Lazette Special Issue: Living Not Surviving May 2021 | Page 18

Online businesses are thriving .
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions being imposed , businesses have shifted towards conducting transactions and other business operations through online means .
But online operations are still lacking . The physical setup is what cements the prosperity of a business . It is what etches its name into the hearts and minds of not just its customer base , but also throughout the population .
And the online setup we have now simply cannot replace that .
But before anything , allow me to make some things clear . Firstly , I am not devaluing the efforts of online
business owners in running their business , because running a business online also has its own challenges - let alone a transition from face-to-face to online . In fact , one of the benefits of online operations is the fact that you can conduct business activities anytime .
Secondly , businesses should indeed evolve and innovate . After all , in an ever-so-dynamic world , survival now depends on our creativity and ability to adapt quickly & efficiently . Look no further than the online businesses of today .
However , we should not limit ourselves .
There is one element in face-to-face settings that is missing in the online system we have now .
Something that is integral to the operations of not only businesses but even other aspects of life , such as school and social life .
The answer lies in the human face .
The face is not only a mere image of ourselves projected onto others so that they may recognize us .
The face in itself is a weapon , one which uses the power of human emotion as its bullet .
I would like to emphasize the role of nonverbal communication in today ’ s world . When we only
communicate through text messages or emails , we lose that part of communication through which we can further analyze what the person is trying to say . Non-verbal cues such as facial expression , hand gestures , and voice tone help enhance the communication experience , more so than if we were only limited to analyzing the words themselves .
It is not only the human face but also the human connection that is essential to the successful operations of a business .
To begin with , face-to-face interaction lessens the distractions around us . They promote on-task focus , especially when group dynamics come into play .
Not only that , but present in a face-to-face setting as well is the interpersonal human bond shared by everyone - within the family , within the classroom , within the workplace , and beyond . In fact , not only the bond between workplace employees but also between the business employees
and clients . This is especially true for fields under service industries such as restaurants , bakeries , cafes , and barbershops . From home fragrance to personal care and beyond , we can all agree that the employee-employee , employee-employer , and employee-client relationships are all major components of the lifeblood that sustains a business and ensures its longevity .
Even in seemingly mundane affairs such as that of business , let us always remember that there is humanity driving that force . There is humanity that ties it all together ,
weaving it into a smooth fabric held together by closely knit threads and needles .

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ONLINE BUSINESSES