that everyone knows what their roles and responsibilities are, what the deadlines and deliverables are, and how their performance will be measured and evaluated. You also need to communicate the vision and mission of the sales operations function, and how it aligns with the overall sales and business objectives. Use tools like project management software, shared calendars, and dashboards to keep everyone updated and accountable.

2 Establish regular check-ins

Another way to improve communication and collaboration is to establish regular check-ins with your remote team members. These can be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the needs and preferences of your team. The purpose of these check-ins is to provide feedback, guidance, support, and recognition to your team, as well as to address any issues or challenges that may arise. You can use video conferencing, phone calls, or instant messaging to conduct these check-ins, but make sure to balance the frequency and duration of these interactions to avoid micromanaging or overwhelming your team.

3 Create a culture of trust and transparency

Working remotely can also affect the trust and transparency within your team. You need to create a culture where everyone feels comfortable and confident to share their ideas, opinions, concerns, and achievements. You also need to be transparent about the goals, strategies, and results of the sales operations function, and how they impact the sales and business outcomes. You can use tools like surveys, polls, or feedback forms to solicit input and feedback from your team, and share relevant information and data through newsletters, reports, or presentations.

4 Leverage technology and automation

Technology and automation are essential for any sales operations function, but especially for a remote one. You need to leverage the tools and platforms that can help you streamline and automate the sales processes, such as CRM, sales enablement, data analysis, and reporting. You also need to ensure that your team has access to the technology and resources they need to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently, such as laptops, internet connection, software licenses, and training. You can use tools like cloud storage, VPN, or remote desktop to facilitate the access and security of your team's data and devices.

5 Encourage learning and development

Finally, you need to encourage learning and development for your remote sales operations team. Working remotely can limit the opportunities for learning and growth, such as mentoring, coaching, or shadowing. You need to provide your team with the resources and support they need to enhance their skills and knowledge, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, or books. You also need to create a learning culture where everyone is encouraged to share their best practices, insights, or tips with each other. You can use tools like online forums, blogs, or newsletters to foster a learning community within your team.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?