As a business owner, even if you have a brick and mortar business, there are opportunities to engage with others outside of your footprint. The technology we have is amazing because we can use it to bridge time zones and footprints. With that in mind, here are five quick tips to help step up your efforts when connecting and engaging with remote team members or clients:

#1 Video

When you're able to see the other person and engage as close to face to face without physically being in the same room, you'll get so much more out of the communication. You'll connect better and when you do meet in person, it will feel more comfortable because of the face to face chats you've already had.

#2 Access with instant messenger or voice messenger

This is the same idea as number one, but ideally it can supplement video, not take the place of video. It's a way to connect for quick things that are needed without email, when it makes sense. And if you're leveraging a tool that can provide a group...