NING
TIPS TO
HELP YOU
RUN YOUR
BUSINESS
F R O M A FA R
Not only do you still own your business, you enjoy the work
associated with business ownership and are not quite ready
to entertain the idea of retirement. But you’re also interested
in the idea of moving south.
IS SUCH A SET UP EVEN POSSIBLE?
Well, you may have to let go of some of your preconceived
notions, but if you’re diligent about the three T’s – technology,
trust and taxes – the answer is yes, it can be done.
This article will take a closer look at the “three T’s,” to help
you determine if running and protecting your business from
afar is a practical solution for you.
Technology
Computers, email, internet, cell phones, Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP), software and video conferencing have made
working remotely logistically possible and virtually seamless.
But while having all of this technology readily available is
great, don’t overlook data security.
Enact security measures. Don’t forget to focus on the se-
curity associated with the applications you use and your
internet connection. When working remotely, many businesses
will use online programs such as QuickBooks ® . Just remem-
ber that online programs can also leave you vulnerable. Even
though they come with their own security, you should have
your own defenses in place as well. And be sure to maintain
smart passwords, too. (Because we just can’t say it enough!)
Protect company data. From data storage and tracking
productivity to safe file transfers and communication, cloud
computing has helped us all be more productive from any-
where, at any time. Just remember to enact the proper policies
and procedures. For example, how often do you back up
your data? Are your laptops encrypted? And once you have
a plan in place, don’t forget to test your equipment and pro-
cesses several times before going live. Dry runs are crucial
to ensure that everything works as it should.
Trust
Trust is paramount. Not only do you have to trust your IT
department, you must be able to trust that your staff’s dedi-
cation to efficiency and productivity doesn’t suffer while
you’re running the company from afar. Your home base
should be guarded by someone you have faith in to do the
job (and they need to know you’re looking to them in this
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