Run Your Business from Afar

You are finally running the business of your dreams. Maybe you realize that very business is going to require some extensive (and unexpected) travel to a remote village. Or maybe you just got invited on a once-in-a-lifetime yachting trip that offers a front-row view of the glaciers and wildlife of Alaska. You’d give anything to go, but how will the company you’ve worked so hard to create stay afloat without your physical presence? And even more than that, how will it soldier on with you being far removed from the normal perks of civilization like cellphone connectivity, accessible Internet and all the systems you work within in your office? Fear not. That remote village and Alaska (and anywhere else) are within your grasp. Here are three ways you can keep your business operating at its peak while you go wherever duty (or pleasure) calls.

Automate with Confidence

Most business owners are aware that automation doesn’t usually equate to “setting and forgetting” the system. In fact, many marketing automation platforms for instance, require a lot of work on the part of a human being to strategize and set them up, then regularly re-evaluate and switch up tactics. Automatic? Not as much as the name implies. However, more solutions are on the horizon that are truly (more) automatic.

Genpact recently released a Rapid Automation (RA) technology that simulates the interactions people would have with ERPs, Microsoft Office documents, databases and more. The solution essentially allows a computer to handle tasks and processes that traditionally have required humans’ control, and it does so quickly, without intermission, and with minimal errors. So when you were kidding about wishing a robot could take over your HR, IT, testing, accounting, billing and other tasks, you can joke no more. Look into these RA systems for some true automation.

Keep It Hot for Connectivity

Without traveling to another state or country, you’ve likely run into the problem of not being able to access the Internet, or getting a very weak connection. This happens all the time at local coffee shops, the airport, or even occasionally at the office. If you’re wanting to tap into your traveler roots and head to more remote locations, WiFi is usually one of the toughest nuts to successfully crack.

Consider getting a hot spot for your online needs. Most hot spots operate by turning your cellular connection into an Internet connection, so you may still need to be within arm’s reach of civilization. But you might be surprised by how far these can take you. You don’t necessarily need to go through your cellphone provider, as other companies offer this service alone with no contracts and a lower cost structure. If you’re simply traveling to a crowded city, for example, a hot spot is even more ideal for productivity. Use Uber instead of renting a car, turn on your hot spot, and work from the backseat while you safely crawl through traffic to your destination.

Stay in Touch with Satellite

Going somewhere where the idea of phone service is as crazy as seeing a magic genie? No problem. It’s time you look into the miracle of satellite phones. Satellite phones free you from having to worry about cell towers or your proximity to an established city. These phones can connect you virtually anywhere you go. You have to join a work meeting from that yacht? You can. Unlike average cellphones, satellites aren’t restricted by location.

So instead of daydreaming about getting up and taking that trip you want (or need) to take, do it. Your business can stay intact and running smoothly, even with you thousands of miles away. Look into more advanced automation systems, getting on board with your own hot spot and embracing a satellite phone. You’ll find yourself footloose and fancy free, without having to sacrifice your business’ success. Bon voyage!

If you would like more information about buying a business, buying a franchise, starting a business or selling a business, please visit my website Business Advice Books.

The article Run Your Business from Afar first appeared on Andrew Rogerson and Rogerson Business Services.