What are some keys to success when working remotely with a client? Maintaining client relationships can be tricky while working remotely, but remote work is more common today than ever before. Remote work poses certain security and privacy risks that could impact a business’s reputation and ability to remain in compliance with the law. Fortunately, there are steps business leaders can take to overcome these obstacles and maintain communication with clients in any remote work environment.
How To Successfully Work Remotely With Clients
Clients expect a certain level of professionalism when communicating with business professionals. When business owners fail to maintain client relations through poor communication, they risk losing time and money. Working remotely with clients requires a unique form of engagement that differs from in-person meetings. Businesses must rely heavily on technology to create a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their needs without fear of privacy issues. To successfully work remotely with clients you will need to maintain constant communication while ensuring privacy, have a good system in place for data to be stored, and perform routine security audits. Let’s look at each of these things closer.
Maintain Consistent Communication Of Work Performed
Clients expected to be updated frequently when working with a business. While working remotely can make communication with clients a little more complicated, it is still possible to maintain proper communication using a variety of technology options. Email, social media, and virtual meetings can all be leveraged to maintain consistent communication of work being performed.
Be sure to answer any questions or queries a client may have as quickly as possible in order to create a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. How casual a business is when communicating with clients will ultimately depend on the type of business. Ideally, communication should be professional but still friendly and personable.
Set Up A Safe Communication Environment
There are certain practices that a business should follow when working remotely with a client. These practices are designed to keep sensitive information safe by implementing preventive security controls. To set up a safe communication environment, avoid public wi-fi, and instead use an encrypted web connection or personal hotspot when away from home or a remote office. Work data should always be kept on work devices to avoid losing private data. Installing regular updates, blocking malicious websites, and running antivirus scans regularly can help keep laptops and other internet-enabled devices safe from cybercriminals. Many businesses use virtual private networks (VPNs) to gain access to a private, secure, and anonymous network.
Backup Data To A Cloud Database
Cloud computing is a term used to describe hosted services that are delivered via the internet. This technology differs from traditional web hosting as cloud services are sold on demand and are more flexible, allowing customers to use as much or as little service as they need. When working remotely, businesses can use the cloud to backup important data to a secondary, off-site location for preservation. In the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire or major equipment failure, this data storage system can be easily accessed to recover important data.
Perform IT Security Audits Routinely
An IT security audit refers to a process in which an organization tests and assesses their security policies and systems. When working remotely, businesses must ensure that their online environment is safe from cybercriminals that may use various tools and techniques to breach the system and steal or damage valuable data. Performing IT security audits on a routine basis helps catch these vulnerabilities before a cybercriminal is able to take advantage of a security gap. IT security audits provide many functions, such as verifying that the current security strategy is adequate, uncovering vulnerabilities in processes or technologies, and providing that the business is compliant with all regulations, such as HIPAA, CCPA, and SHIELD.
Ensure Consistent Uptime With Strong Hosting
Losing a connection with a client during communications could result in lost revenue and an unsatisfied client. Working remotely requires strong hosting to help ensure consistent uptime. Hosting companies will generally publish their uptime percentage, such as 99.95 percent uptime. When a hosting provider has strong uptime rates, it is a good indicator that their servers perform well and that the business will be able to maintain a good connection with clients. Uptime can also impact other areas of business, such as SEO rankings. When a website is down frequently, the search engines will often penalize the site.
Learn More From An Experienced Managed IT Services Provider
In 2015, an estimated 3.9 million workers in the United States worked remotely, according to an analysis performed by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics. Today, that number has grown to more than 4.7 million people or over 3.4 percent of the population. With more people working remotely than ever before, businesses must strive to create a safe and secure work environment that caters to clients. To learn more about the keys to success when working remotely with a client or to speak with an experienced managed IT services provider, contact TCB Inc online or call us at (703) 783-2781.