Gerald Mannikarote ⋅ Houston , TX dMann Training Technologies ⋅ 20 years experience

I work for a very large multi-national company in a remote (virtual) capacity. I had the same issue. First of all, I think the others provided some excellent feedback and tips. Here is something that has worked for me...
I have a mentor that was an army ranger and he gave me some tips on communication for those working virtually. He said that in emails, type a very concise summary of your message. And obviously keep your emails short. If you need to provide a long message, the phone is much better.
So, for example, if your email is about developing a brochure, instead of writing 'Brochure Draft' on the subject line, write 'Please Review: Brochure Draft- Input required'. I have found this approach has helped me tremendously with responses.
I hope this helps.

jody sibole ⋅ Smyrna , GA American Express ⋅ 34 years experience

I work for a very large organization and am virtual. When you start with a company in a virtual position, it can be challenging, however use all of the networking tools that the company provides to you. Reach out to team members by telephone and get to know them outside of email. You will find that in a very short period of time you can establish a network of supportive colleagues.

Christian Krug ⋅ Minneapolis , MN Wells Fargo ⋅ 15 years experience

Angela & Walter,
Yes, great take-aways! I agree and feel these are the best tips for remote/virtual teams:

1. Establish guidelines and boundaries that support effective communications.
2. Improve frequency of communication to prevent disconnect or complacency.

Walter Young ⋅ Doylestown , PA Ortivus AB ⋅ 25 years experience

1. Management worries you aren't productive and oft times co-workers are certain you aren't
2. Distance between your employers location and you make for serious disconnects since much of what occurs within an organization is informal (you will at times feel very much like the Lost Battalion)

There is broad reconsideration reversing the 'remote worker' enthusiasm of the last 5-8 years but there are still a great many companies with Technical and Sales people who have no alternative but to maintain remote employees.

Best solution: Frequent (possibly daily or more) scheduled video conferences. And, ad hoc easily as required.

I have worked remote most of my 30 year career.

walt