Remote sales project managers can be an invaluable resource when you have goals to hit and objectives to manage. However, if you don’t help those project managers adapt quickly to change, they might not be as effective as you had hoped. Use these strategies to get your remote sales reps up and running quickly and adapt to change as it arises.
Onboard Thoroughly
When it comes to temporary, remote team members, many managers skimp on onboarding. However, there is a direct correlation between onboarding and success. Put your project managers through the same onboarding process that your on-site, permanent reps go through, and schedule regular check-ins via phone or video conferencing to build a good rapport.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Unfortunately, because remote project managers are out of sight, they are also often out of mind. Your project managers need to be included in group communications to stay on top of changes and feel connected to their work. Go out of your way to reach out to your remote PMs regularly to set the precedent you are communicative and accessible to them, even though they are not in the office. When something major is communicated to the group, follow up individually with your remote team to make sure they understand it.
Facilitate Relationships
The permanent members of the sales team might not be interested in forging relationships with temporary staff. This is just human nature. They are busy, and if the project manager is only going to be with you for a few months, they won’t see the value in getting to know those employees. However, if you want your project managers to be engaged, they should feel connected to their colleagues. This is another area where your sales support staff can be of help.
Assign one member of the support team to work closely with the remote team. Regular communication between the support professional and the project managers can give them a feeling they have a work buddy to communicate with on the inside. They will also be able to lean on that support person in the face of abrupt change, and they will trust that support person to help them navigate that change.
Hire Adaptable People
Everyone dreams of the freedom and flexibility of working from home, but the truth is, not everyone is cut out for it. Remote work requires high levels of discipline and adaptability. If you are looking for sales and marketing talent who can help your agriculture business achieve its goals, the expert recruiters at Magnify Resources can help. We work with talented, adaptable project managers across the country who have a proven track record of successful remote work and will help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more.