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HOW I’M BUILDING MY STARTUP WITH REMOTE WORKERS AND AI TOOLS

Startups like mine are managing remote teams and integrating AI tools to stay
competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

 * 
 * 
 * 

EXPERT OPINION BY DARREN ROOT, GROWTH STRATEGIST, RIGHTWORKS

NOV 19, 2024

Illustration: Getty Images

The future of work is evolving rapidly, and small businesses, like everyone
else, have to keep up. The rise of AI, automation, and enabling a remote
workforce isn’t just for big corporations anymore. If you’re running a small
business, this may sound like a lot to handle, but it’s a huge opportunity to
become more efficient and competitive. 



Earlier this year, I started a 100 percent virtual business with just a couple
of team members. We found the best tech tools to fit our goals and meet almost
every day to push the business forward. We expect to hit seven figures in
revenue in our first year. Not long ago, I was running a similar business with
50 employees. The evolution of technology and expectations in just a few years
is nothing short of revolutionary. 

Here are three strategies to help your business thrive in this new work
environment. 


1. EMBRACE REMOTE TEAMS 

Remote work is here to stay. It’s no longer a temporary fix—it’s a permanent
part of how business is done. Employees expect flexibility, and a recent 2024
survey shows a staggering 98 percent say they now prefer working fully remotely
at least part-time . For small businesses, this shift can help you retain talent
and lower costs. 

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Here’s how to manage a remote team effectively: 

 * Use the right tools: Communication platforms like Slack or Zoom are
   essential. Tools like Trello or Asana can keep projects organized and on
   track. 
 * Set clear expectations: Regular check-ins and open communication are key to
   keeping everyone connected and productive. 
 * Focus on results, not hours: Flexibility is crucial. Trust your team to get
   the job done and focus on the outcomes, not just the hours they put in. As
   author and journalist Neil Strauss says in his book on relationships, The
   Truth: An Uncomfortable Book About Relationships (Dey Street Books, 2015),
   “Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments.” Be clear about what you
   need and what success looks like. 


2. UPSKILL EMPLOYEES FOR AI 

AI isn’t just for tech giants anymore—it’s accessible to small businesses too.
From chatbots to AI-driven marketing tools, automation can take care of
repetitive tasks, allowing your team to focus on what really matters. 

But how do you get your team ready to work alongside AI? 


 * Establish your AI Policy: Before rolling out AI to your employees, make sure
   you have established the proper ground rules. There are several free guides
   available that will help ensure your business is following best practices
   when it comes to using AI safely.  
 * Provide training: Your team members don’t need to become AI experts, but they
   do need to know how to use AI tools to streamline their work. 
 * Redefine roles: AI should complement your team, not replace it. Use
   automation for routine tasks, and let your employees focus on more strategic
   and creative work. 

As many of us waited for our new iPhone 16, I was reminded of how quickly
technology evolves. With AI now integrated into almost every aspect of our
lives, we can all benefit from embracing these tools to boost productivity—not
just in our personal lives but in business too. 


3. LEVERAGE AUTOMATION FOR PRODUCTIVITY 

Automation is a small-business owner’s best friend. Whether it’s automating
payroll, marketing, or customer service, the right tools can free up time and
resources so you can focus on growth. 

Here’s how to start automating: 



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 * Automate basic tasks: Tools like QuickBooks can handle bookkeeping, while
   AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT can help with marketing content and social
   media. 
 * Automate customer interactions: Chatbots and AI-driven customer support can
   take care of routine inquiries, enabling your team to focus on more complex
   problems that need personal attention. 

By automating repetitive tasks, you’re freeing up your team to focus on what
really matters: your customers. 

Small businesses have an edge—they can adapt more quickly than large
corporations. By embracing remote work, investing in AI, and automating where it
makes sense, you can stay competitive, lower costs, and build a more flexible,
resilient business. 

For me, everything has changed in just a few years. If you’ve been running your
business the same way for a while, maybe it’s time to reevaluate and take
advantage of these new opportunities. The future is here, embrace it. 

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of
Inc.com.

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