Working from Home While Elevating Productivity and Maintaining Security with Collin Mitchell of Monster VoIP

With the drastic changes in the current work environment we are pivoting a bit from hiring for today’s episode. We are discussing how to transition your staff to a “work from home” force by conquering some of the IT challenges. 

Today’s Quote: 

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” - Stephen Hawking

I’m Rick Girard and welcome to the Hire Power Radio Show. We help Entrepreneurs and hiring managers to avoid costly hiring mistakes by identifying a specific problem and providing proven solutions to enable you to WIN the right hire. We share insights from top-performing rebel entrepreneurs, disruptors & industry experts.

Like our guest today: Collin Mitchell, CEO of Monster VoIP

Collin Mitchell is a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about technology and his mindfulness practice. His first entrepreneurial project was with his wife in their apartment living room which they bootstrapped together to  5 million dollars of revenue within 26 months. Most recently, he has been working on Monster VoIP, a nationwide unified communications provider that gives enterprise features at an SMB price. Personally, Collin is an early riser, consistent meditator, and swimming enthusiast.

Collin runs a virtual organization that is thriving! Which makes Collin a perfect expert for today’s topic.

Collin, Welcome to the Hire Power Radio Show today! 

Today we are going to discuss

• Why it is important to pivot your workforce to work from home
• How to set up improve productivity and security
• Why Pivot to remote work now?

What are the basics of what is needed?

• Strong Internet Connection
  • Is home internet strong enough. 
  • Minimum internet connection - 50 mb. 
  • Depends on provider 
  • Offering a stipend to cover the cost of upgraded 
• Laptop
  • Dual core or higher with 4 gigs of ram north
• Phone
  • Voip
  • Company provided cell
  • Proper noise canceling headset
• Possible Backup internet connection - overseas
• Tools
• Productivity
• Tracking Software- works as a time clock and checking employee productivity 
  • Hubstaff, ClickTime, TimeClock Plus…
• Messaging Apps for collaboration 
  • Zoom, Slack, Skype, Loom
• Security
  • Active directory
  • Jumpcloud - cloud based active directory
  • Antivirus/malware up to date
• Online Training Software 
• Well Being
  • Getting dressed everyday
  • Have a plan/schedule
  • Taking breaks
  • Meditation
  • Short Walks
  • Standing Desk 

Rick’s Nuggets

• Clear performance metrics

Key Takeaways:

• These Things are all easy to implement
• They are not too expensive
• Focus on security and productivity by using tracking software and cloud AD