As we adapt to recent changes in our world, the landscape of opportunities has shifted dramatically. The once-open pathways are now filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

One notable story is that of Matt Colvin, a young man from Tennessee who hoarded 17,000 bottles of hand sanitizer, attempting to sell them at exorbitant prices before Amazon intervened. Left with a surplus of unsellable stock that was desperately needed, he eventually donated them in a bid to recover from public backlash, financial losses, and legal scrutiny. Personally, I don’t feel much sympathy for his predicament.

This situation raises my concerns about inadvertently engaging in price gouging while I try to keep my business afloat, which has been significantly affected by the current crisis. Are pasta manufacturers profiting from the pandemic? Is there a surge in Purell's stock prices? Are emergency bidet installation services thriving?

As the owner of a small podcast company, I recognize that my ability to produce new content will be severely limited in the upcoming months. I plan to focus more on editing and writing instead. However, a significant portion of my business has diminished almost overnight; gatherings in small spaces to record podcasts are now a thing of the past.

While one segment of my business is struggling, another opportunity is emerging. Many are beginning to see that the contingency plans they set up as alternatives could actually become primary strategies. The shift to remote work is likely to gain momentum, and technology will play a critical role in supporting this new workforce. I anticipate that over the next few years, people will be more thoughtful about meeting arrangements, questioning the necessity of in-person gatherings.

Several clients have approached me seeking advice on how to leverage podcasts and digital audio to transition their offline events into online formats. They want to know how to transform panel discussions into engaging audio-visual experiences or how to convert all-hands meetings into digestible audio files. The challenge remains: can we replicate the organic interactions of in-person events through podcasts or streaming?

With the right guidance, we can ensure that the final product maintains a professional standard, even if staff are self-producing content. However, we must address how to maintain quality to keep listeners engaged.

Shifting an audience from offline to online is a gradual and intricate process. It necessitates a well-thought-out digital and social media strategy that is executed thoughtfully over an extended period. In this crisis, the urgency to expedite this transition is palpable. We must ensure that any repurposed content for digital platforms meets market demand.

In the upcoming weeks and months, we will tackle these challenges and likely face many others. Although initial efforts may be rocky, I am optimistic that companies, like my own, can devise action plans to facilitate ongoing communication with both internal and external audiences. This period also presents a significant opportunity for businesses to solidify their digital media strategies, which are often overlooked. If you emerge from the 2020 coronavirus crisis with an enhanced online presence, you will have used this time wisely.

Despite the overwhelming challenges we face, there are glimpses of hope amid the turmoil.

If you believe I could assist you or your organization, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or connect with me on Twitter @nickfthilton.