It’s a question every business owner has on their mind: is your business well connected? Are all of your employees in the right place? Is your company network strong enough to support every link on it? Do you even have regular enough meetings to keep everyone updated?

It’s these kind of resulting questions that plague our minds and bog us down. We’re not doing our best work when we’re worried, and something might need to change. And as the boss, you’re the one that leads the innovation, and sets the examples. If you’re not working well, if you’re not feeling connected, no one else in the office will feel right either.

Which is why we’re looking into that question right now. If your business is well connected, you’re going to feel the strength in every link in your chain. And you will rest much easier at night. So let’s examine this idea in a bit more detail.

Is Your Business Properly Connected?

It’s important to understand that connectivity applies to companies of all sizes. Whether you manage a remote team of 3 contractors, or you’re the CEO of a startup with physical offices, you still have to make sure your business is properly connected.

What Are Your Working Conditions Like?

The way you work is very important. Your employees need to feel productive and supported while at work, and it’s the best way to keep people connected. If they want to talk to each other, and they have the space and freedom to do so, your connectivity will manage itself.

And a positive working environment, with sustainable working conditions, helps to keep people on task. For example, those afternoon meetings that drag on for hours, that no one wants to show up to? Cut the time down to essential staff, with a real agenda and designated timekeeper. This will help to keep those meetings on track and more important, productive.

Under the right working conditions your employees are going to have a much better time during meetings, and be far more enthusiastic about showing up for them in the first place. Long story short, if you make an effort to foster connectivity, it shall soon follow.

Is Your Data Accessible?

You’re a modern company, and that means you’re using a digital network to store your data. Most of your work will be conducted online, and most of your meetings may even include virtual platforms via Skype and Slack. Your team members are using email, and maybe some direct messaging, too. I mean, you wouldn’t be anywhere without digital media, would you?

Now consider this. Your most crucial of tasks operate in a digital manner, because it’s a way of keeping your data accessible, and maintaining a constant link with the biggest market known to man: the internet. Billions of users exist here, and it’s the most well-known example of connectivity across the globe.

This is exactly why it’s crucial to keep an eye on your network, and it’s accessibility and stability. If you’re working in physical offices or you have a robust remote team, you need to manage the servers and connections being used. You can’t leave the accessibility of your company data up in the clouds.

Your network needs to run fast, have unique ports that only the right people can access, and also have the right storage capacity. You’re going to be using cloud computing constantly, to make sure everyone who works for you has what they need at the touch of a button, and that your servers are always online. No matter where they are, or what time it is, your employees will be able to log in to do their work. Oftentimes, companies employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect their data and help ensure privacy. Decide if this something worth considering for your organization.

Communication is Part of Connection

Finally, communication needs to be a priority. Whether digitally or in person, every leader should understand that communication is the heartbeat of your business operation.

When communication is under control, managing the business becomes a far simpler task. When you establish guidelines for communication, it gives everyone on the team a clearer sense of direction.

For example, does your team feel comfortable with picking up the phone when an email thread doesn’t seem to be working? Do you prefer not to use texting or direct messaging for work related matters, as these conversations will not be captured on your servers. How do you handle client interactions online?

Make sure you have SOPs outlined that include protocols for communication, both with internal team members, external clients and vendors. Then, review these with employees and contractors if applicable. This will help to ensure that your business stays connected through proper communication procedures.

 

Your business needs to be connected, but in a most productive and efficient manner. From the work environment to data accessibility, all of the pieces of the business need to work together to facilitate a smooth work flow. Communicate with internal stake holders and contractors on a regular basis, and incorporate the suggested ideas to keep the business running smoothly.

Ciao,
Miss Kemya