Get A Grip

In a world with 24-hour news creating hysterical panic and everyone seemingly becoming experts in a subject with little more research beyond a headline, it’s time for normal people to take control. Yes, I'm looking at you.

Sure, we are facing a serious situation in the current climate, however we should be responsible enough to make a choice. As business owners we can either go back to having a stoic, responsible and practical attitude by taking a step back to assess the situation or join the quests of the morons’ panic buying.

Here we have a very real opportunity to make lasting efficiencies and improvements to our businesses. It’s not all bad is it?

Communication

Technology has provided us with the tools to connect our workforce for a long while now. The widespread adoption of it has been slow. If you haven’t invested in future proofing your communication tools then now could be the time.

Unified Communications

No matter the size of your business, a hosted platform provides the flexibility to connect you, your staff and your customers. Desk and mobile phones can work together providing a seamless voice platform using IP. You can also call from your laptop, integrate messaging systems and use conference facilities.

Call Recording

If you need to record calls on any device, then there are simple solutions for that too. The benefits of remote workers feeling protected by having critical conversations recorded means they can playback info to pick up all the detail. Just because your staff may not be in the office next to you doesn’t mean that you are less effective. Call recording means that you can monitor performance, progress and protect your business

Data/Internet

The insatiable appetite for more data use can be sated with the best value deals we’ve ever had available to us. More bandwidth at faster speeds for a lower cost. Ensure that you are taking advantage of being able to run successful, efficient and ‘always on’ service by seeking the best service available to you.

IT & Security

Protection of physical and cloud-based hardware, software and data is key when managing a remote workforce. You don’t need nor have the time to become an IT infrastructure expert. Get supported by someone who is. They will be able to quickly identify and deploy what you need to ensure your business and employees have the kit and access to work from anywhere.

Display

If you have public areas - and one assumes that not every office location will be closed over the next few weeks - visual displays can keep people updated with real time information and still promote your products and services. Manage multiple screens from a remote location and don’t lose the opportunity to advertise your business services. You may not be able to reach the eyeballs of those already in underground bunkers, but they may not be able to get to the bank to pay you anyway.

Office Support

Using a virtual assistant to keep back office functions rolling is a vital time saver. Investing in a professional organiser has benefits beyond keeping your inbox manageable. Keep your employees engaged with a trusted point of contact, manage HR messaging and issues, distribute advice and support but most of all make your employees feel that they have someone to speak with about concerns they may not want to discuss with their manager.

Staffing

It’s inevitable that some people will be unable to carry out their duties because of illness. Make sure that you have a strong ‘subs bench’ to avoid your projects not getting completed. Using professional, qualified and flexible resources when using an outsourced people provider (I know that’s not how they would prefer to be referred to) will benefit your project by making sure objectives are met with strict governance and milestone tracking.

Premises

Finally, if you are stuck at home then it might be time to build an office location in your home. Think about the benefits that having a new, secure and comfortable workspace at home could bring to your business.

The Wrap

So, let’s finish off by me being clear and transparent. This post was generated as a way of promoting the services of the suppliers and customers of my company. I’m unashamed to sincerely promote them and play a part in recommending them. Better to have an honest approach to making sure that we don’t stop to forget that we have an element of control in these difficult times.

Get behind your business, keep promoting, keep recommending and keep away from the tin foil hat brigade.

Paul

Trusted Suppliers To Tricca:

• Unified Communications - Crystal Clear Telecom
• Call Recording - ReTell
• Data/Internet - Think
• IT & Support - ITSB
• Display - Quad Vision
• Office Support - The Elite VA
• Contract/Project staffing - Phoenix47
• Architectural Design - Fluent ADS
• Building Services - TN Design & Build