201 GREAT IDEAS for Your SMALL BUSINESS, Third Edition

GREAT 146 IDEA: Telecommuting as an Option

Telecommuting benefits workers and employers, but only if it's handled right. Telecommuting can boost the productivity of workers who are independent self-starters. Motivated employees who live far from their offices can accomplish more by eliminating a long and stressful commute. But some people just don't have the discipline to work outside of a structured environment.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Determine whether the work can be done well offsite. If the person is responsible for writing proposals or crunching numbers all day, telecommuting may be a viable option. If he or she is managing a team of salespeople making cold calls, it probably won't work.
• Figure out what technology, software, and ...