Going Virtual
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Judy Wolf
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It's
a Virtual World
by
Judy Wolf
This
is a sidebar to the second
article in a multi-part series
on Going Virtual.
A few years ago, I was working as senior writer at a fast-paced, close-knit advertising agency. When I decided to move to a small town halfway across the state, I realized it might be in everyone's best interest if I proposed the idea of telecommuting. The company wouldn't lose a skilled and knowledgeable employee, and I wouldn't have to look for a new job.
The challenge? My manager didn't even have a computer on his desk. When I first brought the idea to him, he was hesitant, but -- since we had an established and trusting work relationship -- willing to try. Today he has a laptop computer and is a firm believer in the benefits of telecommuting. He agreed to share a few of his insights for this article.
Bill Little, chief operating officer of Infantino McDermott:
"As Judy says, I was cautious at first. Our work demands high quality under intense deadline. Client changes have to be communicated and implemented immediately. I was worried about availability and whether losing that face time would impact the quality of her work.
"Instead, I found that it created unexpected benefits, like cutting overhead. It also improved our ability to work effectively with freelancers, which allows us to scale up or down to meet demand without taking on the cost of office space, salary, and benefits. We can also tailor our pool of talent to meet specific project needs.
"Whether we're working with telecommuters or freelancers, I rely on frequent e-mail and phone messages. I find that the best people to work with are disciplined and conscientious, as well as being excellent time managers. On our end, it requires buttoned-up supervision and good communication skills.
"I tell people 'It's a virtual world!' Do a proposal that outlines a clear arrangement, with expectations and checkpoints in writing, along with options for course correction. For people who want to create an effective proposal, remember to include considerations about budgets and deadlines -- the things your managers are held accountable for. To any managers out there who are hesitant: believe me, it can pay off!"
Copyright (c) 2002 Judy Wolf
About
the Author:
Judy Wolf (www.judywolf.com)
is a world traveler, freelance writer, speaker, and whitewater kayak instructor.
She's taken numerous, extended solo journeys around the world, traveling
by foot, bus, jeep, camel, truck, boat, train, plane, elephant, and bicycle
to over 30 countries on five continents. She currently lives in upstate
New York with her husband and border collie, where she's working on a
book-length travel narrative about her most recent adventures…that is,
when she's not plunging off waterfalls or entertaining the dog.
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