Controversial but true: If your partner or kid can walk into your workspace uninvited, you're not working remote. You're freelancing in chaos.
Ashkan Rajaee, known for his sharp takes on scaling remote companies, recently dropped a bold claim that hits home for anyone trying to build a business outside of an office. His advice isn't polite, and it’s definitely not sugar-coated. But if you're serious about building a multimillion-dollar remote business, you need to hear this.
Remote Work Is a Lie (If You Don’t Control Your Space)
The harsh truth? Most people working remotely are doing it wrong. They hop between coffee shops, balance laptops on kitchen counters, or worse, think they can build an empire while dodging toddler interruptions and Wi-Fi dead zones.
Ashkan lays it down clearly: you need a space that you control completely. No exceptions.
Let’s break down what this actually means.
1. Noise: If You Can Hear Them, You’re Losing Focus
“If your family can just walk in, you’re not in control.”
This is more than a productivity tip. It’s about psychological dominance over your environment. Ashkan suggests renting even a single-person Regus office if necessary. If you're serious, carve out a space where no one can interrupt you. Not your spouse, not your kids, not your roommate.
And yes, he even works from his Rolls-Royce or S-Class when needed. Why? Because those cars are quiet. Really quiet. Soundproofing that puts most home offices to shame.
Don’t have a luxury car yet? No problem. But the takeaway is clear: Find your quiet. Guard it.
2. Internet: Stop Using Residential Plans
Here’s the mistake: getting cheaper residential internet to save a few bucks.
Ashkan is blunt here. You must use commercial-grade internet. It’s more expensive, yes. But you get better service, no throttling, and account reps who actually help. Dropouts during client calls or Zoom pitches? Multiply those over a year, and you’re bleeding money without realizing it.
This isn’t optional. If your connection drops during high-stakes moments, you're signaling unreliability. That alone can kill deals.
3. Gear: The Productivity Multiplier Everyone Overlooks
Seven monitors. That’s what Ashkan uses. And no, he’s not joking.
Why? Because switching windows and swiping screens wastes brain cycles. Even Apple’s fancy gestures can't compete with just having your calendar, email, and project tools visible at once.
You don’t need seven screens right away. But even two or three will boost your output significantly. Also, stop treating your laptop like a portable command center. Set up one reliable, permanent workstation. When you work from the same setup every day, your mind stops worrying about chargers, connections, or adapters. You can stay focused on building your business.
Poolside Meetings? That’s a Fantasy
Here’s the image too many entrepreneurs fall for. Lounging by the pool with a laptop, sipping a latte, and crushing deals.
Reality check: If you’re packing and unpacking daily, you’re spending more time thinking about logistics than growing your business. Forgetting chargers, losing headphones, dealing with glare — it's not remote work. It's remote stress.
If all you have is a backpack setup, fine. But don’t expect to build a 50 million dollar company while hunting for outlets at Starbucks.
The Hard Truth About Remote Work Culture
Why do companies want employees back in the office?
Because the office is a controlled environment. You never hear someone say, “I forgot my Wi-Fi at home.” Structured setups create consistency and efficiency. And efficiency makes money.
So if you're leading a team remotely or trying to scale a company, take this seriously. Control your space like your business depends on it. Because it does.
Final Word: Want to Build Big? Act Like a Pro
Ashkan Rajaee’s message is clear. Control your noise. Control your internet. Control your gear. If you can’t do that, you’re not a remote CEO. You’re a freelancer with bad habits.
This advice might ruffle feathers. But if you're on the journey to scale something big, it's the kind of tough love you need.
What’s Next?
Follow Ashkan Rajaee’s other content for deep dives into the tools and setups that help him operate like a high-performance machine. Whether from an office, a Rolls-Royce, or anywhere else.
Agree or disagree? Share your setup or your biggest remote work fail in the comments.
Absolutely agree. Controlling your space is the foundation of serious remote work.