I have been reaching out to and receiving communications from people that I don’t connect with on a regular basis. The focus of that communication has been basic during this unprecedented time which is “how are you doing”? It’s such a loaded question and in so many ways, even though not meant to be, rhetorical.
Image: Newport Beach Pier
For those of us who have not been infected by the corona virus, we’re just grateful and feel as though we can’t really complain that it’s hard to find toilet paper to buy. For those who have been infected or have lost a loved one due to the virus, there are literally no words. While the advancement of technology has helped us adapt a little easier, it has still been a difficult time for most people.
Viewing a live stream of a funeral, is not the same as being there for comfort and closure.
Attending Google classroom, is not the same as teacher-to-student eye contact for understanding.
Working from home gets the job done, but it doesn’t allow impromptu brainstorming with colleagues.
Ordering your groceries online takes away from the experience of picking out that just right piece of fruit.
Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for technology and believe that COVID-19 virus has disrupted us in such a way that it will force us to push technology further and at a faster pace.
To me, the beautiful surprise during this is the inspiring creativity that has been evident.
Nearly every industry making meaningful charitable contributions.
Brands coming up with ways to service their customers even though their doors are closed.
We have been giving ourselves high marks for our advancements but essentially COVID-19 showed us that we need to do some catching up. The status quo is not good enough anymore. This global pandemic and shelter-in-place has given all of us something we never had before which is time. Time to accelerate our usage of digital services, time to be more creative and time to reach out and ask people who we know “how are you doing?”.
Sonya Ruff Jarvis, is the Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants and the Founder of the eRetailer Summit and JC Event Group. An expert in her field, Sonya has been published in numerous retail industry b-to-b publications. Sonya shares her experiences in her book series Mindful Minutes: A Marketer’s Journey Through Business. In addition, Sonya collaborated in publishing an anthology, Mentoring Moments: 14 Remarkable Women Share Their Breakthroughs to Success. To purchase Sonya’s books go to AMAZON.
Sonya has a M.B.A. in Marketing. She is married and has a daughter and they live in Trumbull, Connecticut.
Follow Sonya on twitter at @jarvisconsult or @eretailersummit.