When you have a new idea, the first thing you want to do is talk to someone and explain it to them. You are so overcome with excitement that people can see it on your face and they want to hear what has you all worked up. A new framework? A new language? A new idea?

They don’t even have to know what the idea is, but they want to hear it.

I remember having this feeling when I’ve had ideas presented to me. Someone comes in to your area in a rush, they collapse into their chair and they start rambling on about something. You aren’t sure if you’re going to like it, but you are sure that you want to hear more.

Conveying the same emotion remotely is a little trickier.

At some point, you are going to get tired of video so people will not see you.

Midway through talking about your idea, someone will interrupt to say they can’t hear you anymore.

Someone will ask a question just as you’re getting to the good part.

Whatever it is, it’s not as easy as it used to be.

Some suggestions to recreate that feeling.

Forget email, go straight to an instant message – “Everyone, I have an idea to solve the build issues, here is the link to the meeting room, if you’re interested, I’ll see you there”

This is the trailer to get them in the door.

When the meeting starts, don’t go to video. Have something displayed on the background of the screen. This is the prpe. People who enter the room early can know what they are coming for and what they should be saying. While a few of them are milling into the meeting they can read and consume.

Launch – you have the right people there, they know why they are there, they got to choose to be there. You’ve given them something to talk about while they are waiting. Now launch into it, jump into your idea. In your prep screen you should have asked for no questions to the end.

If all goes well, hopefully you’ll be able to have people as excited for your idea as you are.

Just know, it’s a different world in which to convey your thoughts in and adapting is half of the fun/battle.

Want more? Check out my book Code Your Way Up – available as an eBook or Paperback on Amazon (CAN and US).  I’m also the co-host of the Remotely Prepared podcast.

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