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"The greatest challenge in managing a virtual Human Resource team is to find Muslim graphic and web designers. This field is not as popular in the Muslim ummah as other traditional fields, like medicine or engineering. It takes more effort to find the individuals I need for the company." Iman Kouvalis, 29, built Optimize It. Designs, a solutions centre where marketing meets designs, after deciding that entrepreneurship would spur her career freedom. With 6 years of top managerial experience at a private education facility, she soon found herself hiring internationally, and virtually, and leading a team of young and dynamic professionals from around the globe. The Strategic Plan for Human Resources Her experience in management taught her to immediately draw-up a ten year plan including one that concerned human resources. “My strategic plan from the start was to hire a team of professionals and when the demand [for my services] exceeded the ability to supply, I knew I had to start hiring.”

Name: Iman Kouvalis Title: President and Owner Company: Optimize It. Designs Website: www.OptimizeItDesigns.com Industry: Graphic and Web design Team size: 10 team members Country: Canada Previous Industries: Product engineering, Education Education Background: Currently pursuing Degree in Islamic Studies, Al-Maghrib Institute Bachelor of Applied Science (Mechanical / Automotive Engineering), University of Windsor, graduated in year 2000 Inspiration: To contribute to the Muslim ummah on a grand scale and to make a difference while gaining a sadaqa jariyah. Role Models: On spirituality and business - Khadijah binti Khuwalid (wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)) On financial freedom - Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) On building the Muslim ummah - Muhammad Alshareef (founder of Al-Maghrib Institute)

“I went through the process of sending out job postings, interviewing and then orientation and training.” Iman’s team now consists of graphic designers, web designers, web programmers, a copywriter and an Arabic / English translator – they hail from Canada, USA, UK and Pakistan.

As if it were not difficult alone to manage a team of cross-cultural employees, Iman’s team is a virtual one, with her office being the comfort of her own home. Luckily, technology is her forte – “we communicate through our online project management software. With a robust system of structure through policies and procedures, everyone is clear of what is expected of them and when.”

Her delegation of duties has also helped. “I have two departments and two project managers that head those departments - that takes care of most of the online communication.”

Renumeration for the Virtual Employee

Unlike other companies that outsource gigs to freelancers, Iman’s persistence in building her own human capital is fortified by her competitive renumeration packages. However, like herself, she communicates that employment with her company is fuelled by tasks and jobs that fall under their purview. “I am able to offer reasonable salaries for people looking to work part-time from home with flexible hours. Renumeration is competitive as we definitely have a lot less overhead cost such as rental, furniture, office equipment etc.”

Commitment is an important aspect of Optimize It. Designs as solid teamwork translates into the ability of working on more complex projects that require a range of skills and expertise. This is different compared to outsourcing to freelancers – hiring a competent team can therefore, be less expensive for the company in the long-run.

To rebuke claims of high financing of start-up companies and the compounded effect of actually paying employees, Iman advises entrepreneurs to “offer a product or service that people are actively searching for and are willing to pay for it. The rules of the internet are different from the rules of a brick and mortar business, so research wisely to avoid financial difficulties.”

Building the Team Spirit from the Start

In a virtual organisation, colleagues do not meet physically, which can be a barrier to team spirit. With this in mind, Iman spent time formulating a Code of Honour. “This Code of Honor is discussed in our interviews before hiring. The trick is all in how you structure your company from the beginning.”

Structure is the key to effectively managing human resources – it immediately outlines the limits and curbs disfavourable corporate culture. A well structured human resource management scheme will also “help prevent potential miscommunication and misunderstanding in the future.”

A Greek revert to Islam, Iman has not encountered cultural clashes amongst her staff. She attributes this to her team being a family of 2nd generation Muslims and reverts to Islam, and are therefore, less inclined to carry cultural “baggage” that is inherent in many Muslim countries.

She also believes a virtual company has its benefits: “Everyone is task-focused because there are barely any distractions that employees face constantly in the physical corporate world.”

The Role of the Virtual Manager

Like a brick and mortar business, managing a virtual business requires decision-making capabilities. As much as Iman cultivates her trust towards her employees through her Human Resource key processes, she herself has to gain the trust of her team, especially when difficult times arise.

“Team members will look at you to solve problems within the company. They trust you to make the right decision – that is a leadership quality, as opposed to being an employee or subordinate.”

A major challenge in business is to have drive and consistency during challenging times. Iman’s experience as a decision-making manager is to always have the burning desire to keep moving forward.

“A vision is essential for a successful business and managing a team. Managers always have to be looking ahead, while the team is working in the present and operating the business. One mistake I found with other managers is that they spend too much time working in the business and not on the business and that is something I am always striving to avoid.”