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Stop Dreaming and Start Doing – 3 Steps to Starting Your Remote Work Journey

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Stop Dreaming and Start Doing – 3 Steps to Starting Your Remote Work Journey

The freedom that working remotely affords is undeniably appealing. No traffic, no micro-managing, no open-plan office, no clashing with colleagues. It sounds like a dream. But the dream is tangible and achievable, and to claim your part, all you need to do is stop pondering on it and start recognising the very real possibility of its realisation.

At AlwaysOn, we are championing an effort to grow the remote worker movement in South Africa. It’s a situation we see as being a vital next step to a happier, more relaxed and productive national work force. With our thousands of Hotspots available, we’re offering the remote worker unmatched options in ubiquitous countrywide connectivity. And in honour of the remote work revolution, we’re sharing stories and tips on how to move seamlessly from office to home and beyond.

Remote working, although free of many of the trappings of a day-to-day nine-to-five, still requires a solid set up. And it’s not only the infrastructure. Connectivity is all important, and we’ll get to that later, but there’s groundwork to be laid, and game plans to establish, and without corporate backing, you may have to find alternate ways of assuring the world that you’re the best at what you do.

It’s certainly a brave new working world. And here’s how to start:

Step 1: Lay the Groundwork

You need solid levels of work straight away, even before you start, and new business is key. Clients are the clay bricks that form the path to your independence and success on your own terms. Like we said: the groundwork.

But it’s garnering that business that may prove a challenge. You know your worth. You know your strengths. Potential business, however, may not be willing to take your word for it. Have on the ready, a detailed business proposal, in which you break down your valued role as a service provider. Couple that with an updated portfolio that showcases your know-how, and you have the components for a savvy business pitch.

The groundwork is the foundation. Have a solid one before you do anything else.

Step 2: Follow Your Game Plan

You’re a remote worker, with clients on your side and a future rife with possibilities. But now begins the work, and you as a freelancer are under close scrutiny. Like a newly-discovered species, everyone is watching to see what you will do.

But have a plan. You’re a professional and that’s why people need you and have sought you. Detail your working way: deliverables, timelines, projections, strategies, and of course, rates.

Be clear and stick to these metrics. You may be a wanderer in how you work, but the way you do business must retain a path, and end exactly where you promised it would. Your clients need a game plan, and when you give them one and stick to it, they’d be fine with you working from a cabin in the woods.

Step 3: Embrace the Tools of the Trade

This is infrastructure, and perhaps the easiest to adopt. In today’s connected world, few want for online availability.

You must equip yourself, though. Be on grid and consistently available. Now you can be connected on planes and boats and cars. Embrace this omnipresent connectivity and especially as a new remote worker. Simply for the peace of mind of your clients.

Finally, don’t forget: a decent laptop is more than just a computer, it’s a business tool. Make sure you have one that functions, and if not, invest. It will pay for itself in the long run.

AlwaysOn, as case in point, is pioneering connectivity infrastructure in South Africa with thousands of Hotspots for internet availability nationwide.

Click here for more on AlwaysOn Hotspots.

I am the founder of Startup Today. I am the main writer and have put in many hours of work into creating this blog. If you want to find out more about me then lets get in contact.

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