Remote Work Doesn't Have To Suffocate Your Company Culture. Here's How to Foster a Stellar Digital Culture How do you encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking digitally? By fostering a dynamic and supportive company culture.
By Ron Sheth •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
As a new founder of a digital agency, I've had my fair share of hair-pulling and nonstop laughing experiences in the digital marketing realm. Today, I'm here to enlighten you with tales that prove the importance of cultivating a fantastic culture in your remote digital marketing startup. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to soak in the last couple of years from my seat.
The "Zoom-bombing" dilemma
Remember the good old days when Zoom or Google meetings were a novelty? Ah, the blissful ignorance. Nowadays, it's nearly impossible to escape them. However, remote work does not have to be synonymous with boredom and monotony. You can transform your virtual meetings from drab to fab by fostering a lively and engaging company culture.
Picture this: Your team member shares a hilarious meme or video during a weekly meeting, and suddenly the whole team is laughing and bonding. These moments of fun and connection can help create a sense of camaraderie among your remote team members, boosting morale and productivity. The more connected your team feels, the more likely they are to collaborate and produce exceptional work.
Related: The Collapse of Credit Suisse: A Cautionary Tale of Resistance to Hybrid Work
The art of herding cats, AKA project management
Managing a remote digital marketing team can feel like trying to herd cats — mainly if your company culture is lackluster. If each team member marches to the beat of their own drum, you'll struggle to maintain order and meet deadlines.
Enter the power of awesome company culture. By promoting shared values, transparency and open communication, you'll find it infinitely easier to keep everyone on the same page. When team members feel like they're part of a cohesive unit and understand the company's goals, they're more likely to stay organized and focused. So, bid farewell to cat herding and embrace a well-oiled machine.
Related: Remote Team Management: 7 Best Practices
The curious case of the disappearing digital nomads
In a remote setting, it's too easy for employees to vanish into thin air. One day they're churning out stellar content, and the next, they're MIA. You might start to wonder if they've run off to join a secret society or discovered a hidden tropical island.
However, by cultivating a strong company culture that prioritizes employee well-being and growth, you'll be far less likely to lose team members to tropical getaways. Encourage work-life balance, provide development opportunities for their growth, and recognize your team's achievements to keep everyone engaged and committed.
The remote networking Olympics
In the remote world, networking might feel like a Herculean feat. But with vibrant company culture in your corner, you'll be better equipped to build lasting relationships with clients, partners, and other industry players.
When your team is genuinely passionate about your company's mission and enjoys working together, their enthusiasm becomes contagious. This positive energy will spill over into virtual meetings, webinars and one-on-one client meetings, making it easier to forge trust and long-term collaborations. Remember, just because you're remote doesn't mean you can't create meaningful connections — it's all about the culture.
Related: 4 Great Things That Happened When We Went Remote
The hunt for the ever-elusive innovation
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, innovation is critical. Without a constant stream of fresh ideas, your startup risks being left in the dust. So, how do you encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking? By fostering a dynamic and supportive company culture.
Empower your remote team members to take risks, collaborate, and experiment. Create a safe space where they can brainstorm without fear of judgment, and you'll soon find your company overflowing with groundbreaking strategies and campaigns. And don't forget to sprinkle in a dash of humor and fun. Remember, happy employees are more likely to think creatively and go the extra mile for your startup.
Related: The Complete Toolkit for Leading Remote Workers
The virtual water cooler: A remote team's lifeline
Ah, here comes the digital water cooler — the hub of office gossip and impromptu brainstorming sessions. How do you recreate this in a remote setting? Easy. Prioritize casual interactions and socializing as part of your company culture. Encourage your team to share jokes, personal stories or even their latest Netflix binge recommendations. We have even incorporated virtual happy hours, and it's been a hit (optional, of course).
These moments of informal bonding will not only foster stronger relationships among team members but also help create a sense of belonging. And when your employees feel connected and valued, they'll be more inclined to stay committed and motivated, even in a remote work environment.
In summary, by embracing these light-hearted yet valuable lessons, you can create a workplace that balances enjoyment and support. Your team will be proud to work for your organization, and hopefully, your revenue will reflect your efforts. Ultimately, a robust and thriving company culture can be the deciding factor between a startup that fizzles into obscurity and one that skyrockets to unprecedented success.
