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Building a Successful Remote-First Business in 2021

Jul 13, 2021

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Building a successful remote-first business in 2021 has been all the rage since the pandemic flattened the economy in March 2020.

From figuring out what software systems to use to shutting down physical offices, businesses have been attempting to pivot their workflows to retain customers — knowing full well they’d lose everything if they didn’t.

While some of these pivots have worked in their favor, some haven’t.

Here’s what we noticed business owners are doing (and what you can do, too) to build a successful remote-first business in 2021.

1. They’re choosing the right business legal structure


From forming an LLC to opting for a C Corporation, the first step to building a successful remote-first business is ensuring your business has the correct legal structure.

Let’s take a quick look at different business structures in the U.S.

Sole Proprietorship:


The business owner sets up an unincorporated business and pays personal income tax on business profits. Sole proprietorships are common among self-contractors and solopreneurs and are fairly simple to set up.

Limited Liability Company (LLC):


The business owner has a corporate structure, and the company members can’t be held personally liable for the company’s liabilities or debts. This structure is common with business owners who want to keep their personal assets secure from company liabilities.

C Corporation:


The business and the business owner are considered separate entities. Income is taxed at the corporate level and again after distribution to owners.

S Corporation:


The business is a corporation with up to 100 shareholders. It’s taxed as a partnership but includes the same benefits of incorporation. When the corporation earns profits, it’s taxed at the shareholder level.

Partnership:


A partnership is when two or more people share the liabilities and profits of a joint business venture.

Note: To figure out which business structure is best for you, speak with a tax advisor. They’ll ask you a series of questions to help you find the best option for your remote business.

2. They’re building cross functional teams


A cross functional team is a team of employees, each with different backgrounds, skill-sets, and specialties that work toward a common goal.



For instance, a cross functional marketing team may include a graphic designer, a photographer, a writer, and an SEO strategist. Every employee on the marketing team has a unique role in contributing toward marketing projects — and marketing projects aren’t complete until all employees have done their part.

With the right approach, cross functional teams enhance problem-solving skills, deliver cohesive branding, and get more done in a shorter amount of time.

And since cross functional teams have more employee autonomy, managing employees is easier and relatively hands-off.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when building a cross functional team:

  • Identify all skills and expertise your business needs before hiring or assigning roles

  • Choose employees who collaborate well, have diverse skills, and communicate effectively

  • Establish lines of communication from the beginning

  • Outline important specifications about how your team is going to operate

  • Use realistic deadlines when setting up your project schedule


The importance of communication for remote teams can be perfectly summed up in this quote from Nelson Sherwin, manager of PEO Companies, “While remote managers might talk a good communication game to their staff, more than a few don’t practice what they preach. To “remote” successfully requires an understanding that you’re dealing with a different kind of beast entirely. All the little interactions taken for granted in a centralized office setting go away. The only kind of communication is what you set up and use.”

3. They’re removing information silos


With many online learning resources like StuDocu available today, giving employees access to information is quick and easy.



The problem most businesses have? Not relaying information across departments.

Upper management may have access to Files A through Z, middle managers may have Files A through L, and frontline employees may just have access to basic modules.

With information being kept within departments like this, teams can’t function as strategically as possible.

Picture this:

Tammy and Sara own a marketing firm with 100 employees.

On their team, they have:

  • Writers

  • Photographers

  • Graphic designers

  • PR reps

  • Marketing strategists

  • SEO strategists

  • Content editors

  • Account managers


Their strategists and content editors are in charge of meeting with clients and PR reps, along with creating marketing work requests.

Their PR reps are in charge of brand representation, pitching customer campaigns, and customer nurturing.

The account managers are in charge of sorting through work requests and assigning them out to writers, photographers, and graphic designers.

Since their strategists and editors take detailed notes during client meetings, they can carefully relay all customer details the PR reps need to do their jobs well. They can also create detailed marketing work requests, so account managers can divide them up and assign them to the creative department.



But imagine if even the tiniest information silo were to form. The entire team would suffer.

If the client withholds important information, the strategists and content editors can’t fully understand the customer’s needs. If they can’t understand the customer’s needs, they can’t relay the full picture to their PR reps or create relevant work requests.

If the creative team receives incorrect work requests, they’ll end up producing irrelevant content.

In other words, information silos can wreak havoc on a remote business in 2021. For a remote team to be fully cross functional, it must provide shared access to resources and information.

4. They’re actively working to improve team communication


From eliminating language barriers with English conversation courses to exchanging honest feedback, successful remote teams actively work to improve team communication.

As a remote business owner, you set the tone for healthy communication among your team. What you say and how you say it paves the way for how your employees will communicate with each other.

Giving your employees the tools they need to communicate well empowers them to collaborate with the team effectively.

Here are some quick tips on improving team communication:

  • Get to know each other through team coffee chats, company outings, and brainstorm sessions

  • Ask employees to note their preferred method/means of communication in their contact profile

  • Train your team on healthy communication styles and attend communication webinars together


5. They’re using the best software tools to manage workflows


While physical locations often have computers equipped with intranets and other apps, they also have physical resources to use as a contingency plan.

But remote businesses don’t have physical resources. Their resources are solely the software platforms and apps that help them manage daily workflows. Digital tools are their only tools — and only the right ones in the right hands will help them get work done.

Here are some examples of software tools successful remote businesses are using in 2021:

Contract management software


Contract management software helps teams close deals and onboard employees easily. This type of software collects digital signatures, guides users to fill out forms, and helps automate contract processes.


Project management and productivity platforms


Project management and productivity platforms help teams organize work requests, assign tasks and reminders, and see project updates in real-time.

Password management tools


Remote teams have access to numerous apps, accounts, and shared logins. Password management tools like LastPass help them manage and store passwords securely.

Communication tools


Teams need a variety of ways to get in touch. By being able to call, video, or message, teams honor their employees’ preferred method and means of communication.

Wrap up


While many businesses have faced devastating losses due to the pandemic, 2021 has brought business owners newfound hope and ways to flourish remotely.

By building a successful remote-first business in 2021, business owners can recover from previous losses, have more control over their time, and repave their company’s future.

The key? Having the right strategies in place, building a cross functional team, and actively working on communication, and eliminating silos.

Author Bio

 Joanne Camarce is a digital marketing expert specializing in SEO, eCommerce, and social media. She loves meeting new people and embraces unique challenges. When she's not wearing her marketing hat, you'll find Joanne fine-tuning her art and music skills.