Working in the Company of Strangers

Never Too Old to Learn
Isn’t it interesting how different situations shed light on who we are? Well, I had the realization this week that I don’t like working alone. As you probably guessed, Bob and I spend 24 hours a day together….very happily. Some people cringe when we share this, thinking of their own situations.
Working Online Brings Its Own Set of Challenges
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy. Bob being who he is, it’s probably a lot easier for me than it is for him. Bob is much easier going than I am. When I’m having difficulty learning something, or heaven forbid, something goes wrong with a video, Bob hears about it. He can do nothing about it, but I will constantly ask Bob, what am I supposed to do? Bob remains calm, probably tries to block me out as he waits for the problem to be solved and the storm to pass.
Learning How and When You Work Best
As mentioned, Bob was away one day and I found the house to be unbearably quiet. For my sanity and productivity I had to get out of the house. Walking to a coffee shop in our neighbourhood, I felt relieved to be outside the same four walls where the sun was shining. Walking into a neighbourhood Starbucks filled to capacity with people just like me, I wondered, what is it about being in the company of strangers that is so comforting?
In the Company of Strangers
Barely getting a seat, I sat down at a community table when people of all ages were working. One young woman was working on an iPad in Chinese, another young guy was typing feverishly, blocking out noise with head phones. A woman around my age was reading a magazine article, unable to keep her eyes open. We are all at the same table, in our own space, in our own thoughts. Everyone is different, yet similar.
In Strangers We Trust
Research shows that 91 percent of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews, and 84 percent trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. People make decisions quickly, 68 percent form an opinion after reading between one and six reviews.
Our Perspectives Have Changed Over the Years
That means in this online world we are trusting strangers more than we are trusting people we know. You wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t true.
"At one time or another, we all need access to support and advice. At times the most useful people are strangers."
Mario L. Small, Sociologist, Harvard University
People Still Like to Work With Those They Like and Trust
Similar to traditional business, people like to work with people they like and trust. Online business is exactly the same. How people build trust is different. The online world is based on the same foundation as traditional business. The difference, online business provides the vehicle to connect with and make a difference in people’s lives all around the world. We are in exciting times. Every individual has the opportunity to have a positive impact on other people's lives.
Please reach out to us by responding to this email. When you’re ready to start your online business, click this link and you can get started today.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Adrienne and Bob