The traditional office environment is a reality for a number of companies, yet many of their contemporaries are jumping to the virtual. Whether it’s a startup that doesn’t want to invest in real estate, or a company that continues to expand throughout the world, the virtual office is becoming the norm in a variety of industries.

While this can lend to a few challenges for those who are accustomed to the traditional, it also creates opportunity for those willing to take the risk. The cloud makes this possible, but it does need strategy to support the initiative. If you haven’t yet embraced the virtual environment, here are a few tips to consider:

Put a Plan in Place

If you’re accustomed to the traditional environment, don’t jump into virtual without a plan. Look at how you will manage data, communications, collaboration, work-time, hiring, training and ongoing support for your team. Be open to advice from those who have done it before and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Look for Trusted Partners

There are a number of providers in this space that can give you the platforms you need to stay connected and still run a productive business. Determine your needs before you start the process so you don’t waste time talking to vendors who offer more than you need or not enough. Ask colleagues for recommendations on who you should consider and when you narrow your search, talk to live customers.

Define Your Hiring Strategy

When you hire for the virtual environment, your requirements may change. For one thing, you no longer have to rely on the talents within your geographical boundaries, which is a good thing. The challenge is that not everyone is cut out for the virtual environment. Define the needs for your positions and the talents the individual needs to bring to the table to be successful before you start the hiring process.

Don’t Forget the Team

Even if everyone on your team works in a different location, it’s still important to build the team mentality. You will have to get creative, but it is possible to do so through virtual technologies. Video conferencing is an excellent tool for this, so blend it into your strategy and you’re more likely to build loyalty and comradery among your employees.

Edgewater is one company making it possible for the virtual environment to exist. The company was recently on hand for ITEXPO (News - Alert), sharing their latest innovations and what to expect in the virtual space down the line.