Adam Houlahan | 3 tips to create a high-performing remote team

This document outlines an overall process and way of working to create a team of superstars, wherever they live in the world. By modeling this system, you will have a high-performing remote team and provide your clients with a world-class at the best possible price.

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System Architect: Adam Houlahan
Website: www.webtrafficthatworks.com
Generated as part of the www.BusinessSystemsSummit.com

System Details

Tip 1: Identify, connect and measure top talent.

  • Search for staffing candidates via LinkedIn.
    • Suggestion! Create a checklist with parameters of the successful candidate to organise the data and information well.
      • Example: If you are searching LinkedIn for a designer and you are based in Australia, you may exclude all European based designers due to the big difference in time zones.
  • Connect and communicate with candidates.
    • Filter your search to “Top 20” candidates and start a dialog with them.
      • Suggestion! Add to your connection request that the reason you are connecting is that you want to give them some work. That will differentiate you from the rest trying to pitch their services.
    • Based on their communication and your research continue to narrow your list to a maximum of 5 people.
       
  • Test and measure candidates.
    • Give candidates test task and measure the quality of work, timing, responsiveness and the cost of service. Select the best candidate for the position.
      • Suggestion! Create and use a checklist with parameters to measure suitability (quality work, great attitude, responsive etc.).

Tip 2: Productise you virtual team’s services.

  • Treat team member’s services as products. Aim for fixed costs/simple quoting, instead of an hourly rate. You may need to educate your team member to the benefits of working on a fixed fee.
     
  • Teach them how to create a business instead of a job.
    • This strategy provides a win-win-win situation. A win for your business, a win for your clients and a win for your hired virtual staff.

Tip 3: Use modern communication tools.

  • Schedule tasks using Trello (a project management system, alternatives are Asana, Basecamp, Teamwork).
    • Suggestion! Use Trello for project management and create individual boards for each project you work on. You may also consider adding clients to their project boards so that they can see and add tasks, and have a clear overview of the project.
  • Use Slack for communication (among team members or team member to clients), and integrate it with Trello.
     
  • Use Voxer (mobile app for calls, alternatives are Viber, Skype)  for voice calls within the team.
     
  • Use Zoom (remote conferencing tool, alternatives are GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts) for live meetings with the team and with clients.

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