As an independent consultant, I’ve had a lot of experience working remotely. Even for tasks that require a human connection – such as when I complete my executive searches for businesses across the country – I’ve become comfortable interviewing candidates via phone, Skype, and now, Zoom. But as I near the end of that process, and we’re ready to interview the finalists, it becomes more important to meet with everyone in person. Typically, there are tours, group meetings, public meetings, multiple one-on-one discussions, and/or group interviews conducted at that time. I’m working on two executive searches now, but we haven’t gotten to the finalist stage yet. It will be interesting to see how it works if we’re all still in stay-at-home mode. I suspect we will use several different video conferencing methods.
I recently presented, along with my team, a proposal we prepared for a potential client. It included a PowerPoint presentation, multiple locations that needed to participate, and we conducted it all smoothly via Zoom. In some situations, it’s beneficial to send the materials in advance of an online meeting. No matter what tools you use (PowerPoint, spreadsheets, images, web conferencing software, and even just the good old telephone), it is possible to successfully conduct business remotely. My team and I have been doing it for years–long before we ever heard of Covid-19.
It’s been three years since I relocated to Louisville, Kentucky. I’m pleased to say that I’ve been able to maintain my business relationships and continue to manage projects for the clients I established in Connecticut, where I started my business. I’ve done a good bit of traveling and sent my team members (subcontractors) out to visit my clients over the past few years. But not in recent weeks, of course.
I do miss the in-person meetings, and I miss the deep dive experience that an on-site visit can provide. But, with my remote business practices already in place, I feel fortunate that, for me, “Business in the Time of the Coronavirus” has gone fairly smoothly. I’ve had to adapt – but not rebuild – my business.
My home office is comfy and ready for me to spend more hours in it. I appreciate being my own boss and being able to make my own hours. I’m thankful I’m healthy and grateful for my clients. In other words, I’m hanging in there and I hope you are too. If there’s anything I can do for you during this time, please reach out to me. Together, we can keep your business running, if not exactly as normal, certainly moving forward.
