Ask the expert

How to build meaningful relationships online.

Since running our Three at Three sessions, one thing has been made abundantly clear – there is the need for a space that enables real conversations and real connections. Every week we’re blown away by the honesty and clarity that people speak with. We’ve heard real war stories, redundancies, directors taking second jobs and people considering downsizing their homes…These are not the normal conversations you would have pre COVID-19 in a networking group. It could be argued that the time we’re in has hugely contributed to the level of honesty, but we also think that what we’ve created is special. So, what have we learnt and what will we bring into the post COVID-19 world?

Frame sessions

One of the things we started to do from the outset was a detailed intro at the beginning of each session. We don’t mean “Hi, I’m John and I sell AI solutions. Contact me for your exclusive 15% off,” we mean setting out what the session is about at the beginning, establishing rules and expectations. So at the beginning of each of our sessions we remind people that nothing gets repeated outside of the session, the questions that we’re framing the session around (for example, how to create a cult following) and how people can interact (as simple as reminding people that they can physically raise their hand, press the “raise hand” button or just politely interject.) This may seem obvious, but people like to know what’s expected of them. It sets the scene and means that everyone can relax and take part.

Don’t worry if topics veer away from your intended discussion

Emma and Lisa are brilliant at thinking of topics and researching them before the discussion. James is not. Often the discussion will meander away from the intended direction, but that’s ok. It’s this space that creates some of the best discussion that we’ve seen (for instance, have you had a think about how many sick days your teams have recorded since lockdown? Compare that to 2019 for the same time period. You’re welcome.)

Key discussion pieces so far

Adapting to change is how we’ll succeed — it’s not about being the strongest or most intellectual (Darwin was covered on one of our early sessions for those who missed it). For us it means that how we respond to our audience, or client needs, and adapt to solve their problems will stand us in a stronger position than being too concerned about what our competitors are doing. They’re adapting quickly too, after all.

Accepting where you are right now is a positive point — things aren’t normal, but once you accept that things have changed you can react and plan to address these.

Working remotely is still challenging for many people and having some people in the office whilst some are working at home is a logistical issue. As this becomes more commonplace, a balance should come out for business owners. The work is increasing as evening video calls come up after spending a day in the office too.

It’s been many weeks of back-to-back work for business owners so finding the motivation that we had at the start is hard. Perhaps it’s time to put some boundaries in place and an ‘out of office’ message on so we can recharge and focus.

Creating trust with our employees is an ongoing discussion as remote working has meant trust is implicit but as we move to a blended working model, it’s going to require another readjustment. The needs of those in the office and those at home will be different so trusting that people are delivering on both counts is important.

We heard of two fantastic business shifts during our discussion. One where business revenue dropped nearly 100% to now looking at getting a new critical product to market very soon. The second business was impacted by the hospitality sector but by creating a ‘direct to consumer’ delivery model and virtual events this may be a new revenue stream which sticks. Hopefully this means that they’ll be in a stronger position post-COVID-19, not weaker.

Transparency with employees and including them in problem solving is a great way to show empathy and inclusion as you develop a culture of openness, trust and loyalty.

When managing teams and dealing with any negativity it’s important to get as face-to-face with them as possible. Video calls are as close as we’ll get to meeting in person so this still has more impact than messaging, or losing meaning in emails.

Beyond

We’re pleased with what we’ve created, but the answers have been coming from the attendees, not us. We want to keep numbers limited to keep the conversations open and honest, but we’re always happy to add people that aren’t going to show up, give a hard sell or say “business is blooming” and then leave. We succeed when we collaborate.

One thing we’re still searching for an answer to, is how do you recreate the “water-cooler” moment? If you have the answer to that, why not join in and tell us!

Email james@cobbdigital.com to book your space.