How to run a 100% remote workplace
By 2020, mobile workers will make up almost three-quarters (72.3 percent) of the US workforce, according to a report from International Data Corporation (IDC).
Convince & Convert (C&C), a US-based marketing advisory firm, has operated a 100% remote workforce for 10 years. They have four strategies for office-less success. - Fit your business model to the structure. C&C only does digital marketing and word of mouth strategy, so the firm is structured in a way that requires less day-to-day oversight for clients.
- Create a culture of trust. Hiring right is essential for a remote workforce. C&C has 15 team members. "Our clients require experienced professionals, so we recruit people who have had success working both on-site for companies, and know how to structure their time and space in a home office environment," says C&C founder Jay Baer.
- Leverage the right tech to get closer. With the expansion of mobile workforces has come the evolution of enabling online platforms. C&C's top two are Sococo, a virtual, private office with one-click video conferencing and Teamwork Projects, which serves as the hub for tracking and sharing projects, files, events and more.
- The human component. Saving on office space alone can range from $4,500 to $36,000 per employee per year. C&C diverts these funds to an annual four-day retreat. "The relationship-building we do there translates back to everything we do. The investment easily pays for itself," Baer says. In 10 years with no office, C&C has written and published more than 2500 blog posts, published six books (including a New York Times Bestseller), produced nearly 500 podcast episodes, and created strategic plans for some of the world's most iconic brands, like The United Nations, Cisco, Oracle, Hilton Hotels, The Grand Ole Opry, Bentley and more.
The company was named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America. Its Social Pros podcast, co-hosted by Baer, has been published every year for eight years, and was also named Best Marketing Podcast. Convince & Convert was founded by Jay Baer in 2008. Jay has advised more than 700 brands since 1993. He is also the New York Times best-selling author of six books and a certified BBQ judge.
