Like long-distance dating, telecommuting creates an ongoing challenge to stay relevant. Keeping front and center amongst your team and stakeholders when you’re miles away can be difficult, so think back to when your steady took that summer internship in NY and utilize the same tools to make the distance feel shorter.

1. Pick a Human Friendly Tool:

Nine Times out of 10 you’re meeting with a human so find a video conferencing solution that is people-friendly. Don’t risk frustrating your guest with an over-engineered tool. Look for a product that is intuitive, download-free and personal.

Here I am in my iMeet room preparing for my next video conference.

More on human friendly video conferencing found in a recent Blog.PGi.com article, Nothing Takes the Place of Face to Face in a Sales 2.0 World. 

2. Turn On Your Webcam:

Turning on your webcam is a sign to those you’re meeting with that you’re engaged and ready to meet  Seeing you on video is also a reminder of when you were in the office and creates common ground to start your meeting on.

Think you don’t look good on camera? Try tilting the camera down a few degrees and back a few inches.

3. No Video? Just Call:

When video is not an option, pick up the phone rather than sending an email or text. Real-time collaboration is exponentially more efficient and often results in a more positive outcome. It’s easy for just a hint of a negative attitude in email to take you from being a team player to a deterrent.

4. IM For a Quick Hello:

Miss being able to turn your chair and ask your partner a question? Get the same results through instant message. It’s fast, it’s friendly and it’s a reminder that you’re just a click away.

5. Keep Them Smiling:

Give your stakeholders something to smile about with a bi-weekly recap. Consider it your very own customer newsletter.

Nurturing your relationship with your team is key to a successful telecommuting experience.  After all, we live in an economy full of eager suitors so don’t forget to keep those back home extra happy.