Together, virtually

The new normal everyone is facing is unearthing some new behaviors. These behaviors are growing out of necessity right now, but are likely to stick around to some degree after things return to whatever the next new normal will be post-shutdown orders. One of the biggest trends is virtual conferencing. For work, but also socially. Zoom and HouseParty have seen an explosion of users, some of the few companies that are seeing positive growth at this time. Riding on the need for so many people to connect virtually, they are rolling out product fixes and watching their valuations soar. What will be critical is how they'll continue to position themselves as people return to work and in-person gatherings. Are some of these virtual gatherings here to stay now that older generations and technology hold-outs have become power users? Are consumers getting more comfortable with other virtual habits like online grocery ordering, workouts, and more? Will conversations among disparately located family and/or friends continue? I think those few companies that are seeing growth in the current time, will have to be very strategic and savvy about continuing to position their offering as a positive and desirable solution when being in-person is an option. But, if they're able to, they may find themselves on the ground floor of an entire social revolution that changes how people communicate, interact, plan, shop, and more.