/things are getting real_
I was watching a virtual conference today and one of the hosts told a story about a live episode of a video podcast she was recording from home and how while she was recording her dog took a dump on her bed right behind her. That’s when I thought, you know what, if my kids run into the room and say poop while I’m on a call, I’m not going to sweat it. And you know what? That happened today.
I am now back and forth in working from home and working out of the office. Our office is open but there are a lot of rules and if you get a little sick, you’re working from home. That’s it. What I’ve noticed is that people are really forgiving and truthfully when you hear someone’s daughter singing as loud as she can or you hear a dog barking, you learn a little bit about that person and it humanizes them.
You think, “oh, this person is a dog person” or “she’s totally boss and she has 9 kids. This person is amazing.” This experience has me wondering, what value is there in being able to connect on a more personal level with a lot of these people who you’re really just meeting for the first time?
Professionalism has always been a bottom line for business relationships. But with an open window into the lives of everyday people professionalism alone might become too cold and impersonal for the future. It’s time we own the gifts of own imperfection.
It’s not uncommon for me to have a virtual meeting without needed to get up to help a little use the potty or get a snack. It’s not uncommon to wipe some tears in front of someone I don’t know. And I think that’s ok. People understand. It’s happening to them too.
So forgive yourself. Forgive the mess. Sure, do a little bit of tidying before the call. Yes, have a dedicated space with a background designed specifically for the frame of the webcam. Do all of those things. But all yourself to finally be real. Allow yourself to look through to the other side of the computer screen and admit that you’re a person with a real life. People will love that about you.
Let down your guard and be real.
The beauty of this moment is that the connections we can make in business can really become meaningful. This last year I’ve been held up by my business friend community. Professional relationships that are deeply personal. It’s such a meaningful way to do business. And it begins with allowing yourself to be a little vulnerable.
If you don’t know much about me yet on the professional side. I work with companies who are trying to automate their marketing funnels and drive more business. My design and tech team and I do this through helping companies design and build a booking site that puts appointments right on their calendar using WP and the Periodic platform. I’m very happy to make new business friends and have whiteboard sessions. Let’s collaborate! Hop on my calendar anytime.
Torlando Hakes | Author | Speaker | Podcaster
Director of Business Development at Periodic
