Going Virtual

Frequently, in the pages of ABL Technology Online, we congratulate our Members on new achievements and awards. Among those mentioned this week is that our Member, Kim Shepherd, CEO of Decision Toolbox, received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for “Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.” While on the surface, the move to “going virtual” sounds like just sending all your employees home and, viola!, instant overhead savings, it’s truly much more complicated than that. In fact, if just saving money on rent were the primary reason for going virtual, that would be the recipe for disaster.

As it turns out, I’m very familiar with Kim’s model, since I’ve worked first-hand with Kim’s virtual organization, and I’m an incredibly satisfied customer. But, going virtual doesn’t come without a price tag. First there’s the technology: every one of Kim’s associates, regardless of where in the world they are based, has access to DT’s highly sophisticated computer-based and telephonic network. As a client, it’s been absolutely inconsequential as to where the associate I’m speaking to is based, because I’ve just dialed their “562” area code number in Long Beach. So for the associates internally, they’re all just an extension apart. They also are linked via video cam, so whenever they’re online, they’re up and ready for work with, as Kim would call it, their “mascara on.” No pajama parties here.

Also, part of the “flexibility factor” is the flexibility in their client relationships. In the past, when dealing with external recruiters, it’s been strictly a 9-5 operation. Now, when I connect with “our recruiter,” Heidi Webster, I know I can call her at “off-peak” hours, when I have more time, to discuss the job specifications, review candidates, and compare notes – usually around 7 pm. And Heidi’s in the Washington, DC area! Among the many other “tools” in the Decision Toolbox is Kim’s passion for staying inter-connected with her team, through frequent “all hands” phone calls, newsletters, and quarterly team-building get-togethers and brainstorming fetes.

Truly, Kim could – and should! – write the book on Going Virtual, because far more than “prize worthy,” she’s made Decision Toolbox a model for what will undoubtedly be an ever-more virtually connected world.