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.  Companies engage staff with accounting, IT developers, engineering, marketing, social media and administration capability.  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.  Offshoring used to be a big deal.  However, with real examples, customers are starting to see how they can scale their business in a cost-effective and flexible manner using remote staff. 

Prateek runs his business in the same way he supports his clients.  His team is entirely remote.  It is more relaxing and time-efficient to work from home.

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.