More and more people are turning towards remote work. Are you ready for this?

Everyone is talking about CORONAVIRUS. People are scared of what's going to happen next. Countries and cities are being shut down, events are being canceled, even parents are beginning to freak out about having to homeschool if schools shut down as well.

Phew! I can go on and on about this.... but I'll stop here for now.

There is a lot to learn from all that's happening but I want to talk specifically on one aspect.

"The survival of your business and career during this period."

Don't hate me for talking about money, but let's face facts. A lot of businesses are being crushed by what's going on and many of them were not prepared for it.

For a long time, we talked about the importance of leveraging the internet and acquiring new digital skills in preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

QUESTIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, more and more people are turning towards remote work leveraging the internet and using digital tools to stay connected with the outside world.

My question to you is this, "How have you been preparing for this?"

• What tools are you and your teams currently using to help foster remote work?
• Do you still need to meet up with people physically before they can share or sign documents or are you using digital documents and signing virtually?
• If your customers are no longer available to come to your physical store, can they find, connect with and still purchase from you online?
• Are you using digital tools and platforms to manage projects, communicate with your team and clients?
• Have you switched from holding physical meetings to having conference calls and meetings?
• Do you know how to effectively work from home? Do you have the right set up and tools to stay away from the office... yet remain visible.
• Are you learning and reading up on how to work remotely?

If you cannot confidently answer these questions, then it's time you begin to RETHINK your current strategy and create a new one that includes all of the above and will also help you continue to thrive during this period and beyond.

If you are a business owners, how are you currently transitioning to remote work?

~ Vanessa MBAMARAH.