5 Tips for Building a Remote-First Business Behold the anti-commute advice that every entrepreneur needs to know.

Almost 42% of U.S. companies were remote throughout 2020 and the number of out-of-the-office workers is set to double within the next five years.

But building this type of business isn't an easy process and the following check-list is required reading for every commute-crushing enterprise that's looking to make the transition slightly less tricky.
Related: How Employees Can Crush Remote Work and How Employers Can Help Them

1. Plan your digital infrastructure

This is a combination of all the technologies you use to manage your systems and processes.

Your IT platforms and operational security to your communication tools and work management system are critical for a remote-first business and provides your team with secure access to the platforms they need to do their work, allowing them to be as productive as possible. Without it, remote employees might find it difficult to collaborate with other team members efficiently.

2. Consider the legalities

Before you start incorporating your business, make sure to use the proper channels and run everything by the books.

Legalities will vary depending on the type of business you're running---plus how many people you employ---with these three areas requiring the most research:

• Human Resources policies and procedures: Unlike regular employees, remote workers will have slightly different HR policies and procedures to adhere to. Make sure you're aware of this when creating the right documents.

• Hiring and onboarding process: Spend some time identifying the differences between the two, and make sure you cover everything you need to keep your business and employees in line with legal stipulations.

• Tax requirements and payroll: As a remote-first business, you'll have vastly different IRS requirement on a regular business. To save yourself a hefty fine, make sure you understand what these are before you incorporate.

Related: Remote Work Is Here to Stay. It's Time to Update the Way You Lead.

3. Identify the best methods of communication

Research from StuDocu shows that online communication channels have become paramount as remote work has increased.

Without the right tech installed, tasks could be duplicated, overlooked, or forgotten completely, which is why finding the correct tools that works for your team is so important.

4. Create at-home efficiency

Without collaboration, remote work is pretty much impossible. There's no oversight of project progress, no easy way for teams to work together, and a general lack of productivity.

Here are a few of the different types of collaborative tools to give you some inspiration:

• Project management systems: Putting this plan in place is a great way to encourage collaboration with a remote team. It gives the higher-ups oversight into how the team is progressing with day-to-day work.

• Cloud storage platforms: When you're working as a remote team, you need this fail safe-option to store all of your work. Success turns to duress if everyone on the team cannot easily access any files, documents and images.

• Human Resources software: Said cloud-based platforms makes it easy for everyone to access the HR policies and procedures you have in place. It's also efficient for remote workers to request holidays, track appraisals and review their compensation and benefits.

5. Think about customer interaction

Yur regular patrons must continue to receive a high level of service and that comes from properly managing interactions when the business is up and running.

Here's a pair of props that ensure customer queries won't get missed and that every client is assigned to a specific representative.

• Chatbots: This is are a great way for remote teams to engage with their audience. So long as everyone has an internet connection, they can easily and quickly respond to customers in real-time.

• VoIP: I.e., an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. It allows businesses to receive calls using an internet connection. You can receive calls from anywhere in the world, with the customer dialing a local number. It's the ultimate win-win.

The above prep work gives your a higher chance of success and makes the entire process easier for yourself and your future team.
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