Dealing with work from a distance

With a growing number of assistants deciding to set up on their own as VAs, working remotely from your boss is becoming increasingly common. Here are a few pointers to follow to make a long-distance professional relationship work.

First off, remember there’s little about working face to face that you can’t replicate online or on the phone. Factor in a Skype meeting once a week when you can make time to talk things through.

Don’t shy away from being assertive in your manner; researchers at the University of North Carolina found that those working remotely tend to make more use of tactics such as frequent check-ups and reminders. These can be influential in reaching a positive outcome when managing a project.

If you’re unsure of the best way to interact with a boss who isn’t physically based at your location, then try approaching a colleague close to him or her, who can act as an intermediary on your behalf.

Lastly, don’t forget that distance increases the possibility of miscommunication, so make sure to have good management systems put in place to counteract this.

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