Question

1. How are apps, Skype, tweets, social networking, and virtual meetings changing business? How might apps and Skype be employed for internal and external communication?
2. How are telecommuting situations, where your first meeting takes place over email, and you never meet in person, changing business interaction?
3. How does this change “the stakes” of your first email and subsequent emails? Is it really possible to form a professional relationship over email?
4. Have you ever experienced a business relationship like this? Was it successful?
5. Some companies that hire out of state are hiring people strictly over Skype, without ever meeting in person. Is this wise? Do you believe it’s possible to really know a person or a company through one Skype interview? How would you prepare for such an interview?

Answer 1

The incredible growth of smartphones and the ability of social networks to keep users engaged means the amount of time users spend on social sites is significant. It is increasingly simpler for businesses to connect with people and vice-versa.
In a post-Covid world this has become even more important and relevant, in order to abide by social restrictions.
As a result, across industries, social media has become an essential component of any business strategy - either because of digital marketing or new customer service communication channels. Social media has its impact on the way most organizations run - the strategic direction taken by senior managers, the daily decisions staff make, the changing revenue models offered by social and mobile platforms, and the partnerships technology teams have to develop in order to facilitate the consumption of content.

While face-to-face discussions offer intrinsic benefits and can never be fully replaced, sometimes it is just not practical as work teams may be spread across multiple locations. Besides, in a post-Covid world it has also become an imperative to conduct business virtually while most staff work from home.
Below are some apps that can be employed for internal and external communication:

• Slack is a team messaging tool brings all types of communication together seamlessly, eliminating the need for long email threads and links. Team conversations can be organized into open or private channels. The app further integrates with all social media platforms.
• Dropbox offers cloud storage and file synchronization, and can house documents, photos and videos. The team can access this material from anywhere, as the material will automatically show up on all synched devices, as well as the Dropbox website and is particularly helpful for sharing large files and backups.
• Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service that allows users to store files in the cloud, share files and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations photos and audio files. Users can write and edit on the same document, at the same time, with chat and comment features. All changes are automatically saved. Users can access the documents anywhere, at any time, from multiple devices.
• Skype is a pioneering videoconferencing tool used by a vast majority on a daily basis to network with colleagues and connect to their loved ones. Skype can also be used for group chats. Photos and files of all sizes can be transmitted using the tool. The app supports instant messaging, texts and emojis and has a translator feature.
• Zoom is an online video conferencing service that allows users to pull in up to 50 HD video streams at the same time. It offers video, audio and screen sharing, as well as group messaging, on all sorts of devices.

Telecommuting situations, where the first meeting takes place over email, and you never meet in person, is increasingly becoming a reality and also a necessity in a post-Covid world.
As a result the first email has to provide a concise and accurate description of yourself and the purpose of the interaction and the subsequent emails must build upon these. Although not easy to form a professional relationship over email, this is increasingly becoming a necessity in today's world. The impact of this could be that the relationship would be measured in strictly professional terms based on the outcome delivered and inter-personal aspects would become less important.

Although difficult to really know a person or a company through one Skype interview, virtual interviews are increasingly becoming unavoidable and can be planned so as to maximize the benefits.
Below are some tips to prepare for such an interview:

• Treat it exactly like any other interview, including dressing professionally from head to toe. Also dress in video friendly clothing by avoiding stripes and choosing shades that are neutral or pale.
• Do a test run at least 24 hours ahead so there is an opportunity to fix any technical issues that might arise. Also play around with everything beforehand so that you are completely prepared at interview time. Especially tweak the Skype audio ahead of time to make sure you can both hear and be heard without difficulty.
• Set your camera’s viewing angle such that you’re looking straight at it, not down at it. This will help to give you a more natural look. Also maintain eye contact with the camera as much as possible, to give the illusion that you are making eye contact with the interviewer. Keep the eye contact natural and remember to smile.
• Set yourself up in an area with good light and a pleasing background, preferably a home office. A home office setting would also ensure that you are completely focused.
• Desktops and laptop computers are preferable to a mobile phone, as these generally have superior audio and camera capabilities. It is better to close all other applications on your computer. If you have to use your cellphone, place it on a solid, steady surface.
• A benefit of having a Skype interview is that you can keep a copy of your resume handy and have a cheat sheet so that you don't have to memorize everything you want to mention. During the interview stop every once in awhile and make sure your interviewer is engaged in what you are saying.