The magic we take for granted

We don’t know how good we’ve got it. (SDASM Archives)

Remember what the future was going to be like?

We are still waiting for flying cars and jetpacks. But we do have video phones and teleconferencing.

These days, when you watch the crew of the Enterprise talk to people (or aliens) through the viewscreen on an old episode of Star Trek, you have to remind yourself that this technology, now commonplace, used to be impossible.

Teleconferencing is still so new that we haven’t figured out how to make the most of it. We already take its magic for granted. When we compare a teleconference to a physical class or meeting, we may be disappointed that we can’t run things the exact same way. But so much becomes possible when we take things online.

For instance, consider twelve-step groups like AA and Al-Anon. Heretofore, members and prospective members have been limited to meetings in their locality. Those in rural areas might travel thirty minutes or an hour to a meeting, and some sparsely populated towns might not have meetings compatible with a person’s work schedule.

Now, with meetings moving online in response to the global pandemic, someone can attend a meeting anywhere in the world. Those who are sick or homebound can participate; those in need of a meeting at 2 in the morning might be able to find one happening on the other side of the world, where it’s midday. These new options are saving lives in more ways than one.

For a few years now, I’ve been participating in teleconferences with people from around the world, mostly on Zoom. I’ve worked with two different coaches, each of whom lived in a different state, transforming my business as a result. I’ve been working as part of a team with members in three time zones. And I’ve used Zoom to help connect with my team remotely when I’m out of town. Meeting in person is great, but letting go of that constraint allows us to develop working relationships that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to be part of a Q & A session with Seth Godin as a participant in The Marketing Seminar. It was a key moment in my understanding of the potential of video meetings. The call had dozens of participants from around the world, but somehow Seth made it feel like he was physically present. His attention was palpable. Since then, knowing that it’s possible, I have tried to create that same feeling for my students and clients, helping them to feel seen and connected.

Once you let go of “in person” meetings, a whole world opens up. You can make a faraway baby giggle on Skype. You can participate in a master class via Facebook live with 90 other people and get up to get a snack whenever you want. You can visit with your favorite podcasters on a YouTube livestream and chat with friends and colleagues or ask the speakers a question. On Zoom, you can lead a group of kids in party games like Two Truths and a Lie. You can be part of a “virtual retreat” and get support for your most challenging questions from people all over the world who can relate to what you’re going through. You can connect with a prospective client a few time zones away. And you can watch a loved one turn into an animated slice of pizza on Messenger Kids while you become a smiling zombie. I’ve done all of these things, and more, just in the past week.

We are living in uncertain times, with no idea whether and when things will ever be back to “normal.” We are fortunate that our tech allows us to transition many of our vital meetings online — and even more fortunate if we had meetings that were already online in the first place, continuing seamlessly. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out — and we’re missing out on you.