Prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, our interactions with clients primarily revolved around two formats: dial-in phone conferences, often referred to as webinars, and face-to-face meetings for local clients. A few times a week, when a discussion required more in-depth engagement than a simple phone call permitted, we would either travel to meet our local clients or invite them to visit our studio.
One challenge we’ve always encountered is establishing and nurturing strong relationships with clients located across the country or even on the opposite side of the world, all without the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. This obstacle proved to be significant for us, as our services heavily rely on comprehending our clients’ needs, earning their trust with their goals and brand reputation, and engaging in a cycle of asking questions, active listening, and collaboration throughout the project’s lifecycle to achieve a shared end goal.
During the pandemic, it became imperative for us to find alternative ways to stay connected with our clients and maintain strong relationships, all while operating from the confines of our home offices.
Thanks to the availability of video conferencing services such as Zoom and Google Meet (which existed before 2019, but gained widespread popularity during the pandemic), we quickly adapted to the new circumstances. We began scheduling video calls over phone calls, some of which introduced us to long-standing clients for the very first time! The inclusion of video transformed the impersonal nature of phone calls, allowing us to observe our clients’ facial expressions. As a result, many of our clients transitioned from mere business contacts to cherished friends.
As of June 2023, Zoom has witnessed remarkable growth, with an average of approximately 300 million daily active users participating in meetings. This incredible surge in user adoption has occurred within a span of less than two years.
For those who are curious, Zoom was launched in 2013, while Google Meet made its debut in 2017. Undoubtedly, the pandemic played a significant role in the sustained success of both platforms. The increased demand for remote collaboration and communication during the global crisis propelled their popularity to new heights.
