As the business world continues to embrace telecommuting and virtual work, more companies are grappling with the best way to support this flexible work option and still maintain culture, IT support and security. According to the WorldatWork Telework Trendlines 2009 data from the Dieringer Research Group Inc., the number of Americans who worked from home remotely at least one day per month for their employer increased from approximately 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008. The rise in the number of telecommuters represents a two-year increase of 39 percent and an increase of 74 percent since 2005, when just 9.9 million employees worked from home or remotely at least one day per month. This trend is becoming increasingly popular considering the positive impact on the environment as well as the cost, sanity and recession savings involved.

So how can you ensure that your virtual workforce is successful? With more than 12 years' experience managing my company this way, I've amassed some best practices for making yourself--and/or your team--as productive, resourceful and effective as possible.

1. Know what you're getting into. The virtual workplace really isn't for everybody. It requires self-motivation, self-discipline and a willingness to collaborate with others on an entirely new level. Be realistic about your own temperament before taking the plunge.
    
2. Refrain from offering too much information. Even though you have the luxury of wearing your gym clothes or PJs to work, leave these personal details out of your work-related conversations if you want to be taken seriously. Virtual workers must always put their most professional foot forward and avoid offering too much information when it comes to personal work habits that may not fit the traditional mold.
    
3. Virtual does not mean invisible. When dealing with clients in brick-and-mortar offices, we can become a disembodied voice on the conference call. Draw attention to the person behind the speakerphone by stepping up your efforts to be a team player, smile when you speak (it works) and articulate clearly, with energy. Over-communicate through multiple vehicles, such as an e-mail followed by a phone call.
    
4. Embrace technology. This may seem like a no-brainer, but technology is your friend, especially in a virtual work environment. Utilizing the latest technology is useful in collaborating with virtual colleagues and customers. Whether using instant messenger, online document storage such as Sosius and eFax or online conferencing tools such as Skype or Dimdim, a plethora of services at your disposal can add convenience to your life and still prove cost-effective. Online software creates a virtual but central place where your staff can connect and use the same applications and files simultaneously and securely. Available products include QuickBooks Online for accounting, Cornerstone on Demand for HR/training and SalesGenius for business development and lead-generation campaigns.
    
5. Jump into social media. With the advent of social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Whrrl, connecting with co-workers and customers is not only easy, but also a bit more personal. Through a steady stream of text, video, photo or news link updates, you can showcase your work quickly while avoiding the high cost of website designers, print production costs or mailings. Sign up, sign in and start conversing with your audiences. Consider creating a Twitter page for yourself or your company, a Facebook Fan page or sharing a YouTube video of a customer interview you created using your own Flip camera. This will help further engage your customers with your brand and encourage positive dialogue in the communities most relevant to your industry.
    
6. Don't forget that culture matters. Put elements in place immediately that help new team members not only get acquainted with the work, but that also help them understand your processes and expectations. For example, create an employee welcome package that provides an overview of all the technologies available or recommended, and a "virtual mantra" that outlines what virtual work does--and does not--mean. Some of our mantras include "virtual work does not mean alone," and "virtual work does not mean invisible." Set expectations for workers ahead of time by lending immediate guidance. You can also include more general office tips for traditional office operational practices, such as file backups, recycling, ordering supplies and useful websites to sign up for.
    
7. Remember why you joined the virtual work force in the first place. Free from long hours of commuting, you can be more effective at your job. You can spend the hours you used to spend on the road with family, friends or doing the things you love to do. At the end of the workday, be sure to embrace the opportunity you have: "Close the office" and enjoy your new and improved work/life balance.

Christine Perkett is founder and president of PerkettPR, an integrated PR, digital production and social media marketing agency. She won the Stevie Award in 2008 for Best Communications, Investor Relations or PR Executive.She speaks often on the subject of PR and social marketing. Connect with Perkett on Twitter (@missusP) or at her blog, perkettprsuasion.com.

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