When It’s Time to Sign Out of Zoom 

Fifteen months ago, we were forced to make significant transitions. We learned new ways to conduct business, to interact with employees and clients, and to attend meetings. Over the past year, we settled (some willingly, some begrudgingly) into our “new normal,” becoming accustomed to our virtual business world. And now, we are on the threshold of a yet another new beginning.

As the world opens back up, we are left wondering what’s next for our businesses … and for our relationships. Logically, we understand that it’s time to re-engage, but we are curious exactly how to do so. For some businesses that had to close down completely for extended periods, they are understandably rushing to turn the key and open the door without hesitation. But there is much more to running a business than flipping the “We are Open” sign in the window, especially when a shift in strategy is needed.

It’s no secret that many businesses lost momentum during the pandemic. And with social distancing, capacity limits, and prolonged closures, it’s no surprise either. Some did okay. Others even thrived based on their industry or their capacity to transition and innovate. But whether your business suffered or thrived over the past year, our circumstances are changing.

After all this time, do we jump back into our old habits, continue with our new ones, or find some combination? Do we remember how to cultivate relationships in the absence of social media, Zoom, and virtual meetings? Are we ready to engage our employees, customers, and clients face-to-face? If not, it’s time to up our game.

In the early days of the pandemic, we were bombarded with advice on transitioning into a virtual business arena. We were told to increase content marketing, use our webcams to facilitate communication and connection with others and ease feelings of isolation, amp up our social media presence, and host webinars and Zoom meetings, among other technology-driven avenues of connection. So, what happens now that we can meet face-to-face, work in our office, and have a meeting not via Zoom, but via the good old boardroom?

A New Beginning, the Same Fundamentals

What we must remember during this time of transition is that our underlying focus on relationships must remain steadfast. The very reason we shifted in all those ways during the pandemic was to continue to cultivate our relationships. We fostered trust and loyalty among our employees and clients because that’s what you do as a business owner or leader. And nothing about that fundamental principal has changed now.

Through this transition though, we need to emphasize rebuilding client and employee connection, loyalty, and trust in more physical ways. As always, business comes down to people and relationships—whether virtually or in person. And those relationships have arguably never been as important as right now. As you get started, keep in mind that everyone has different thresholds for risk and comfort levels, and that each of us has had a different experience throughout the past year. Be cognizant of those thresholds by listening to others and picking up on non-verbal cues. For example, in your first meeting, if your employee sits in the furthest seat from you, don’t be offended. He or she may feel the need to continue to physically distance from others. Respect their choices and give them time to adjust.

Strengthen Relationships … Strengthen Your Business

There’s no doubt about it—strengthening relationships will strengthen your business. Ultimately, the tenets of relationships haven’t changed—we must strive for increased support, respect, and connection. As it relates to employees, ensuring the workplace is one in which they feel appreciated and heard goes a long way. After all, isn’t that what we all want at our core?

Involve your employees in more decisions, provide professional development opportunities to help bolster longevity, and collaborate with them to increase creativity and productivity. They have also longed for a connection through this time, and as a leader, it is up to you to help provide it. Here are a few ideas to keep your relationships stable as we shift back into the workplace:

• Content marketing is still key. Don’t allow your website and social media accounts to sit idly by now that you can have face-to-face meetings. Employees and clients have become dependent on that messaging. If you cease posting, trust may be broken.
• Support your clients with incentives. The pandemic affected not only businesses, but also individuals. Some remain out of work today, while others have had their salaries reduced. Incentives show you appreciate their loyalty … and their circumstances.
• Support your employees. Continue to invest in the professional development of your team. A smart, diverse team can be your greatest asset. Provide resources, and have empathy.
• Innovate. As we shifted our strategies in the past, we must do so once again. Those who will be most successful are those who gained some introspection and found ways to grow through the dark times. Use what you’ve learned about your business, clients, employees, and even yourself to your advantage going forward.

Through it all, remember that our relationships are stronger and more resilient than COVID-19. Even a global pandemic could not destroy the human connection. We simply learned new ways to reach each other. For me, images of people helping one another, impromptu concerts through open city windows, and teachers educating students via a computer will forever be ingrained in my soul. That human spirit and those connections are what I will choose to take with me. And now that we are seemingly on the other side of it all, with a renewed commitment to each other, we can forge together with stronger bonds than ever before.

For more information about cultivating relationships with your employees and clients, please don’t hesitate to contact hello@thewinwoman.com .

Until next time, keep Building Your BADASSERY.