Prateek Sahni, based in Melbourne, Australia, is the founder of a company called My Virtual Mate, focused on supplying virtual staff to businesses for a range of job functions. The My Virtual Mate team are based in the Philipines.
Prateek is passionate about helping companies solve problems. There is a skill shortage, and this means companies in Australia are struggling to find enough talent.
The role of virtual staff has broadened. Anything done on a computer can be done remotely.
The biggest demand increase has been for IT developers and engineers.
The global workforce and remote workers are now more acceptable to businesses.
Sourcing talent overseas can be difficult when trying to match the requisite skills and price point.
For entrepreneurs starting a business, Prateek advises the importance of having a good action plan and a clear idea about what it is the business sets out to achieve. What problem is the company solving? Funding is not so significant. It can be pretty cost-effective to start a business.
The enabler is technology. There are a lot of systems. After hiring the right people, they need to be given the best possible technology which permits practical work and collaboration.
Leadership now requires skills across a remote workplace and client base. Video calls and communication is a key part of enabling this communication.
For young entrepreneurs, Prateek advises them to not worry too much about what can go wrong. Anticipate failures because success comes from learning. There is no recipe for success, and it is an ongoing journey.
