Setting up an efficient remote marketing team has become relatively easy, perhaps easier than working in person, because of technological advances in recent years. Today, many industries — real estate, property management, food service and others are dominating the remote working world. So, you should also consider taking advantage of these five tips to keep your work day, and your team, running smoothly.
Inclusion
When working remotely every team member must feel as if they are included. No one enjoys the feeling of being the odd person out, or that they are missing some piece of information. Create team moments in which all members participate, even if it is simply a scheduling meeting. Celebrate personal and work-related milestones with team members. An upbeat version of “Happy Birthday” sung by coworkers can do wonders for the recipient and the singers. Promote casual time to get to know your team. And above all else, create a sense of safety so everyone feels free to express their ideas knowing that no matter what, they will be treated kindly.
Create a Mindful Culture
The marketing industry requires work that is both creative and linear. The creative process when working in a team situation requires a thoughtful back and forth of ideas. Be mindful of reactions to ideas other than your own. Many times, a project becomes successful because it gleans aspects of many different ideas. Do not discount a team member’s thoughts or ideas before they have been discussed thoroughly.
The purpose of working in a diverse team situation is to gather multiple ideas. If you are working in a team that has new, less experienced members, take care not to embarrass someone who is learning.
Communication
Remote work relies on methods of communication that are not always as understandable as a face-to-face meeting. Emails, texts, and instant messaging depend on the writer’s skill with precise language. Written communication often lacks the subtleties of the spoken word. The reader may not understand sarcasm or humor if it is not explained fully. There are no sideways grins or raised eyebrows than can act as visual clues unless you use email emojis. Body language is intrinsically important to convey emotions. Maintain communications by checking in regularly, in clear, concise language. Emphasizing a word with all caps may give the reader the idea that you are screaming. Be aware of multiple interpretations or hurtful phrases. Double check your note before you hit the send button.
Checklists
Various types of checklists are necessary when working in teams. Set clear, written boundaries at the beginning of any project and include goals, deadlines, and expectations. Manage marketing projects with platforms like Basecamp or Asana so that information is available to all team members. Teamwork means collaboration, so share files, get feedback, and have complete records of work that is in progress. This type of software allows your team to stay on schedule, communicate easily, track progress of each team member, and improve your collaborative efforts.
The 2020 Face-to-Face
Looking at the 2020 work environment realistically we are aware that some things about work are different and may remain this way for some time. Although many good ideas were bantered about around the water cooler or in the break room it is still possible to have a casual conversation with co-workers. Video calls give team members a chance to converse in a more realistic way. During a video chat you can raise an eyebrow, shrug a shoulder, or smile at a great idea. Seeing someone speaking gives you contextual clues about what is being said. Body language can enhance ideas and for the person who gestures while they speak it gives more fluidity to their communications.
There are many programs for video chats or video conferencing, some of which are included in other teamwork platforms.
Working efficiently with your remote marketing team can be a successful endeavor. Find the software that matches your needs and get started building your remote team now.
