The Virtual Intern Toolkit

BusinessManagement

  • Author Corey Witt
  • Published April 29, 2011
  • Word count 392

You've decided that a virtual set-up can work for your Urban Intern. You know that people who work from home report increased productivity and moral and lower turnover rates, according to USA Today. But maybe you don't know how to make those statistics true for your virtual team. Here are the best tools to use when creating a virtual office:

Build Structure and Accountability – When you hire a virtual intern, it's critical that everyone on your team can easily manage projects and know what to work on next. 37 Signals' Basecamp is the gold standard for collaborative project management, and the software allows you to communicate easily (no e-mail necessary), assign due dates and share files. Looking for an alternative? Try Huddle or Merlin for Mac for free.

Share Easily – While most offices have a shared drive, you can create a similar set-up for free using Google Docs. Google Docs uses cloud computing to allow a team to create, edit and share documents in real-time. With Google Docs, you're not just limited to the written word – spreadsheets, presentations and forms can all be created. Need even more access? Download Mobile Google Docs for editing on the go.

Teach Collaboratively – It can be difficult to train a new employee over the phone. Use the screen share feature on Skype to show your intern your computer desktop. This can be extremely helpful if your intern will be blogging or publishing. It's also helpful when giving a virtual tour of your website's backend. No more static screen shots necessary.

Give Real Time Feedback – While your intern works remotely, it can be difficult for him or her to move forward on a project if he doesn't have an answer to a pressing question. Make yourself available by using a IM program when you're at the computer. Use a free download, like Trillian.im to connect to multiple IM programs and social networks that your interns are already using.

Act Like a Team – One of the most difficult aspects of having a virtual team is a lack of camaraderie while you're working alone. Get everyone talking time-to-time, whether it's a group powwow or a virtual happy hour. Use Skype to connect everyone online (video optional) or try FreeConferenceCall.com.

And most importantly, these rules apply not just for virtual interns but for any virtual member of your team!

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