A Foundation for Success in Remote Work
I wrote about my experiences in global sourcing in the previous post – some were great, and others not so great. I even mentioned that I’d learned some lessons on the way, that inspired the dream of this ‘Livelihood Platform – Ajeva’.
So, what are those lessons, and how can we implement them to help create more successful relationships in remote work?
The lessons were numerous, and wide in scope, but I like to simplify things. The simplest way to build a successful foundation in remote work is to focus on two things, and the cool part is that they build on each other:
1. Trust
In any relationship, trust is a key part of the foundation. When working with a programmer you’ve never met, or even talked to on the phone from half way around the world, trust is everything! So, what builds trust? Here are some things from a buyer’s perspective that may help:
- I want to relate with someone as a person (share a picture in your profile)
- I want to know that they are who they say they are (be authentic)
- I want to know that they really can do what they say they can (share past work, and certifications)
- I want to see some references, or know they’ve worked with others successful (build a history)
Beyond these basics, earning trust is about communication. So read on.
2. Communication
Most marriages fail due to lack of communication between the couple. Most projects fail due to the same reason. Communication is important when you’re working in the same office, but it is even more important when working remotely. So how can I, a service provider, communicate better with a buyer?
- Start early – communicate with the buyer before, during and after you present a proposal.
- Ask the right questions.
- Show that you truly are addressing the buyer’s needs when you present a proposal.
- Follow-up with the buyer as they are evaluating the candidates.
- Use a mode of communication that is preferred by the buyer (Email, IM Chat, Phone) – if you use IM or Phone, it is good practice to follow-up with a summary of conversation in an email.
- Communicate consistently and openly during the entire duration of the project.
- Set clear expectations, communicate them, and work hard to achieve them. If they can not be achieved, communicate that sooner instead of later.
- Most importantly, don’t forget to communicate even after the project is completed – follow-up with a buyer, and it is likely you may get more work.
In short – Communicate Often, Communicate Well, Communicate Often.
It is our goal as we build Ajeva to understand what makes remote work relationships successful, and provide you with a platform that can help make it easier.
I would love to hear from you about some of your successes and failures in remote work.
