What I Learned About Remote Work and a Better Life
For many people, being able to work from home (at least on a regularly scheduled part-time basis) would be a major improvement in their lives. The technology and security now makes remote work feasible for those people who develop the discipline, learn the skills and gain the tools.
-
In 2000 I started a small art manufacturing business in Bali, Indonesia. When I launched the company, none of the workers had ever used a computer and none of them even knew what the Internet was. I bought them a used computer and one of the earliest models of a digital camera and trained the key personnel on how to use the computer, the camera, and the Internet. I used technology to allow me to manage most aspects of running that factory in Ubud, Bali. That was my first successful experience with remote work.
-
Nice!
-
Since that time, I have continued to use the various evolving technologies (just like many other corporations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and others have done) to leverage off-shore brainpower to do technical and other work for my businesses at costs below U.S. rates. I became an expert at successfully managing teams of people I had never personally met.
-
What were the keys of my success? Hiring the right people and managing their production by talking to them every day. I basically asked two questions, what did you accomplish yesterday and what will you accomplish today? And then I would answer their questions and get them the info and support they needed to get the day's work done
-
That's still basically the way it is done today (if it is being done right)...except the communication and collaboration tools are so much better. And cybersecurity is better...if you design it and apply it correctly to the work processes and data flows.
-
A few years ago, I spent an entire February on the island of Isla Mujeres...about 10 miles north of Cancun, Mexico--working and playing. Each morning about 7 am I went to my favorite table at my favorite beachside restaurant, got out my laptop, my earphones, my encrypted hard drive and I went to work. I had my coffee, ate breakfast, and talked to clients and my team via Skype. I used Google docs to track all work and deadlines. I would work until about noon,hit the beach until about 3...then put in another hour or two. That was my day. It was very nice.
Very nice.-
I never told anyone related to work that I was out of town. No one ever had a clue. And it never mattered to them because I met all their expectations. I made sure that the work always got done right-on time and on budget. No excuses. Ever. While I hit the beach every day, I never let the beach life interfere with my work life.
-
Nice!
-
You can do it too.
Bottom line
Successful remote work is about the right people, processes, and technology tools.
So, are you the right person?
If you are good at what you do and you have the discipline to perform and deliver your value...no matter your physical location...if you can do those things and do them well...then technology has made a new opportunity available to you. There is a massive shift going on at this very moment to a more remote work friendly environment.
I urge you to become the best remote worker you can be. Become a master of the technologies (including cybersecurity) and the skill-sets that will help you deliver valuable work product securely and safely. You can be part of the vanguard of a new, enabled, and happier workforce.
I can help you.
Sincerely yours...and good luck!
Ray Hutchins
Managing Member
Turnkey Cybersecurity and Privacy Solutions, LLC
CyberCecurity, LLC