ExecutiveChronicles | Five Ways Filipinos Are Managing Their Remote Businesses | The Philippines has always been deeply entrepreneurial, with many citizens looking for ways to start and grow their businesses. In recent years, this entrepreneurial spirit has only grown stronger, thanks partly to the rise of the internet and the proliferation of mobile devices.
Many remote small businesses have sprouted in the Philippines, and there are various reasons for this. Here are some of them:
COVID-19
The recent pandemic has hit the country hard, with businesses of all sizes shutting down temporarily or permanently. In response, many Filipinos have started small businesses to make ends meet.
The Rise of Online Platforms
Online platforms and marketplaces have been booming in recent years, allowing small businesses to sell their products and services. These platforms have made it easier for Filipinos to start and grow online businesses.
The proliferation of mobile devices has also played a role in this, as more and more people are using their smartphones to access the internet and shop online.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Another factor contributing to the growth of remote businesses in the Philippines is the rise of flexible work arrangements. With more and more companies offering remote work options, Filipinos have been able to take advantage of this to start their businesses. There are now over one million Filipino workers who are working at home.
If you’ve just started your journey as an entrepreneur or you’re looking for ways to grow your existing business, here are five tips that can help you succeed:
Set up a Dedicated Workspace
One of the best ways to stay productive when working from home is to set up a dedicated workspace. This doesn’t necessarily mean setting up an entire home office; a simple desk or worktable in a quiet corner of your house will do. What’s important is that you have a space where you can focus on work and nothing else.
You can also invest in a shared office space. Various Filipino business centers offer this option, so look for one near your area.
Create a Daily Schedule
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to let your work schedule slide. After all, no one is around to tell you when to start working or take a break. However, it’s essential to be disciplined about your work schedule. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself working all hours of the day and night with no break in sight.
To avoid this, sit down at the beginning of each week and map your work schedule for the next seven days. Be sure to include breaks for meals, exercise, and leisure time. Once you’ve created your schedule, do your best to stick to it as closely as possible.
Make Use of Technology
There are several ways that technology can help you manage your remote business more effectively. Here are some technologies that can help you manage your remote business:
Wifi Mesh
Internet connection is essential, especially in a country like the Philippines. However, adding more networks isn’t a good solution as it can be costly. Getting a home wifi mesh is your best option. A wifi mesh system has multiple router units that act as one network. The best thing about this system is it’s very affordable, and you can add more router units if you need to.
Project Management Tools
There are various project management tools available that can help you keep track of your projects and deadlines. These tools allow you to create to-do lists, set reminders, and track progress. Some popular project management tools include Trello, Asana, and Basecamp.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
If you’re selling products or services online, it’s important to have a good customer relationship management (CRM) system. CRM software helps you manage customer data, such as contact information, order history, and communication records. It also lets you track your sales pipeline and manage your marketing campaigns.
WordPress
If you don’t have a website for your business yet, you’re missing out on many potential customers. WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that allows you to create and manage a website easily. You can choose from a wide selection of themes and plugins to customize your site. WordPress is also free and easy to use.
Stay Organized
The organization is key, especially when running a remote business in the Philippines. There are various ways you can stay organized, such as using a planner to keep track of your tasks and deadlines, setting up a filing system for your documents, and using an online project management tool to manage your projects.
Running a remote business can be challenging, but it’s doable with some planning and organization. By following these five tips from experienced Filipino entrepreneurs, you’ll be well on managing your remote business effectively!
