Enterprise Nation

The latest technology means everything from reducing overheads to building brands is possible...from the home office. Matthew Scott of iGeneration Technology Marketing shows how one company is reaping a whole host of benefits by operating from connected home offices. 

Technology was going to change the way we worked ‘forever’, providing the paperless office, mobile everything, faster, cheaper, more efficient workflow.

So as I wade through the paper mountain to find my client meeting scribbles, I can’t help but think that these early predictions were a little off-kilter.

But then a furry purring friend brushes past the leg of my chair, a glance out the window brings my eyes over the beautiful scenery and my shoeless feet brush against soft carpet; I’m there, surrounded by peace and quiet.

Welcome to my ‘home office’.

Not the ‘blaggers den’ that some may assume, home working can be the most productive experience but you’ve got to stay ‘connected’! Nowadays it’s not hard to ‘VPN’ in or use webmail to access the office from home, or email colleagues and clients, but technology has moved much further again.

Take EO Creative for example- a creative agency that specialises in graphic and conceptual design. Yes, I know, what you’re thinking- minimalist office, ‘in your face’ bright palettes, funky boardrooms with lime plastic chairs and the inevitable games console and creative sofa…

Think Again.

EO Creative’s Business Development Director, Derek Hall explains:

‘From day one we wanted to work in an agency that is opposed to the general thinking of the larger agencies, who we believe have lost sight of the design principles and the craft that first attracted designers to the industry and customers through the door’

Endless meetings, PowerPoint presentations, less client interaction, demanding working hours, all at odds with a healthy work/life balance, forced these guys into thinking that home working could become one of their biggest differentiators from the competition, leading a new and innovative way of thinking for this and other industries.

Far from being ‘too cool for school’- this notion shows serious business nous, in terms of reducing overheads, increasing communication and focusing on what is important to clients; imagination, passion and damn-good outputs on every project!

The partners at EO have the space and the freedom to work collaboratively from home, communicating regularly, not only with each other but MORE regularly with clients.

But how do they deliver from different locations? Here’s the home-working technology guidebook as written by EO Creative!

• The ‘iPhone’- (or other mobile devices) for emailing, sharing calendars and other key data
• ‘Zenbe’ - for the creation of job lists so that staff and managers interact real-time and manage workflow more effectively
• ‘Mobile Me’ - for remote display and sharing of calendars and contacts
• ‘Skype’ - to talk to  local & International clients over the Internet

The company also uses remote access to desktops and other conferencing tools providing a live visual and communicative connection to clients and staff in any location at any time.

So the next time you consider the big office move, the positioning of staff or a revision of the tired ‘open-plan’, consider integrating home-working policies and processes to improve business efficiency.

Maybe to some this sounds far-fetched, but in today’s fast-paced business environment, you’ve got to think about creativity and connections.

Matthew Scott is Managing Director of iGeneration Technology Marketing, which helps clients grow their businesses locally and globally with offices in UK, Ireland and USA.

• Matthew Scott
• EO Creative