Opening up delayed by 4 weeks

I couldn’t wait for business to open up on June 21st if I’m honest because what I love most is working with people. Don’t get me wrong of course I have carried on and met with clients, but it’s not been as I would have wished. It’s been cautious and careful and always with their safety as my number 1 priority.

I have missed being able to talk to everyone face to face. I am a people person, and I’m one of those people that used to avoid having telephone meetings. So embracing more technology and having meetings on Zoom, and What’s App has been great when there was no other option, but there is nothing like being in the same room as someone and sharing your energy.

Like most people my initial reaction was that another 4 weeks is frustrating and disappointing, but not really a surprise. So I am choosing to ‘keep calm and carry on ‘and get on with it, as it’s safer for everyone, and after all it’s just another 4 weeks.

One of the things I love about my business as a block management specialist is being able to support my clients and residents, in spite of the lockdown. As I said, talking on the phone, by email, and even by Zoom is fine, but sometimes you can miss those nuances and subtleties, when people are perhaps finding it hard to explain a point as clearly as they might. Therefore, to be able to see them face to face is so much better.

Also, as a natural problem solver I love helping residents out and being able to sort out any problems they have, so their day to day living runs smoothly.

Another thing I have missed has been local business networking, in Bristol & Cheltenham which is so important. Again, there have been opportunities to network online, but not everyone has felt comfortable with this, and some people have simply opted out of that digital opportunity.

To walk into a room full of other business people who are there to share their stories, many of whom are business friends and colleagues, is such a support when you run a small business.

The opportunity to make contacts is vital for business growth, and I have made many unexpected connections when I’ve been out networking in the past. Often collaborations grow from these meetings, another aspect of business which is important and helps open new doors and introduces new opportunities.

What I’m looking forward to:

Does it sound too cheesy to say I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone’s smiles! I have got used to wearing a mask, I think we all have, but what it masks is really being able to pick up on social cues.

When you work with the vulnerable and the elderly social cues are so important, and I think we have all got better at Smizing - smiling more with our eyes, it’s all we’ve had to interpret how the other person feels and is reacting to what you’re discussing. But I am really looking forward to ditching the masks and seeing everyone’s smiles again.

During lockdown I continued to meet with my clients and visit many of the blocks I manage, so the easing of lockdown in 4 weeks will mean it just gets easier to get out more regularly. Obviously, remaining safe is still important, but to be able to chat more freely with people will be lovely. To remind them that we are still available when they need us.

In terms of business, my business has grown during lockdown, and we’ve used the time wisely to improve our processes and the way we manage all the behind scenes work.

You may have read we have won a few awards, which is so exciting and all the hard work we have put in means that we are receiving regular new business enquiries. I’m thrilled and it’s a testament to how hard the team have worked and pulled together in the last year, because most of the new block management enquiries are as a results of recommendations and word of mouth referrals. This is testament to the service we provide and the fact that we consistently go the extra mile.

I’m so looking forward to deepen our relationship and with residents in the latest blocks we have taken on over the last few months. See how the decorations and alterations have gone, and meet the residents and finding out a little about them. I want them to be confident about talking to me, asking questions and not feeling I’m at a distance and not interested. That personal touch is so very important in my business.

I do have to bear in mind though that some people will not feel confident or as ready to meet others. Some will harbour fears around Covid19, some may not have had their jabs for various reasons and some may just have got out of the habit of being around others.

Bearing this in mind, I do think there will be a period of adjustment from which a new ‘normal’ will emerge. One where people will meet digitally more often in business, and where there will be more of a balance between virtual meet-ups and meeting face to face. I guess we will all have to show a little kindness and understanding around this.

Personally, the thing I’m looking forward to most is physically being able to meet friends again, both business and personal, and where possible and appropriate, hug them!

What about you?

Has the extension inconvenienced you greatly, or are you resigned to another 4 weeks because you, like me have got used to it?

If you like the sound of the way we work at Fraser Allen and you’d like your property to be in safe hands, then please call 01242 399150 or email us on info@fraserallenem.co.uk and let’s see how we can support you.