How to Build Strong Professional Relationships Remotely

Introduction

Remember the early days of the pandemic? I dohuddled in my makeshift home office, staring at a screen full of pixelated faces during that first all-virtual team meeting. It felt awkward, right? Like trying to connect through a foggy window. Fast-forward to today, and remote work isn’t just a trend; it’s a staple. According to a 2023 Owl Labs report, of global companies are fully remote, up from virtually nothing pre-2020, and a whopping of workers report better work-life balance but struggle with isolation. This shift has revolutionized how we build professional bonds, turning watercooler chats into Zoom small talk and hallway hellos into Slack pings. But here’s the kicker: in this digital landscape, weak connections can leave you feeling like a lone wolf in a pack-driven world.

Why does this matter so much now? Strong professional relationships aren’t just nice-to-havesthey’re the secret sauce for career growth, seamless collaboration, and even business wins in our post-pandemic reality. Think about it: when you’re not sharing office space, misunderstandings brew faster, trust takes longer to build, and opportunities slip away without those serendipitous encounters. I’ve seen it firsthand; a colleague of mine landed a game-changing promotion simply because she nurtured a virtual mentorship that led to insider project invites. In a world where teams span time zones and industries rely on remote innovationlike how companies like Buffer thrive on async communicationthese relationships fuel productivity and open doors. Neglect them, and you’re risking burnout or stagnation; invest wisely, and you’ll boost your network, spark collaborations, and accelerate success. It’s not about quantity; it’s about quality connections that feel genuine, even from afar.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into mastering virtual networking and relationship-building, tailored for you as a remote pro connecting with colleagues and industry peers. You’ll get practical, actionable tips to overcome common hurdles, from icebreakers that cut through screen fatigue to tools that keep conversations flowing. We’ll explore real-world examples, like how a freelance designer turned LinkedIn DMs into a six-figure client roster, proving that distance doesn’t have to dilute deals.

Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll take away:

• Proven strategies for initiating and sustaining remote rapport, including video etiquette and follow-up rituals.
• Tools and tech recommendations to make virtual interactions feel personal and productive.
• Case studies from everyday pros who’ve turned remote challenges into career triumphs.

“The strength of the team is each individual member, and the strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson, adapted for our virtual era.

By the end, you’ll feel equipped to weave a web of professional ties that propels you forwardno office required. Let’s get started on building those bridges.

Understanding the Challenges of Remote Relationship Building

Building strong professional relationships from behind a screen isn’t as straightforward as grabbing coffee with a colleague in the office. We’ve all felt that subtle disconnect during a Zoom call where smiles seem forced and small talk fizzles out. In a world where remote work has become the norm, these hurdles can make networking feel like an uphill battle. But why does it happen, and what does it mean for your career? Let’s dive into the key challenges that remote teams face, backed by real data that shows just how widespread these issues are.

Common Barriers in the Virtual Workspace

One of the biggest roadblocks is the absence of face-to-face interaction, which strips away those serendipitous momentslike bumping into someone in the hallway and sparking a conversation that leads to collaboration. Without it, relationships often stay surface-level, lacking the depth that builds trust over time. Then there’s miscommunication in digital formats; emails can come across as curt without tone of voice, and Slack messages might miss sarcasm entirely, leading to misunderstandings that erode rapport.

Feelings of isolation hit hard too, especially for those working solo from home. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, of remote workers report feeling lonely at work, a figure that jumps to for those in fully virtual setups. Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2023 survey echoes this, with of respondents citing loneliness as their top strugglefar outpacing other issues like productivity dips. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own remote consulting gigs, where a simple video call couldn’t replace the energy of an in-person team huddle, leaving folks feeling sidelined.

These barriers aren’t just annoyances; they compound quickly. Consider a project where a quick clarification email gets misinterpreted, delaying deliverables and fostering resentment. It’s like trying to build a house of cards over a video link one gust of digital wind, and it all tumbles.

How Global Factors Amplify the Strain

When your team spans continents, things get even trickier. Time zones turn scheduling into a logistical nightmare; imagine coordinating with someone in Tokyo while you’re wrapping up in New Yorkyour “morning” meeting is their midnight brainstorm. This mismatch often leads to rushed interactions or outright fatigue, making genuine connections elusive.

Cultural differences add another layer, as nuances in communication styles can clash. A direct approach that’s normal in one culture might seem abrasive in another, sparking unintended conflicts. And don’t get me started on screen fatiguestaring at pixels for hours on end drains your energy, making it tough to engage authentically. Buffer’s report highlights this, noting that of remote workers experience burnout from constant video calls, which is exacerbated in global teams where meetings stretch across odd hours.

“Remote work’s promise of flexibility often comes at the cost of human connection, with global teams facing a higher rate of miscommunication due to cultural and temporal divides.” – Insights from Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work.

In my experience working with international clients, these factors turned what should have been a smooth partnership into a series of awkward pauses and rescheduled calls. It’s not impossible, but it demands extra effort to bridge those gaps.

The Ripple Effects: Emotional and Professional Toll

So, what happens when these challenges persist? Emotionally, they breed isolation and anxiety, leaving you questioning your role in the team. Professionally, reduced trust becomes a silent killerwithout it, collaboration suffers, and innovative ideas get stifled before they even surface. Gallup data shows that teams with low trust report lower productivity and higher turnover rates, a stark reminder of the stakes.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key consequences:

• Eroded Trust: Virtual anonymity makes it harder to read intentions, leading to hesitation in sharing bold ideas.
• Stifled Innovation: Without casual chats, serendipitous breakthroughslike those “eureka” moments in office break roomsbecome rare.
• Higher Turnover: Isolated workers are 2.5 times more likely to job-hop, per Gallup, disrupting team dynamics further.

These outcomes aren’t just numbers; they’re real setbacks that can stall your career growth. Think about a remote developer who feels disconnected and misses out on mentorship opportunities, or a manager whose team innovates less because trust is paper-thin. But here’s the good news: recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. By understanding the pitfalls, you’re better equipped to foster those vital remote relationships that drive success.

Essential Tools and Platforms for Virtual Networking

Building strong professional relationships remotely starts with the right toolsthink of them as your digital bridge to colleagues and peers scattered across time zones. Without them, you’re just shouting into the void, but with a solid setup, you can spark conversations that lead to collaborations, mentorships, and even job opportunities. In this section, we’ll break down the essentials, from everyday communication apps to niche platforms that add real depth. I’ll share pros, cons, and quick setup tips so you can hit the ground running. Whether you’re a freelancer chasing leads or a team lead fostering unity, these picks will help you create those “aha” moments that feel almost serendipitous.

Must-Have Communication Tools

Let’s kick things off with the heavy hitters: Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and LinkedIn. These aren’t just apps; they’re the lifeblood of virtual interactions, helping you initiate chats and keep them alive.

Zoom shines for video calls, making face-to-face feel possible even from your couch. Its pro? Crystal-clear video and easy screen sharing, which is perfect for brainstorming sessions where visual cues matterstudies from Owl Labs show that of remote workers feel more connected through video. But cons include occasional glitches in large groups and the “Zoom fatigue” factor from constant on-camera time. To set it up, download the app, create a free account, and customize your profile with a professional photo; enable waiting rooms for controlled access during networking events.

Slack, on the other hand, is your go-to for quick, text-based banter that mimics watercooler chats. Pros: Channels for topic-specific discussions keep things organized, and integrations with calendars prevent missed connections. A downside? It can get overwhelming with notifications if you don’t mute wiselyI’ve seen inboxes explode from unchecked pings. Setup is straightforward: Sign up via email, join or create workspaces, and use bots like Donut for random coffee chats that foster unexpected bonds.

Microsoft Teams combines chat, video, and file sharing in one ecosystem, ideal for enterprise teams. It’s got robust security pros for sensitive industries, and features like breakout rooms encourage smaller group networking. Cons? The interface can feel clunky compared to sleeker rivals, slowing down casual use. Get started by linking it to your work email, setting up channels for interests like “industry news,” and scheduling recurring “virtual happy hours” to build rapport organically.

Don’t sleep on LinkedInit’s not just a resume dump; it’s a networking powerhouse. Pros: Advanced search filters let you connect with peers based on shared experiences, and posts can spark ongoing dialogues. The con? It sometimes veers into salesy territory, making genuine outreach tricky. For setup, optimize your profile with a compelling headline, then use the “Open to” feature to signal availability for chats; follow up connections with personalized messages referencing mutual contacts.

Specialized Platforms for Industry-Specific Networking

Once you’ve got the basics down, level up with tools tailored to deeper, more targeted connections. Virtual event platforms like Hopin turn online conferences into interactive hubs, while CRM software helps track those budding relationships without letting them fizzle.

Hopin is a game-changer for attending or hosting virtual summits, complete with networking lounges and expo booths. Its pro: Features like speed networking sessions mimic real-world mixers, leading to serendipitous introsimagine bumping into a potential collaborator in a digital “lounge.” Cons include a learning curve for organizers and potential lag in high-traffic events. To dive in, register for an event, set up your profile with keywords from your field, and actively join sessions; one user I know landed a freelance gig after a casual Hopin chat evolved into a project pitch.

For tracking relationships, CRM tools like HubSpot or Salesforce are indispensable, especially in sales or consulting. Pros: They log interactions, set reminders for follow-ups, and analyze connection strength, turning cold leads into warm networks. A key con? They’re overkill for solo users and require data entry discipline. Setup tip: Start with a free HubSpot account, import your contacts, and create custom fields for notes like “shared interest in AI ethics”; this way, you can nurture ties systematically.

“In the remote world, tools aren’t just convenientthey’re the glue holding your professional circle together. Pick ones that fit your style, and watch isolated pixels turn into powerful partnerships.” – A remote networking veteran.

Integrating Tools into Your Daily Workflow

Now, how do you weave these into your routine without it feeling like a chore? The key is intentional integration that sparks those happy accidents in networking. Start by auditing your week: Block time for “connection slots,” like 15 minutes daily on LinkedIn for commenting on posts, which can lead to DM invites for coffee chats.

Here’s an actionable list to get you started:

• Sync calendars across platforms: Link Slack or Teams with Google Calendar to auto-suggest availability for impromptu video callsI’ve had breakthrough convos pop up this way during lunch breaks.
• Set up automated nudges: Use CRM reminders in HubSpot to ping you about following up on a Zoom intro, turning one-off meetings into ongoing dialogues.
• Host hybrid events: Combine Hopin for big gatherings with Slack channels for post-event threads, fostering serendipity like when a virtual panel discussion led to an anonymous marketer discovering a peer’s unpublished research via a shared link.
• Experiment with integrations: Connect Zoom to LinkedIn for seamless recording shares, or use Slack bots to match team members for random pairings, mimicking office hallway encounters.

By embedding these habits, you’ll create a workflow where relationships grow naturally. Take it from meI’ve built a cross-continent advisory board this way, all from consistent, tool-powered outreach. It’s not about quantity; it’s the quality connections that count, and these platforms make it effortlessly possible.

Core Strategies for Effective Virtual Communication and Rapport Building

Let’s face it: remote work strips away those casual hallway chats that build bonds effortlessly. But don’t worryyou can recreate that warmth through smart virtual strategies. In this section, we’ll explore core techniques to communicate effectively and build genuine rapport, even across screens. Think of it as upgrading your digital toolkit to foster trust and collaboration. By focusing on active listening, personalization, and consistency, you’ll turn pixelated interactions into meaningful connections that feel almost as good as grabbing coffee together.

Mastering Foundational Techniques for Warmth

Active listening is your secret weapon in video calls, where non-verbal cues can get lost in translation. Start by turning on your camera and giving full eye contactnod along and paraphrase what others say to show you’re truly engaged. For instance, if a colleague shares a challenge, respond with, “It sounds like the deadline shift threw a wrench in your plans; how can we adjust?” This mimics the empathy of in-person talks and builds trust fast.

Personalized messaging takes it further. Instead of generic Slack pings, reference something specific from past interactionslike congratulating them on a recent win or asking about their weekend hike. I once saw a remote team lead do this by sending tailored voice notes, which boosted response rates by according to internal metrics from a tech firm. It’s these small touches that convey care and keep relationships alive.

Consistent follow-ups seal the deal. After a call, jot a quick note recapping key points and adding a personal flourish, like “Loved hearing about your new puppyhope training’s going well!” Set a calendar reminder to check in every couple of weeks. This rhythm mimics the steady drip of office camaraderie, preventing connections from fading into the digital ether.

Scheduling One-on-One Meetings That Spark Authenticity

Ever wonder why group calls feel superficial? One-on-ones are where the magic happens, allowing deeper dives without distractions. To schedule them meaningfully, follow these steps:

1. Propose a clear purpose upfront: Email or message with, “I’d love to chat about your project insightsgot 30 minutes next Tuesday?” This sets expectations and shows respect for their time.

2. Choose the right tool and time: Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams for video, and pick a slot that aligns with their timezone. Tools like Doodle can poll availability effortlessly.

3. Start with an icebreaker: Kick off with something light to break the ice, like “What’s one fun thing you did this weekend?” or “If you could teleport anywhere for lunch, where would it be?” These openers reveal personality without prying.

4. End with action items: Wrap up by summarizing next steps and suggesting a follow-up date. This keeps momentum going.

In a real-life example from a marketing agency, an anonymous account manager used the “two truths and a lie” icebreaker during a virtual coffee chat. It led to laughs and stories that uncovered shared interests, turning a formal check-in into a monthly ritual. That rapport? It smoothed a tricky client handover later, saving the team weeks of miscommunication. Icebreakers like these foster authenticity by humanizing the screen.

Overcoming Digital Misinterpretations with Smart Cues

Text can be a minefieldsarcasm lands flat, and tone gets twisted. To counter this, lean on emojis and indicators to add nuance. A thumbs-up 👍 signals agreement, while a laughing face 😂 clarifies humor. For trickier stuff, add phrases like “/s” for sarcasm or “just kidding!” to prevent mix-ups. Remember, overdoing it can seem forced, so use sparingly for clarity.

Consider this tip: In emails, start with a tone setter like “Excited to hear your thoughts!” to infuse positivity. A study by Harvard Business Review found that explicit tone markers reduce misinterpretation by up to in remote teams. One anonymous sales rep I know turned around a tense thread by adding a winking emoji 😉 after a playful jabit diffused tension and sparked a collaborative idea exchange.

Pro Tip: Audit your messages. Before hitting send, read alouddoes it sound like you in person? If not, tweak with an emoji or rephrase for warmth.

By weaving these strategies into your routine, you’ll not only communicate effectively but also build rapport that endures. It’s about intentional effort, and trust me, the payoff in stronger professional ties is worth every virtual minute.

Advanced Techniques for Long-Term Remote Relationship Nurturing

You’ve nailed the basics of virtual handshakes and quick chatsnow it’s time to think bigger. Long-term remote relationships aren’t about one-off interactions; they’re like tending a garden that keeps blooming year after year. In a world where everyone’s scattered across time zones, nurturing these connections requires intention and a bit of creativity. We’re talking strategies that build unbreakable trust and scale your network without burning out. Stick with me, and I’ll share proven techniques that turn casual colleagues into lifelong allies.

Building Trust Remotely: The Heart of Lasting Bonds

Trust doesn’t just happen over Zoom; it needs deliberate effort, especially when you can’t read body language in real-time. Start with vulnerability sharingit’s counterintuitive, but opening up about a work challenge or even a personal hurdle can humanize you and invite reciprocity. I remember coaching a remote team lead who shared her struggles with work-life balance during a virtual coffee chat; it sparked honest dialogues that strengthened the group’s cohesion overnight.

Collaborative goal-setting takes this further by aligning everyone on shared wins. Use tools like shared Google Docs to co-create objectives, making sure each person feels ownership. This isn’t just planning; it’s a trust-building exercise that shows you value their input. And don’t overlook virtual team-building activitiesthey’re gold for fostering camaraderie. Think escape room apps or online trivia nights via platforms like Jackbox. According to a Harvard Business Review study, teams that engage in regular virtual bonding report higher trust levels, proving these aren’t fluff but essential for remote glue.

Here’s a quick starter list for your next team huddle:

• Vulnerability round-robin: Each person shares one “win and one worry” in 2 minutes.
• Goal-mapping session: Brainstorm quarterly targets using Miro boards for visual collaboration.
• Fun twist activity: Host a “virtual show-and-tell” where folks share non-work passions to build personal rapport.

These steps keep things light yet meaningful, turning potential isolation into a supportive network.

Scaling Relationships with Peers and Mentors

Once trust is in place, it’s time to expand your circle without spreading yourself thin. Online communities are a powerhouse for thisjoin industry-specific groups on LinkedIn or Reddit, where you can engage in ongoing discussions with peers facing similar remote hurdles. I’ve seen professionals land mentorships just by consistently contributing thoughtful comments in these spaces, turning lurkers into collaborators.

Webinars offer another avenue to scale; don’t just attendhost or co-host one on a niche topic like “Remote Innovation in Tech.” This positions you as a thought leader and attracts mentors naturally. Co-creating content amps it up: team up with a peer to write a guest blog or record a podcast episode. It’s a win-win that amplifies both your voices and creates lasting ties. A Buffer report notes that professionals who co-create content see their networks grow by , as shared projects naturally lead to referrals and opportunities.

“In remote work, scaling isn’t about quantityit’s about quality connections that evolve into mutual support systems.” – Insights from remote work experts at Owl Labs.

By focusing on these methods, you’ll build a web of relationships that supports your career long-term, all from your desk.

Advanced Tips: Tech and Data to Supercharge Your Efforts

Ready to get savvy? Leverage AI tools for personalized outreach that feels genuine, not robotic. Platforms like HubSpot’s AI or even ChatGPT can help craft tailored messages based on a contact’s recent posts or shared intereststhink, “I saw your webinar on sustainable design; let’s chat about applying it remotely.” This personalization boosts response rates by up to , per marketing analytics from Gartner.

Analyzing engagement metrics is the secret sauce for refinement. Track opens, replies, and interaction times using tools like Mailchimp or Google Analytics for your outreach. If a webinar follow-up gets low engagement, tweak itmaybe add more interactive polls next time. GitLab, the all-remote powerhouse behind thousands of virtual collaborations, exemplifies this. They use data dashboards to monitor team interactions, adjusting virtual events based on participation metrics. In one case, after analyzing low engagement in cross-team syncs, they introduced AI-suggested agendas, which increased meeting productivity by and deepened relationships across global squads. No wonder GitLab’s remote model is hailed as a benchmark; it’s all about data-driven nurturing.

These advanced tactics aren’t overwhelming once you start smallpick one tool this week and watch your remote relationships flourish. You’ve got the foundation; now layer on these techniques to make your professional network not just strong, but unstoppable.

Measuring Success and Real-World Applications

Ever wonder if all that virtual coffee chat and Slack banter is actually paying off? Measuring the strength of your remote professional relationships isn’t just a nice-to-haveit’s essential for tweaking your approach and ensuring those connections drive real career growth. Without clear metrics, it’s easy to pour energy into networking that fizzles out. Let’s break down how to gauge success, drawing on proven indicators that go beyond gut feelings. You’ll see how response rates, collaboration outcomes, and even Net Promoter Scores (NPS) can reveal the health of your virtual ties, backed by solid industry data.

Key Metrics for Evaluating Remote Relationship Strength

Start with response ratesthey’re like the pulse of your network. If you’re emailing a potential collaborator or following up on LinkedIn, aim for replies within 48 hours. According to a HubSpot study, top performers in remote sales see response rates above , compared to the industry average of 15-. Low rates? It might signal mismatched communication styles or overlooked value in your outreach. Track yours using simple tools like Google Sheets or CRM apps to spot patterns.

Collaboration outcomes take it further, focusing on tangible results from joint efforts. Think project completion rates or shared wins, like co-authored reports or successful referrals. A McKinsey report on distributed teams found that high-performing remote groups achieve 20- better productivity when relationships are strong, measured by metrics like on-time deliverables. If your collaborations hit snags, dig into feedback loopsregular check-ins can boost these outcomes by up to , per Gallup’s remote work insights.

Don’t overlook Net Promoter Scores for a holistic view. NPS asks how likely someone is to recommend you or your work on a 0-10 scale, categorizing responses as promoters, passives, or detractors. In professional networking, an NPS above 50 indicates rock-solid relationships; Buffer’s annual remote work report shows teams with strong virtual bonds averaging 60+, versus 30 for weaker ones. Survey your key contacts quarterlyit’s a quick way to quantify loyalty and spot areas for nurturing.

Real-World Case Studies of Remote Networking Triumphs

Picture a freelance graphic designer, let’s call her Alex, who built a thriving client base entirely remotely during the pandemic. Starting with zero steady gigs, Alex focused on consistent LinkedIn outreach and virtual webinars, tracking response rates that climbed from to over six months. By prioritizing collaboration outcomes, like joint portfolio reviews, she landed contracts worth over $100K annually. Her secret? Personalized follow-ups that echoed industry benchmarks from Upwork, where top freelancers report higher retention through relationship metrics. Alex’s empire proves that intentional remote networking can turn solo hustlers into powerhouses.

Then there’s the story of a distributed software development team at an anonymous tech firm spread across four time zones. Facing productivity dips, they implemented NPS surveys and collaboration tracking, revealing weak cross-team bonds. After targeted virtual team-buildingthink asynchronous video updates and shared goal-settingtheir output surged , aligning with Deloitte’s findings on remote teams where strong relationships correlate with higher innovation rates. This case shows how metrics-driven adjustments can transform scattered groups into cohesive units, boosting overall morale and results.

Practical Applications and Troubleshooting Common Pitfalls

Applying these metrics isn’t rocket science, but it does require consistency. Start by auditing your current network: list your top 10 contacts and score them on response rates and past collaborations. If pitfalls like time zone mismatches or digital fatigue crop upcommon in of remote workers per Owl Labstroubleshoot with flexible scheduling tools like World Time Buddy. And remember, over-reliance on metrics can feel cold; balance them with genuine check-ins to keep things human.

To make this actionable, craft a personalized plan with these steps:

• Set baselines weekly: Log response times and NPS from recent interactions to establish your starting point.
• Review quarterly: Analyze collaboration outcomes against benchmarks, adjusting strategies like adding more video touchpoints if needed.
• Experiment and iterate: Test one change, such as gamifying referrals, and measure the impactaim for a 10- uplift to stay on track.
• Seek feedback loops: Share your metrics anonymously with peers for external insights, turning data into dialogue.

“Success in remote relationships isn’t about quantityit’s about quality connections that yield measurable, mutual wins.” – A nod to the pros who’ve cracked the code.

By weaving these practices into your routine, you’ll not only measure but amplify your remote networking prowess. It’s empowering to see progress in black and white, turning abstract bonds into career rocket fuel. Give it a shot; your professional circle will thank you.

Conclusion

Building strong professional relationships remotely isn’t just a nice-to-haveit’s essential for thriving in today’s distributed work world. From honing soft skills like empathy and clear communication to leveraging tools such as Zoom and LinkedIn for virtual networking, we’ve explored strategies that bridge the digital divide. These approaches help you foster trust, reduce misunderstandings, and create lasting connections that propel your career forward. Imagine turning a casual Slack chat into a mentorship opportunity or a video call into a collaborative breakthrough; that’s the power of intentional remote relationship-building. In my experience advising remote teams, professionals who prioritize these tactics often see faster promotions and broader networks, with one anonymous case study showing a boost in project success rates after implementing regular empathy check-ins.

Key Strategies Recap

To make it stick, here’s a quick rundown of the core strategies we’ve covered:

• Master virtual communication: Use video for rapport and follow up with personalized notes to build authenticity.
• Nurture with consistency: Schedule regular one-on-ones and track interactions via CRM tools to keep relationships alive.
• Develop soft skills: Practice active listening and self-discipline to combat isolation and enhance collaboration.

The benefits? They translate directly to career advancement, like landing remote gigs through a robust network or leading global teams with ease. Data from a recent Buffer survey backs this up, revealing that remote workers with strong virtual ties report higher job satisfaction and retention.

Looking ahead, the future of virtual relationship-building is excitingthink metaverse networking, where avatars let you “meet” in immersive worlds for more lifelike interactions. Platforms like those in development could make remote connections feel as real as in-person ones, opening doors to global collaborations we haven’t even dreamed of yet.

So, what’s your next move? Pick one tip from this articlelike sending a thoughtful follow-up email todayand put it into action right now. You’ll be amazed at how it sparks momentum in your professional life. Share your experiences in the comments below; I’d love to hear how it goes and cheer you on!

“Relationships are the currency of the remote economyinvest wisely, and watch your career flourish.” – A seasoned remote consultant