Sunday, January 24, 2010

brightness amidst the clouds

Tadd and I spent this past week on the road with clients and prospects and experienced one of the most enriching trips of our young company’s history. Apart from pure business, we had the chance to mix in a little fun, and to re-connect with dear friends both old and new – people who we care for greatly and who seem to do likewise. The trip took place against the backdrop of one of the largest storm systems to hit the west coast and at times, it seemed like the deluge of water was an appropriate metaphor for the deluge of activityvirtualwirks faces right now. Like the Californians, we were both grateful for the onslaught – as it signifies health – and a bit overwhelmed when it comes so heavy at once. Growing up in the high desert, both of us are unaccustomed to a full week of rain, clouds and dark skies, and as the week drew to a close we were treated to brightness beyond expectation; only it took a human form amidst the clouds.

One of those friend re-connections took the time to review what we do, share a series of impassioned “what if..” and “did you think about…” ideas, and then reinforce for us the magic in what we’ve embarked upon and the future she believes we have. Our friend is petite, and uses the nickname “Lil C” with those close to her to reflect it. Whenever I talk with her I marvel in how so much power exists in her small frame; and like a good rain, even a short conversation with her is like being showered in magic waters for me. We emerged from our discussion having her stimulate our thinking of new ways to drive our message, sell products, how to reach an underserved populace, and to focus beyond the workplace and into things like virtual universities. We chose our company name as play on many concepts: working virtually (work), the mechanics of virtual (wirks); and the fact that virtual does indeed, work. Those were only reinforced last week in all we did.

So what’s the lesson in all this random thinking? Whenever there’s rain, there’s growth just beyond. Wherever there is passion, there is success to follow. The darkest of skies can often be punctuated with the brightest of spirits. And magical people are there for every business, even 2 decades after we first met. Sometimes they’re waiting to be asked, and other times they’ve simply come in out of the rain.

–Jim