Online meetings end the tyranny of distance

SINCE early January, societies worldwide are responding to the colossal changes triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and as the weeks have turned to months many in business are beginning to ask pivotal questions about the future. The tight restrictions that have been imposed in the majority of countries in order to contain the rapid spread of the deadly virus have already had such an economic impact that it’s reasonable to understand why business owners view this pandemic through a very negative lens — but perhaps it is worth considering some of the valuable opportunities to arise from this period.

Much has already been spoken about the rapid emergence of remote working and to what level this will be maintained post crisis.

Technologically, the world has been quick to adapt to the concept and practicalities of remote working. Had this pandemic emerged in any other era before now, it’s difficult to predict whether it would have been possible to maintain any degree of day-to-day operations within companies and organisations away from the traditional office environment.

The infrastructure, devices and applications that have been developed by Irish companies over the past decade are among the solutions that are supporting employees to work from virtually anywhere during Covid-19. Culturally, human beings are hardwired to adapt to their circumstances, and this instinct is never stronger than when we must do so together. For some, working from home has led to a renewed focus, higher levels of productivity and ironically, a greater sense of connection to colleagues. When the immediate crisis has passed, and restrictions are eased, there is scope for businesses to embrace this change and implement new policies for their employees.

Interpersonal relationships have always been, and will always be, at the core of business sales, but this crisis has forced us to discover new ways to foster these relationships. Gone are the days, at least for now, of working the room, where a confident handshake and ready eye contact can create an immediate impression with a potential business partner. Informal coffees, fancy lunches and large conferences are tools no longer available to sales and business development folk.

A mere matter of weeks ago, a confident salesperson would be tasked with presenting a business pitch strong enough to command the attention of a captive audience; now they have the additional challenge of having to do so virtually while competing with unseen distractions and family members or pets that are vying for their attention.

The informal lunch or catch-up over coffee is now virtual and from the confines of the kitchen table or the very uninspiring spare-room-cumhome-office. For the foreseeable future, the way in which companies procure services and how business relationships evolve may have changed but that does not necessarily mean to any disadvantage.

In fact, it may be of benefit to businesses, particularly new market entrants and international firms. For instance, the playing field in business is levelled when having an inmarket presence no longer gives an edge and it is not essential to invest in hiring local vendors.

The most precious resource in any business is, arguably, time. The hours spent travelling from one office to another, or the days it would take a European-based CEO to attend a meeting in Asia Pacific, can weigh but in this new virtual world these meetings can be conducted securely online at anytime, anywhere which leaves more time for other important items.

Not to mention the convenience of being able to draw on an entire team across departments or client base wherever in the world at any one time is more efficient, productive and potentially favourable on the sales process.

For exporters, the opportunities presented by these changes are immense.

The playing field has been levelled and the tyranny of distance or risk in investing in overseas teams too soon no longer hovers over their heads.

So as businesses and consumers continue to adjust and more and more solutions to the challenges are identified, simple truths remain — organisations still need services, exporters still need to provide them, and the wheels of commerce will continue to turn.