With today’s rapidly changing world, the need for business planners continues to increase. Business planners assist companies in developing plans in what direction they want their business to go next. Because of the pandemic, business planners are now shifting to an online business planner job to adapt and continue working.
But just like your clients, shifting to an online setup has its challenges, such as dealing with both work and home stress. To help you with adjusting to this new work environment, here are some tips that can help you be more efficient and productive while you’re working at home.
Duties and Responsibilities
A virtual business planner’s duties and responsibilities are very similar to that of a traditional business planner. Without their assistance, companies will find it difficult to know how they’ll adapt to the challenges posed by shifting to an online business setup. These duties and responsibilities include:
- Develop, document, and implement business plans.
- Support business planning functions for new and existing strategic partnerships and alliances.
- Identify project issues and develop resolutions to meet productivity and quality.
- Develop presentations for management and stakeholders regarding business operations and developments.
- Perform business and financial analysis across the organization.
- Identify risks and make mitigation plans.
With such duties and responsibilities comes an appropriate salary. The salary range for an entry-level, full-time online business job is from 20,000 pesos to 30,000 pesos. This salary range, of course, increases over time as one gains experience as a business plan specialist.
Remain Punctual
Just because you’re now working in an online business planner job doesn’t mean you can go to work whenever you please. In fact, your clients will expect you to be on time more now that you don’t have to commute anymore. How can they expect you to do your job when you can’t even arrive on time?
Being punctual shows to your clients that you’re committed to assisting them. As well as showing that you’re someone they can trust. For example, you have a scheduled meeting with your client at 1 pm. Appearing ahead of time allows you to review and practice your report more thoroughly. This boosts your confidence when presenting it to your client.
Dress to Impress
Again, this is another mistake made by some remote workers. Work from home doesn’t mean you would come to a meeting with your clients in your pajamas. Not only is this very embarrassing on your part, but it also damages your image to your clients.
Whenever you’re attending a meeting, always wear the appropriate work attire. Doing so provides you with a sense of confidence that you can explain your ideas to your client well. Knowing what to present is one thing; looking the part is another.
Communicate with Your Client and Team Members
Proper communication is one of the most important strategic business planning skills you need to practice. No matter how good your business plan is, if you can’t properly communicate it to your clients and team members, then it’s useless. Being able to express and hear one another’s thoughts allows for the free flow of ideas for your client’s benefit.
To hone your communication skills, schedule regular meetings between you and your team members, as well as with your client. During these meetings, listen to each other’s thoughts and comments earnestly. Doing this allows you to improve your business plans based on your client’s thoughts, as well as your team’s ideas.
Establish a Proper Workstation
Having a proper workstation is something that a lot of remote workers often forget. Having one allows you to have all your tools and drafts close at hand, improving productivity and reduces stress. Other factors to take into consideration include the lighting, temperature, and the level of ambient noise.
Combine a proper workstation with dressing appropriately, and you can once again feel like you’re working in an office. This setup also helps you separate your work from home life as well.
Take a Break Once in a While
Another mistake that you should avoid is working beyond your assigned hours. One of remote work’s advantages is that it allows you to spend more time with your family. By working beyond assigned hours, you’re wasting this opportunity. Unless necessary, you should use your off-time with your family, not your work.
Of course, I’m not saying that you should do this over the needs of your clients. Balancing between work and leisure is something that you will need to learn while remote working. If you need to work beyond your work hours to meet a deadline, then please do so.
Aside from giving your body a deserved rest, taking a break also allows you to take a step back from your problems and see it from a different direction. Bashing your head continuously on a wall only results in you getting a headache. Take a step back, and see if you there’s an alternate way to solve your problem.
Conclusion
These are just some ways you can improve your productivity for your online business planner job. The tips mentioned above cover the essential things you need to consider when you’re just starting out. Being a virtual business planner allows you to guide your clients in which direction their business should take to prosper.
So if you’re looking to sharpen your strategic business planning skills, why not try being a virtual business planner today? There are plenty of opportunities out there; all you need to do is look for them.
