In light of the current circumstances regarding COVID-19, the team at GippsTech have switched to remote work to assist in reducing the spread of the virus. 

We understand that this is a difficult time for many businesses across Gippsland, and we at GippsTech want to do whatever we can to help and support you through this challenge.

Some of you may be wondering how you can run your business remotely, especially one that is a traditional “bricks and mortar” business. However, with some creative ideas and online tools to help make things easier, this may be possible for more types of businesses than you think. 

Whilst this can be a challenging and uncertain time for us all, it is also a time that we can use to digitise our business, and to improve the effectiveness of our team collaboration tools and solutions. In times like these, innovation, creativity and supporting each other will make all the difference.

How are we as a company working remotely? 

At GippsTech, we use a range of online tools and systems which allow us to have access to each other and our files. We use Google’s GSuite to store files, sync calendars and communicate via videoconference, so that work can continue as normal.

We will continue to support our clients by videoconference and screen sharing, and are confident we can continue to provide the same quality of service that we always have. All events which we had planned to deliver will still go ahead via videoconferencing.

This means you can still access all our resources and information from the comfort of your own home.

We realise that a lot of businesses will have to move to remote work over the following weeks. How can we help you make this transition? 

At GippsTech, we can help you set up procedures and online systems which can assist you in running your business over this time. 

We have collated the information into three distinct categories: 1) team management & collaboration, 2) sales & customer connection, and 3) delivery of services remotely.

1. Team Management & Collaboration 

In a time where change is certain, it is important to provide the same support and assistance to your staff. If your business makes the shift to working remotely, there are procedures and productivity tools that can be implemented to support your staff and managers to carry on working. 

Communication tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox and Zoom can be used by staff so that they have access to others within the company to ask questions, hold meetings and share files. We can provide support with setting up tools such as Google’s GSuite, and will also provide training workshops and best practices for using these tools, so that your staff can continue working from home without a hitch. We can also provide support with cybersecurity as businesses transition to working from home, both in terms of process and tools, and in terms of staff training and policy guidelines.

It is very important to ensure that company culture is maintained, even when working remotely. Given the uncertainty of these times, to show compassion, take care of each other, and ensure that all your staff feel supported and heard. At GippsTech, we will be using some creative measures to help everyone still feel connected and maintain our company culture. These include sharing home office “selfies”, hosting virtual staff social events online, and managers having regular videoconference calls with their teams to ensure everyone is able to voice their concerns and needs. 

Some of these online communication and productivity tools may be completely new to you and your team, so GippsTech can assist with staff training and implementation of these platforms remotely via videoconferencing. 

2. Sales and Customer Connection 

Whilst most people are choosing to reduce their time spent in stores and public areas, you can still maintain and build your business at this time, as the need for online shopping and services will be increased. Your marketing and sales can be shifted from face-to-face to online, and your website can be improved to add eCommerce functionality and allow online sales of your product or service. 

You may choose to spend time on updating your digital marketing strategy to reflect the changes within your business at this time and broaden your audience to those who would benefit from your services or product. This may include hosting webinars or Facebook Live events instead of in-person events to connect with your customers; advertising on Google or social media to a wider online audience; updating your website content to improve your search rankings; or including a “Frequently Asked Questions” page to help your customers understand how your services may change over this time.

Our team at GippsTech uses Google Hangouts to host meetings and video conferences, and we also offer website design and digital marketing services to assist you in moving your business online, whilst still maintaining clientele and sales. We can support you with website updates, developing digital marketing content, and setting up search and social media ad campaigns to help you reach customers online.

3. Delivery of Services Remotely 

With some out-of-the-box thinking and strategizing, even your “bricks and mortar” business may continue on over this time. You could update your website and add an online store so both loyal and new customers can still continue to shop with you; you could continue to support your clients with video consultations and “how to’s”; and you could implement online orders and delivery for your business. 

Some examples of this may include: 

• As a doctor, you could switch to initially seeing patients remotely via video call whenever possible, which means you don’t have to worry about leaving your house or risking the spread of the virus. Not every type of consult would be suitable to be conducted by videoconference, but initial consults could be conducted remotely, with patients being asked to present at a clinic in person only if necessary. Central Clinic, whose new website we developed, has a service that lets patients request prescription renewals online without seeing their doctor - this is another clever way to reduce the need for patient contact in situations that don’t require a face-to-face consult.

• As a physiotherapist or allied health professional, you can take your clients through stretches and exercises via video conferencing, or sell equipment that clients can use to self-manage their medical conditions with your guidance, such as self-massage equipment or heatpacks.

• As a cafe or restaurant owner, you could set up a website to enable online orders and food deliveries, so your customers who may also be working from home don’t have to miss out on their morning coffee. Many cafes and restaurants in other cities are switching to takeaway only and setting up food delivery options to support their customers who are under lockdown.

At GippsTech, we can assist you and your team with transitioning to working remotely, and can provide the support you need to integrate new platforms, extend your website or set up online ordering systems to support both your staff and your customers in this difficult time.

We understand that making drastic technological shifts in your business at this time can be extremely stressful and frustrating. We want to help you make this transition as easy as possible, and we are happy to answer any questions you might have. 

We’re expanding our number of free consultations available on our website so we can provide support to more businesses at this challenging time, and are happy to conduct all meetings and work remotely. Book a free consultation on our website if you’d like advice or support with moving your operations, sales, and staff communication online, or feel free to contact us on info@gipps.tech or by phone on 03 5644 3321.