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June 11, 2024

Implementing Effective Hiring Protocols in Your Small Business

As a small business owner, finding the right talent to help grow your company can be a challenging task. The hiring process itself can be long and arduous without proper planning. However, if you go into it with a structured goal, it can streamline the experience for both sides (job seekers and employers) so that you can onboard the talent you’re looking for.

Understanding the Importance of a Structured Hiring Process

Navigating the hiring landscape efficiently requires a well-thought-out structure; it’s akin to having a roadmap. By embedding a structured hiring process into your small business operations, you can significantly enhance your ability to sift through candidates effectively, minimizing the time and resources typically expended in the hunt for the ideal team member. This organized approach not only helps in streamlining the recruitment effort but also substantially lowers the risk of turnover by ensuring the individuals you choose are well-suited for their roles and aligned with your company’s culture and values. 

Your roadmap should have a few important stops along the way: crafting the job description, sifting through candidates, interviews, and onboarding. You need to consider what you’re looking for — what are the minimum requirements a candidate needs and what does your “unicorn” candidate who has every qualification look like? How many interactions with your company do you feel are needed with a potential job seeker before you hire them? All of these questions should be answered on your roadmap of effective hiring protocols.

Crafting Effective Job Descriptions

An engaging and clear job description is your first opportunity to connect with potential candidates and make a lasting impression. It’s essential to outline the key responsibilities and expectations of the role precisely. Ensure you detail the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary for a candidate to succeed. However, it’s equally important to go beyond the basics. Infuse your job description with the personality of your small business; let candidates know what makes your company a unique and exciting place to work. 

Highlight the culture, values, and any benefits or growth opportunities that set you apart. To attract a diverse and talented pool of applicants, use language that encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. This does not mean you need to craft an entire novel about your business. Just provide a few sentences that sum up the core of your company. Then dive into the job description details. Provide a few sentences about daily tasks, and then include a bullet point list of what a candidate should bring to the table. 

As part of your hiring protocols, find a job template that works for you and use that moving forward for all new hires. This keeps things uniform and makes it easy to fill in what is needed. You can learn how to craft a great description like this and more in our Hiring Made Easy course, if you need help getting started.

Conducting Interviews That Reveal True Potential

You’ve used your template and posted your job. Now it’s time to sift through candidates. When establishing your hiring protocols, figure out what immediately disqualifies candidates. Do you need someone who has experience in your industry? Look for that first on application information. That will keep you from reviewing unqualified candidates. Create a checklist that you can reference with each application. From there, it’s time to reach out to those who meet your requirements and schedule an interview or two.

Interviews offer a golden opportunity to peel back the layers and truly understand what a candidate brings to the table. The key to a successful interview is crafting questions that invite candidates to share their stories, highlighting their unique experiences and problem-solving skills. Encourage them to discuss times when they’ve made a significant impact in previous roles, navigated complex challenges, or brought innovative solutions to the table. 

Create questions that are specific to your own company and pull from your own knowledge. Maybe your website crashed one day, ask your new digital marketing candidate how they would handle that scenario. Follow that up by asking if they have experienced something similar. Be sure to use unexpected scenarios like web crashes, but also include issues your company encounters daily. Perhaps your accounting department has to reach out to sales to collect orders — ask potential accountants in interviews how they would go about interacting with the sales team with tact to get what is needed. Write a list of questions to use as an outline for each new candidate.

A great interview is a two-way street. It’s about discovering if there’s a mutual fit, so be open about your expectations and what it’s truly like to work at your company. This honesty fosters a positive candidate experience and sets the stage for attracting individuals who are genuinely excited to contribute to your business’s success. Encourage candidates to ask questions of you as well.

Streamlining Onboarding

Finally, the last point on your hiring roadmap should be onboarding. Candidates that are thrown into the deep end and told to learn how to swim on the fly are normally the first to jump ship. Employees want to know they are supported if they have questions. Create a to-do list for onboarding that you can check off for each new hire to create a smooth process. Start with an orientation to show people how daily life works at your company. Follow up by giving your new hire access to any accounts they will need. Give your new employee tasks to get started, but pair them up with a seasoned professional at your company that can walk them through the process. 

A big step many companies miss is closing out onboarding. Once someone seems to feel comfortable with a task, companies often leave them to themselves. Have a final exit interview to see how candidates felt about the onboarding process. Ask for feedback! Then, set up consistent check-ins to ensure the employee feels comfortable with their job throughout their time with your business.

With established protocols in place, you can create uniformity in job posts with templates and streamline the onboarding process with a well-established to-do list. Feeling a little overwhelmed with this process? Our HR experts can help!

 

 

 

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June 9, 2024

What NOT To Put On Your Resume

 

When it comes to finding remote work opportunities, crafting a strong resume is essential. Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s important to make sure it accurately represents your skills and experiences. However, not all resume skills are created equal. In fact, there are many that you should not include such as:

Generic Soft Skills That Don’t Impress

Including broad and non-specific soft skills on your resume can often dilute the overall impact of your professional qualifications. Phrases such as “excellent communication skills” or “strong leadership abilities” are overused and fail to convey the depth of your capabilities. These types of statements do not differentiate you from other candidates, as they are commonly claimed and hard to quantify. Instead, it’s crucial to showcase your soft skills through tangible achievements or specific instances that illustrate your capabilities. For instance, rather than saying you have “excellent communication skills,” you might mention “developed and implemented a communication protocol for remote teams that increased project completion rates by 30%.” This approach not only demonstrates your skill but also provides measurable evidence of your effectiveness.

If you don’t have data to support statistics such as the 30% mentioned above, you can still detail your experience so that companies better understand how you can help them. The key point here is to provide specific information so employers know what you are bringing to the table.

Outdated Technical Skills and Tools

Including obsolete technical abilities or software on your resume can inadvertently signal to potential employers that your skills have stagnated. You might feel like your resume is lacking and think to put in these tools as filler. Instead of highlighting familiarity with dated programs, emphasize your expertise with contemporary tools and platforms that are pertinent to remote work environments. For instance, rather than noting basic competence in an older software version, it’s more beneficial to mention your adeptness with current collaborative tools such as Slack, Zoom, or cloud-based project management systems like Monday.com. This not only demonstrates that you’re in tune with the technologies that facilitate effective remote work but also underscores your adaptability and willingness to learn and implement new solutions. Concentrate on those technical skills that mirror the demands of the remote job market, showing a commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge skill set.

Irrelevant Job Experiences and Skills

When tailoring your resume for remote work positions, it’s crucial to curate your content with precision, ensuring that every line speaks directly to the job you’re eyeing. Irrelevant job experiences and skills can overshadow the qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for a remote role, causing potential employers to miss your most valuable assets. For individuals, such as stay-at-home moms aiming to re-enter the workforce, this point is especially poignant. Rather than listing every past job or task, focus on selecting experiences that showcase your proficiency in remote-relevant skills like digital literacy, project management, or independent problem-solving.

Consider, for example, the management of household finances or coordination of a community event through online platforms — these experiences, while not traditional jobs, demonstrate capabilities highly transferable to remote positions. Highlighting your involvement in such activities can illustrate your adeptness at managing multiple tasks, organization, and using digital tools.

Overused Buzzwords That Lack Substance

In the competitive realm of remote work, your resume needs to shine without relying on the crutch of cliched buzzwords. Phrases such as “team player,” “hard worker,” and “strategic thinker” pepper too many resumes, making them blend rather than stand out. Instead of falling into the trap of these all-too-common terms, focus on substantiating your qualities through concrete examples and achievements. 

For instance, rather than declaring yourself a “team player,” detail a time when you collaborated with a remote team to overcome a challenging project deadline, highlighting the role you played in fostering teamwork and project success. Rather than professing to be a “hard worker,” describe a scenario where your extra efforts directly contributed to a key accomplishment or significantly benefited a project. Swap “strategic thinker” for a description of how you identified a problem, devised a solution, and implemented a strategy that led to measurable improvements. 

By replacing generic buzzwords with specific, evidence-based instances of your skills and achievements, you effectively demonstrate your qualifications and value to potential employers in a way that buzzwords alone cannot convey. Remember to keep these explanations short — provide just enough information to interest a company, and then you can explain it further in an interview. For example, you can use bullet points to share information such as “Lead team to transfer from past software to Quickbooks” for an accounting position.

Personal Traits That Are Better Shown Than Told

Highlighting personal traits on your resume can significantly bolster your candidacy for remote work, but it’s crucial to present these characteristics through demonstrable examples rather than mere assertions. Rather than claiming to be “analytical,” for instance, you might describe a time when your analytical approach led to the streamlining of a workflow process, saving time and resources. Similarly, instead of simply stating you are “innovative,” detail a scenario where you initiated and executed a project that introduced a novel solution to an existing problem, resulting in enhanced efficiency or profitability. This method of showcasing your traits provides a vivid illustration of how you apply your personal qualities in a professional setting, offering concrete evidence of your value to potential employers. 

Overall, it is important to be more specific and intentional with the job information you provide to potential employers. You don’t want to stuff a resume with tons of text, but it is important to flesh out your experience a bit to communicate what you bring to the table. Need help creating your resume? Our HR experts are here to support you.

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June 1, 2024

Tips From Fellow Moms On Working From Home This Summer With Kids

Working from home has its benefits: from setting your own schedule to spending more time with your kiddos, remote work provides opportunities never before seen in the workplace. However, those opportunities might become a little more challenging during the summer because the kids are out of school…and with you 24/7! Trying to focus on work while ensuring your children are happy, healthy, and entertained is more than just a full time job — it’s two full time jobs. 

That’s why we turned to our exclusive Facebook group and asked moms: how do you juggle work and spending time with your little ones during summertime? Our fellow moms provided some great tips that we will now share with you.

Establish A Daily Schedule

When the kids are in school, everything runs on a schedule. 6am wake up call. 8am start of school. 10am math class. 4pm school ends. 6pm sports. Although the children have free time within that schedule, there is still a schedule. During the summer, all of that goes away. This can lead to boredom for your child, and stress for yourself as your child looks to you for entertainment.

The lovely moms in our Facebook group suggest sticking to a daily routine. This does not have to look like the strict school schedule where every hour something is happening; instead, you can let your kids know that after they wake up, they have chores to do. Once those are done they can play games or with toys for an hour. After that they can go outside, to the pool or take a nap. The important part here is that kids know what to expect for the day ahead…and so do you! You can tailor your work schedule to this new summer routine so that both you and your children are happy. Additionally, while this helps you with your work schedule, it also helps the kiddos transition more smoothly back into the routine of school once the summer is over.

Leverage School Programs and Community Resources

We all know with kids that it takes a village! Use the resources available to you. This might look like finding a summer program from your child’s school that specializes in something they like to do such as theater camp. Or, your local community center might have ongoing enrichment programs they can attend. There are also general community events that are kid-friendly all across the United States that you can find by searching “event calendar in [your city]”. This will connect you with local calendars that can help you plan out your entire summer.  Some unique events we’ve attended that we recommend are church camps, tea parties in parks, and even butterfly festivals.

Turn Your Projects into Learning Opportunities for Your Kids

Kids are like sponges, and they love to soak up what their parents are doing. Your child sees you working from home, and they are often curious about what you do. They also love to help! Create a dedicated workspace for both you and your child. Perhaps for your kiddo you give them a fake keyboard to type on or a phone to answer. They can play along depending upon their age.

If they are older, get them involved in your work and give them a project. If you work in marketing, you can ask them to create a design for social media. They can do this digitally or on paper to be scanned. In fact, one of our own employees had their child make a logo which was scanned onto a computer, our employee added a little flair to it, and then sent it off to a company who chose to use it! As a bonus, our employee split the logo creation fee with their kiddo…who promptly turned around and spent it on ice cream.

Ask for Help

If you find that you are struggling this summer with work and kids, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask for tips from other stay at home moms in our Facebook group, join a local mom group for help, or even just ask family and friends for their advice or maybe even their time to babysit a little. 

Working from home during summer break can be both fun and stressful. It helps to have a support system in place you can go to with questions, and it also helps to have a plan established ahead of time. Maybe as part of that daily schedule we talked about, the kids know every Tuesday they get to spend the day at grandma’s house so you can get some work done.

Did we miss a tip you think we should share? Reach out and tell us your secret to working from home during summertime!

 

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April 9, 2024

What NOT To Put On Your Resume

 

When it comes to finding remote work opportunities, crafting a strong resume is essential. Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s important to make sure it accurately represents your skills and experiences. However, not all resume skills are created equal. In fact, there are many that you should not include such as:

Generic Soft Skills That Don’t Impress

Including broad and non-specific soft skills on your resume can often dilute the overall impact of your professional qualifications. Phrases such as “excellent communication skills” or “strong leadership abilities” are overused and fail to convey the depth of your capabilities. These types of statements do not differentiate you from other candidates, as they are commonly claimed and hard to quantify. Instead, it’s crucial to showcase your soft skills through tangible achievements or specific instances that illustrate your capabilities. For instance, rather than saying you have “excellent communication skills,” you might mention “developed and implemented a communication protocol for remote teams that increased project completion rates by 30%.” This approach not only demonstrates your skill but also provides measurable evidence of your effectiveness.

If you don’t have data to support statistics such as the 30% mentioned above, you can still detail your experience so that companies better understand how you can help them. The key point here is to provide specific information so employers know what you are bringing to the table.

Outdated Technical Skills and Tools

Including obsolete technical abilities or software on your resume can inadvertently signal to potential employers that your skills have stagnated. You might feel like your resume is lacking and think to put in these tools as filler. Instead of highlighting familiarity with dated programs, emphasize your expertise with contemporary tools and platforms that are pertinent to remote work environments. For instance, rather than noting basic competence in an older software version, it’s more beneficial to mention your adeptness with current collaborative tools such as Slack, Zoom, or cloud-based project management systems like Monday.com. This not only demonstrates that you’re in tune with the technologies that facilitate effective remote work but also underscores your adaptability and willingness to learn and implement new solutions. Concentrate on those technical skills that mirror the demands of the remote job market, showing a commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge skill set.

Irrelevant Job Experiences and Skills

When tailoring your resume for remote work positions, it’s crucial to curate your content with precision, ensuring that every line speaks directly to the job you’re eyeing. Irrelevant job experiences and skills can overshadow the qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for a remote role, causing potential employers to miss your most valuable assets. For individuals, such as stay-at-home moms aiming to re-enter the workforce, this point is especially poignant. Rather than listing every past job or task, focus on selecting experiences that showcase your proficiency in remote-relevant skills like digital literacy, project management, or independent problem-solving.

Consider, for example, the management of household finances or coordination of a community event through online platforms — these experiences, while not traditional jobs, demonstrate capabilities highly transferable to remote positions. Highlighting your involvement in such activities can illustrate your adeptness at managing multiple tasks, organization, and using digital tools.

Overused Buzzwords That Lack Substance

In the competitive realm of remote work, your resume needs to shine without relying on the crutch of cliched buzzwords. Phrases such as “team player,” “hard worker,” and “strategic thinker” pepper too many resumes, making them blend rather than stand out. Instead of falling into the trap of these all-too-common terms, focus on substantiating your qualities through concrete examples and achievements. 

For instance, rather than declaring yourself a “team player,” detail a time when you collaborated with a remote team to overcome a challenging project deadline, highlighting the role you played in fostering teamwork and project success. Rather than professing to be a “hard worker,” describe a scenario where your extra efforts directly contributed to a key accomplishment or significantly benefited a project. Swap “strategic thinker” for a description of how you identified a problem, devised a solution, and implemented a strategy that led to measurable improvements. 

By replacing generic buzzwords with specific, evidence-based instances of your skills and achievements, you effectively demonstrate your qualifications and value to potential employers in a way that buzzwords alone cannot convey. Remember to keep these explanations short — provide just enough information to interest a company, and then you can explain it further in an interview. For example, you can use bullet points to share information such as “Lead team to transfer from past software to Quickbooks” for an accounting position.

Personal Traits That Are Better Shown Than Told

Highlighting personal traits on your resume can significantly bolster your candidacy for remote work, but it’s crucial to present these characteristics through demonstrable examples rather than mere assertions. Rather than claiming to be “analytical,” for instance, you might describe a time when your analytical approach led to the streamlining of a workflow process, saving time and resources. Similarly, instead of simply stating you are “innovative,” detail a scenario where you initiated and executed a project that introduced a novel solution to an existing problem, resulting in enhanced efficiency or profitability. This method of showcasing your traits provides a vivid illustration of how you apply your personal qualities in a professional setting, offering concrete evidence of your value to potential employers. 

Overall, it is important to be more specific and intentional with the job information you provide to potential employers. You don’t want to stuff a resume with tons of text, but it is important to flesh out your experience a bit to communicate what you bring to the table. Need help creating your resume? Our HR experts are here to support you.

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Written by
April 9, 2024

Remote Job Options for Moms Returning to Work

 

For moms returning to work after taking time off to raise children, the job search can be daunting. Balancing the demands of parenthood while trying to re-enter the workforce can feel overwhelming. However, we provide an easy way to search for jobs! Learn more about the types of jobs available on our website, and get started on your job search today:

Embracing the Flexibility of Remote Sales Positions

In remote sales, you can leverage your communication skills and persuasive nature to excel, regardless of your previous experience in sales. Many organizations value the unique perspectives and life skills that moms bring to the table, often providing comprehensive training programs to help you get started. Engaging in remote sales allows you to connect with clients and team members virtually, utilizing technology to bridge the gap. This role is perfect for those who are self-motivated and thrive in a goal-oriented environment.

When applying for a sales position, highlight your experience in communication. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been in the workforce, you can use examples within your day to day life with your family. For example, you can share a story about how you persuaded a friend to buy a certain product using your sales communication skills. 

Accounting from Home: A Steady Path for Detail-Oriented Moms

Remote accounting roles present an ideal opportunity for detail-oriented moms keen on rejoining the workforce without sacrificing family time. In these positions, your affinity for numbers and analytical skills can truly shine, offering the chance to contribute significantly to a company’s financial health from the serenity of your own space. The digital transformation in the accounting sector has paved the way for numerous cloud-based platforms and software, facilitating seamless collaboration with teams and clients alike, irrespective of physical location. This role is especially suited for those who appreciate structure and organization but require the flexibility to work around their family’s needs. 

Share your experience in balancing the books, budgeting, etc. Be sure to list any software you have worked with or certifications you might have that apply to an accounting position.

Marketing Your Way to Success from Any Location

For those with a knack for storytelling, content marketing positions allow you to craft compelling narratives that resonate with target demographics. Social media savvy moms can dive into roles focused on building and nurturing online communities, leveraging platforms to increase brand visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, digital marketing roles encompass search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, where analytical skills are key to driving website traffic and conversions.

Highlight what social channels you are most familiar with, and mention what you have done with those platforms: have you posted content? Edited videos? Respond to comments? Detail everything to show companies your comfort level. You can also send in your personal profiles to share how you have grown those.

The Rising Demand for Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants perform a wide array of tasks, from managing emails and scheduling appointments to more specialized responsibilities like social media management or event planning. What makes being a virtual assistant especially appealing for moms is the ability to tailor their workload to fit their individual schedules and family commitments.

The beauty of VA work lies in its variety; you might find yourself supporting a busy executive one day and helping a small startup streamline their processes the next. This diversity not only keeps the work interesting but also allows for the development of a broad skill set. For moms keen on re-entering the workforce, becoming a virtual assistant can be a rewarding way to leverage their organizational skills and attention to detail into a viable career. With the right tools and a proactive approach, it’s possible to build a fulfilling, flexible career as a virtual assistant.

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April 1, 2024

How to Approach Regular Performance Reviews in Remote Work Scenarios

Performance reviews are an essential part of any job, providing employees with valuable feedback on their work performance and giving employers the opportunity to assess and recognize their employees’ contributions. In person, reviews are normally conducted one-on-one with live examples of jobs well done and areas for improvement. However, what does that look like in a remote work scenario?

Understanding Regular Performance Reviews in Remote Work

Although these are through a screen, remote performance reviews are designed to mimic the dynamics of in-person reviews, ensuring that the objectives of aligning performance with organizational goals, addressing challenges, and setting a trajectory for future growth are met. These reviews are adapted to the digital environment, typically facilitated through virtual platforms like video conferencing or telephone calls to bridge the physical gap inherent in remote settings. 

The essence of these sessions is to foster a mutual understanding of job expectations, identify any discrepancies in performance, and celebrate the accomplishments of remote employees. This process is integral in maintaining open lines of communication and reinforcing the sense of belonging and contribution among remote workers. Through regular interactions, a continuous feedback loop is established, allowing for real-time adjustments and recognition, which is vital for the motivation and productivity of remote employees.

What Job Seekers Should Expect During Performance Reviews

During performance reviews, employees should be prepared to engage in thorough discussions about their contributions and areas requiring enhancement. The dialogue will likely encompass both the technical aspects of their job performance and the softer skills, such as communication and teamwork. Expectations will be set for future performance, with a particular focus on how one can further align with the organization’s goals and culture remotely. 

It is crucial for individuals to approach these reviews with a mindset geared toward growth, ready to articulate their achievements and receptive to constructive criticism. Equally, there will be an opportunity to express career aspirations and seek advice on professional development. This is a chance to clarify any uncertainties about job responsibilities or to request resources that could aid in job performance improvement. 

Remember, this is not to criticize your work in a harsh manner. This is just some feedback so that you can improve. This is also your chance to share your voice about any inefficiencies in the company’s procedures — a performance review goes both ways.

Preparing for Your Review: Tips for Remote Employees

Begin preparing by cataloging your achievements, noting how they align with the team’s objectives and any innovative solutions you’ve introduced to overcome remote work challenges. Equally important is identifying areas where you seek improvement or additional support. Consider setting realistic and measurable goals for your professional growth and how you intend to achieve them. Compile any questions you have about your role, feedback on the remote working conditions, or resources you feel could enhance your performance. 

It is best to prepare ahead of time so that you can approach the review in an orderly manner to ensure all your points are addressed.

What Employers Need to Consider When Conducting Remote Reviews

When organizing performance reviews for remote teams, employers must prioritize structure, empathy, and clarity; this is not about ambushing employees to see how they react — performance reviews are to help both employer and employee grow so that the business grows. The foundation of an effective review begins with setting a precise agenda and sharing it in advance with employees to foster a prepared and open dialogue. Utilizing reliable digital tools ensures a seamless communication experience, while personal touches, such as beginning the conversation with informal catch-up, can help in bridging the emotional distance. It’s vital to focus on specific achievements and areas for improvement, supported by examples, to make the feedback tangible and actionable. Emphasizing future development and opportunities rather than solely past performance encourages growth and motivation. 

Employers should actively listen, offering a platform for employees to voice their experiences, challenges, and aspirations within the remote work context. This includes understanding their home work environment and any external factors that may affect their performance. Establishing a follow-up plan to revisit goals and provide ongoing support underscores the commitment to employee growth beyond the review itself. 

The Impact of Regular Performance Reviews on Remote Work Success

The effectiveness of regular performance reviews extends far beyond mere assessments in the realm of remote work. They serve as a vital mechanism for reinforcing company values, goals, and expectations, while simultaneously catering to the individual growth needs of remote employees. Such reviews are instrumental in fostering a culture where feedback is not only anticipated but valued as a tool for personal and professional development. Through these structured interactions, employers and employees collaboratively pave the way for sustained growth and achievement in a remote setting.

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March 9, 2024

Why and How to Make Remote Work Your Career Path

Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or looking to transition from a traditional office job, embracing remote work can open up new opportunities and offer a flexible and fulfilling career path. In this blog post, we will explore why remote work should be a part of your career goals and provide tips on how to make it a successful and sustainable option for your professional journey.

Understanding The Benefits of Remote Work

Remote work provides flexibility in terms of when and where you work, allowing you to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle. This flexibility also enables better work-life balance, as you can spend more time with loved ones or pursuing personal interests. Additionally, remote work eliminates commuting, saving you time and money. It also reduces stress associated with office politics and distractions, allowing you to focus on your tasks. Moreover, remote work can open up opportunities to work with clients or companies from around the world, expanding your professional network and increasing your chances of career growth.

Identifying if Remote Work Suits Your Personality and Skills

Remote work is not for everyone, and it’s important to assess if it suits your personality and skills before committing to it as a career path. Consider your ability to work independently and self-motivate, as remote work requires a high level of self-discipline and time management skills. After all, when you’re working from home there is no one to look over your shoulder and help manage your projects. Reflect on your communication and collaboration style, as remote work often involves virtual meetings and interactions. Evaluate your technical proficiency and comfort level with using digital tools and software. Additionally, consider if you thrive in a structured or unstructured work environment, as remote work offers more autonomy and flexibility.

Setting Remote Work as a Career Goal

If you’re convinced that remote work is the right career path for you, the next step is to set it as a concrete goal. Start by visualizing what your ideal remote work career looks like. What type of work do you want to do? What industries or fields are you interested in? Then, identify the skills and qualifications you need to acquire in order to succeed in remote work. Set specific, measurable goals that align with your career aspirations. This could include obtaining relevant certifications, building a strong online presence, or networking with professionals in your desired industry. If you need help defining what working from home looks like for you, then schedule a one-on-one session with our HR experts as part of our Job Seeker Advisor Service!

Continually Learning and Adapting in Remote Work

As you embark on your remote work journey, it’s important to remember that the landscape is constantly evolving. Technology advancements, industry trends, and new ways of working emerge regularly, and it’s essential to stay updated and adaptable. Continually learning and adapting is key to thriving in remote work. Stay curious and seek out resources, such as online courses and webinars like Cultivate, to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your field. Embrace new tools and software that can streamline your work and improve productivity. Connect with other remote professionals through online communities and networking events to share knowledge and experiences. By continually learning and adapting, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with remote work.

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March 9, 2024

Going Remote: How to Write Invoices that Get You Paid Every Time

Remote employment has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more individuals opting to work from the comfort of their own homes. However, with this shift in the traditional work setting comes the responsibility of handling administrative tasks, such as writing invoices. As a remote worker, it is crucial to understand the importance of creating well-written and detailed invoices that will ensure you get paid on time, every time.

Understanding the Basics of Invoices

An invoice serves as a professional record of the work done and the amount owed by the client. It typically includes essential information like your contact details, the client’s details, a clear description of the services or products provided, the agreed-upon rates, and the payment terms. Invoices can be created using various software or templates, making the process simpler and more efficient. By mastering the basics of invoices, remote workers can ensure a smooth payment process and maintain a professional image with their clients.

Essential Elements to Include in Your Invoice

Firstly, make sure to include your contact details, including your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Next, provide the client’s information, including their name, company, address, and contact information. Clearly state the services or products provided and provide a detailed description of the work completed. Include the agreed-upon rates or pricing structure, as well as any additional fees or expenses. Finally, don’t forget to include the payment terms, such as the due date and acceptable payment methods. For more specifics, check out our guest blog from Nicole Garrison.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Invoice

One common mistake is failing to provide a detailed description of the services or products provided. Without a clear explanation, clients may question the charges or be unsure of what they are paying for. Another mistake to avoid is not setting clear payment terms. Make sure to specify the due date and acceptable payment methods to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, double-check for any errors or inaccuracies before sending out your invoice.

Best Practices for Prompt Payment Collection

When it comes to collecting payment for your remote work, promptness is key. To ensure timely payment, there are a few best practices you can follow. Establish clear payment terms from the start of your working relationship with the client. Specify the due date and acceptable payment methods to avoid any confusion or delays. Consider offering incentives for early payment, such as a small discount or bonus. This can motivate clients to pay promptly and strengthen your professional relationship. Lastly, be proactive in following up on unpaid invoices. Send gentle reminders and be persistent in your pursuit of payment.

What tips do you have for invoices? Share it with our audience!

 

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March 9, 2024

Reaching the Breaking Point? When Outsourcing is Your Best Bet

 

Many small business owners and remote employees find themselves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. While the flexibility of remote work can be a major benefit, it can also lead to overextension and burnout because there is no clear separation between work and home; a traditional job has you leaving from home to work a set amount of hours, and then you can return home again, leaving your work behind. However, working remotely means that you are always connected to your job, and this can lead to an overextension of how much you can truly take on. Knowing when you’ve reached your limit and when to outsource can be crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being.

 

Understanding the Limits of Your Workload and Expertise

Small business owners and remote employees alike must practice self-awareness to discern when their plates are too full or when tasks fall outside their wheelhouse. This acknowledgment isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a strategic approach to maintaining high-quality work and mental resilience. An overpacked schedule or undertaking assignments that require skills beyond your current capabilities can lead to unnecessary stress and potential failure to meet objectives. Assessing your capabilities and recognizing when you are at the brink of overcommitment is crucial. By identifying these limits, you set the groundwork for considering outsourcing as a viable and strategic option to optimize productivity and maintain your well-being. This introspection helps in pinpointing exactly which tasks might be better handled by external experts, laying the foundation for a more efficient and focused workflow.

 

If you notice that you are sacrificing sleep, meal times, down time, or even family time for work, then it is time to outsource. You may also notice that you are consistently missing deadlines, which is a prime sign that it is time to find help. There might be occasional projects where you are required to work a bit extra, but this should not be all the time nor should it be for weeks or even months. When you sit down to work, set boundaries for yourself. Step away from your devices for lunch and put an “away” notice on any chat platforms. Sign off at night at a dedicated time, and start your day at the same time. If someone asks you to help with a project that you know you do not have the skill set for, speak up. Setting these boundaries will help you from going over your limits.

 

The Impact of Overextension on Productivity and Health

Striving beyond one’s limits often leads to a decline in the quality of work, as the capacity to concentrate and maintain high standards becomes compromised. This reduction in work quality is a direct consequence of attempting to manage an overwhelming number of tasks, which can negatively impact your professional reputation and the trust your clients or employer may have in you. Furthermore, the strain of overextension does not solely affect professional life; it extends to personal health as well. Persistent stress and the pressure to perform can result in significant health concerns, including increased anxiety levels, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system. These health issues not only affect day-to-day functioning but also long-term ability to work effectively.

 

Identifying Tasks That Are Prime for Outsourcing

Determining which aspects of your workload to outsource is a critical step towards achieving a balanced remote work life. Start by examining tasks that consistently consume a disproportionate amount of your time, especially those that distract from your core business activities or project goals. Additionally, tasks that require specialized skills you don’t possess are perfect candidates. This can include anything from digital marketing to bookkeeping. Another category to consider is repetitive administrative tasks, such as data entry or scheduling, which can easily be managed by external support particularly with a virtual assistant. By identifying these areas, you not only streamline your workflow but also open avenues for engaging with professionals who can bring a higher level of efficiency and quality to those tasks. Outsourcing these tasks allows you to concentrate on areas where you add the most value, ultimately enhancing your productivity and the quality of your work.

 

Tips for Effective Outsourcing

Embarking on the outsourcing journey requires careful planning and execution. Initially, it’s vital to conduct a thorough evaluation of your workload to pinpoint the tasks that would benefit most from being outsourced. Once these have been identified, the next step involves sourcing skilled professionals that align with your needs.

Effective communication is at the heart of successful outsourcing. From the outset, establish clear objectives, timelines, and deliverables with your external partners to ensure there’s a mutual understanding of expectations. Providing a detailed brief and being open to questions can significantly enhance the quality of outcomes. 

It’s equally important to foster a collaborative relationship with your outsourced help. This includes setting up regular touchpoints to review progress, give feedback, and make adjustments as necessary. Adopting tools for project management and communication can facilitate this ongoing dialogue, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Lastly, be patient and flexible. It may take time to find the right fit and to fine-tune the collaboration process. By being adaptable and responsive to the dynamics of working with external partners, you can optimize the benefits of outsourcing for your business.

If you find yourself stressed and working at all hours, then it is time to outsource. As a business owner you can list an open job position and begin your candidate search. As an employee, you can work with your employer to onboard someone to help take tasks off your plate.

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February 9, 2024

Revamping Your Business Plan in the Age of the Remote Workplace

In the fast-paced world of business, creating or updating your business plan can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right approach, it can be an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation. It is important to revisit your plan yearly to ensure your goals align with the company vision; this can look like updating budgets, organization charts, and more.

Steps to Creating Your Plan

To start, gather your team and identify your goals and objectives. Then, conduct a thorough analysis of your market and competition to gain valuable insights. Next, develop strategies and action plans to achieve your goals. Don’t forget to establish key performance indicators to track your progress. Lastly, review and refine your plan regularly to ensure it remains relevant in the ever-changing business landscape.

Aligning your Business Goals with the Evolving Market Demands

In today’s dynamic and ever-changing business landscape, it’s crucial to align your business goals with the evolving market demands. The remote workplace model has shifted how businesses operate and engage with their customers, making it essential to stay ahead of the curve. To effectively align your goals with market demands, start by researching and analyzing industry trends, customer preferences, and emerging technologies. Identify areas where your business can innovate and adapt to meet these changing demands. Consider customer feedback, competitor strategies, and market research to refine your goals and strategies.

Key Considerations when Revamping Your Business Plan in the New Normal

Prioritize flexibility and adaptability. The remote workplace model requires agility and the ability to pivot quickly. Additionally, ensure that your plan includes provisions for remote team collaboration, communication, and cybersecurity — there has been a large uptick in cyber attacks against companies. It’s also crucial to reassess your target audience and their changing needs and preferences. Finally, don’t forget to address potential challenges and risks that may arise in the remote workplace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Crafting a Business Plan

One common mistake is being too unrealistic about your goals and projections. While it’s important to be ambitious, it’s equally crucial to be realistic and grounded in your expectations. Another mistake is not conducting thorough market research. Understanding your target audience, competitors, and industry trends is essential for developing effective strategies. Additionally, failing to set measurable goals and key performance indicators can make it challenging to track progress and make necessary adjustments. Lastly, don’t forget to regularly review and update your business plan to ensure it remains relevant and adaptable in the ever-changing business landscape.

Review, Reassess and Adjust – The Continuous Cycle of Planning

Planning is not a one-time task but a continuous cycle that requires regular review, reassessment, and adjustment. As your business evolves and the remote workplace model continues to shape the business landscape, it’s crucial to periodically revisit and update your business plan. Review your goals and strategies, assess their effectiveness in the current market, and make necessary adjustments to stay on track. Look for new opportunities and challenges that arise and adapt your plan accordingly. By embracing this continuous cycle of planning, you’ll be able to navigate the ever-changing business environment with agility and drive your business towards success in the age of the remote workplace.

What is one major trend you will be building your 2024 business plan around? Share it with us!

 

 

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