As mentioned in a previous post, motivating your virtual workforce can mean the difference between a successful virtual team and an unsuccessful one. One of the key drivers behind virtual collaboration is the increase in social business software and communication technology. With this technology, working with someone across the country doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive.

When your business is utilizing the best technological options available to connect your team and increase collaboration, the success of your business will grow. It’s a simple formula, and one that more and more companies are discovering. Virtual workers (less cost + right talent) + improved collaboration (more communication) = great business success.

So if you’re thinking about expanding into the new world of virtual workers, and would like to keep them connected, here are a couple ways in which technology can help do just that.

Online Collaboration and Project Management
When you bring on one virtual teammate or an entire group of them, it is to help your business get work done. Make sure that you find and utilize a great online collaboration and work management solution to keep your team connected and working toward their goals. Try to find one that allows you to monitor their work as well, to make sure the entire team is on the right track.

Web Meetings
No matter where the team is located, meetings still need to happen. The telephone has always made these possible, but sometimes everyone needs to be looking at the same thing. This is where web meetings come into play. There are many options for your business in many price ranges, and they will allow you and your team to view the same web browser, documents or each other across great distances.

Instant Messaging and Online Chat
Sometimes picking up the phone is not necessary. This is when you need to make sure your entire team is always on an instant messaging service or a chat client. Using these communication tools will allow teammates to ask each other questions instantly so they can focus more on their work rather than on picking up the phone. If you’re lucky, you’ll find an online collaboration solution that includes this feature for your team.

When working with a virtual team, make sure you are using technology correctly so you can stay connected and stay focused on the work at hand. As improved communication drives business success, use whatever tools and solutions you have available to create communication channels for all teammates - no matter where they are.