There are many reasons why moving your bricks and mortar business online could be a positive step. In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses around the globe had to close their physical doors overnight, with little foresight into when (or how) those doors may reopen.

Whether you’re closing your physical business during this current crisis, as a method for reducing costs and overheads or to scale up, there are opportunities for growth and ease that might not be possible for an offline business. And, moving forward perhaps the best combination is a physical and online business to provide for a safety net if there is another covid-19 spike.

But how can you make the move to operate online easier?

Here are the three essential practices to nail now, to make the transition as smooth as possible:

How to take your physical business online

1.     Create seamless systems and processes

Whether creating a new remote team or moving your current team from business-based to working from home, it’s essential that you set in place adequate systems, processes and agreements.

Set boundaries around working from home and clear procedures for your staff to receive and submit work, stay in touch and receive ongoing updates and feedback.

Help and guide them to set up a healthy and manageable remote working environment that works for them and the business.

2.     Review and update your documentation and policies

It’s time to amend or set up your remote team’s employment agreements as well as arrangements for data and equipment security and any remote working expenses your staff may accrue.

Setting up these policies and boundaries in advance will promote transparency and provide clear and easy-to-follow steps for your team to adhere to as they go about their working day.

3.     Set communication structures that work for maximum impact

From Zoom group calls to WhatsApp team chats, find a method to communicate to your team and encourage them to stay in touch with you.

Some team members may relish the opportunity for quiet time to focus on their projects and workload while others may feel isolated and disconnected. Setting up some easy ways to stay in touch, and for you to remain visible, will instil confidence and peace of mind within your team.

Making the switch from an offline to online business can seem daunting. However, it can be made easier when you have a plan and a system in place to guide you seamlessly.

Let us make the process seamless for your business:

The Temporary Work from Home Bundle helps business owners like you to make the transition stress-free and smooth.

With ‘done for you’ templates including employment agreements, remote work and expenses policies, this kit gives you the tools to save time now and establish a happy and productive remote team.

Click here to find out more.

About the Author - Mim Jenkinson of Love from Mim is also a work from home dynamo.