Spells for an Optimized Remote Team

Working from home is like magic. You get to chill in your comfy slippers and Quidditch onesie all day. Forget about traffic. No more racing out of the office kitchen when Susan warms up that fish casserole. Pretty sweet, huh?

Until you’re part of a remote team where things get hairy. They’re like a flock of distracted owls. One's stuck in a Slack thread, another is lost in a labyrinth of unnecessary Excel sheets. No chance of cracking the code of productivity without some sneaky strategies up your sleeve.

No team, you say? Not so fast. As a freelancer, you are the CEO, the creative guru, and the person who does the laundry—all in one. So, don't shy away from these remote team efficiency tips. They're applicable to your solo show too.

1. Communications

Not just any communication will do—we're talking honest, transparent, let-it-all-hang-out variety. The name of the game? Keeping your spells ready to go, your plans as clear as a Revealing Charm, and your feedback as helpful as a well-placed Leviosa.

This potion builds trust, keeps the project on track, and nips the "Wait, what?" moments in the bud. If you're a freelancer, brew this by being blindingly clear about your work, deadlines, and progress with clients.

2. Meetings

Ever sat through a two-hour meeting that could've been an email? Yeah, us too. At BRIL.LA, we swear by short, laser-focused meetings. They're our secret weapon for slaying doubts, resolving issues, and answering questions. All the extra fluff? Send it via owl post.

As a freelancer, hold client meetings with precise, no-nonsense agendas and stick to them.

3. Results

We've drunk the Kool-Aid and we're believers—focusing on getting things done, no matter what time of day, really works. Your "get-$#!t-done" sweet spot is all that matters. Even if that means you’re completing tasks at 2am.

If you’re still handcuffed to the 9 to 5 mindset, it’s time to break free from those shackles. Focus on delivering quality work instead of clocking in time.

4. Time zones

While different time zones can be a headache, they can also be an advantage. With our team scattered all over the world, we can run a 24/7 operation, each member picking up where the other left off.

As a freelancer, we’re not suggesting that you start practicing Vegas opening hours. But you can still plan your workday in line with the time zones of your clients.

5. Humans

Roaming the halls of your home castle in a fluffy robe is great, but even the most skilled wizards crave the camaraderie of others. Granting your team’s wishes to work in coworking spaces is like summoning a Patronus against the isolation.

Freelancers, don't shy away from venturing beyond your cozy chambers. Take a leap through the Floo Network and mingle. It can unleash a surge of creativity.

6. Randoms

Having a virtual water cooler—a space for non-work-related chatter—boosts team morale, creativity, and engagement. As a freelancer, why not set up a similar space with other self-employed creatives?

W.W.R.D.?

• Next time you’re planning a meeting, ensure your calendar invite includes a clear agenda, swipe this template:

<insert name of the meeting>

AGENDA:

Meeting’s purpose: <insert an ultimate objective for the meeting>

DISCUSSION TOPICS:

<insert individual talking points that need to be discussed, their estimated time, and the person leading this part of the call>

ACTION ITEMS:

<share the results you want the meeting to achieve>
For example:
<Sales page copy meeting>

AGENDA:

Meeting’s purpose: <Develop a vision for the new sales page copy>

DISCUSSION TOPICS:

<Review the details of the offer for the sales page product (5min)>
<Discuss the content you want to put on the page/additional input (15min @Client)>
<Present a vision for the sales page (15min @Freelancer)>
<Questions and discussion (10min)>

ACTION ITEMS:

<Create a clear vision for the sales page copy>
<Clear all blockers and answer questions>