– BY MADDIE CRAIG | 2023
I feel so grateful daily that my business operates as an entirely remote model. We launched as a virtual firm in 2019, which allowed our team members to work from anywhere in the US while still providing excellent service.
Now, years later, our remote capabilities continue to allow flexibility for team members and accessibility for clients.
For my team members, office-free work means no wasted hours stuck in traffic or paying for gas. Instead, they reclaim that time for family or personal needs.
Our virtual collaboration enables them to attend a child’s soccer game between tasks or move across the country without career disruption.
They get to choose when and where they want to work as long as things are getting done in a timely manner and maintaining the quality we expect.
This type of workflow also lets us consistently exceed client expectations. With cloud-based access, we can quickly adapt to customer needs and work with clients anywhere.
Information can be exchanged much more quickly, easily and in more convenient ways for both parties to stay on the same page.
Fine-tuning Streamlined Systems
Creating effective frameworks for remote work took disciplined planning upfront when launching. We integrated tools specifically built for decentralized teamwork like virtual meeting platforms, shared cloud drives, and CRM software that would help us maintain order and systems.
We prioritize open communication channels as well so the entire team can stay connected.
Scheduled check-ins and goal progress reporting help everyone stay on track and work smoothly as a team.
We also believe that we are all ever-learning and systems may have to evolve and change as we evolve and change too! It doesn’t always have to be huge changes that can make a difference either!
We like to carve out time quarterly or annually to review our current tools and processes to see how we can refine or improve them as things come up.
On the client side, we developed remote bookkeeping systems allowing business owners to share documents or approve tasks from anywhere too and review those on a regular basis as well.
With the help of online platforms such as Quickbooks Online and a digital client questions portal, our clients are able to keep things fully digital, minimizing the need for paperwork and increasing their efficiency.
And when problems arise, we’re able to interact over email or hop on a quick Zoom call to walk-through any issues they’re having!
The Road to Workplace Freedom
Having worked in the corporate 9-5 type jobs in the past, I feel grateful for the autonomy and freedom we’ve established.
The remote lifestyle opened up worlds of possibilities for my business, and team members, and it could do the same for you!
If you're craving more flexibility, perhaps it's time to evaluate going remote too. Assessing your unique business needs and careful planning are key first steps.
Of course, creating and coordinating virtual operations takes effort and continual improvement. But for the freedom and efficiencies it can provide, that effort can be worth it for many.
More tools exist now than ever before to help make it possible as well.
Here’s to more innovation where we all win – no office required!
Meet The Author
Maddie Craig is the founder of Blue Cypher Bookkeeping, a detail-oriented bookkeeper, and definitely a “numbers nerd”! She is passionate about helping organizations understand the full story of their financials and using it to make more confident decisions and grow strategically. She has experience working with a wide array of clients, including small businesses and non-profit organizations. When not crunching numbers, she and her husband enjoy traveling, being active in the community, and sharing their love for good food with friends and family.