The Case for Making “Async” Your Default

Sending audio or video notes as a default for virtual communication will save you so much time and energy, while greatly increasing the quality and efficiency of your collaborations

Greetings from Montenegro!

I’ve now been in this beautiful country for 7 weeks, spending time with some of the most brilliant minds in crypto and longevity, exploring the wonders of in-person encounters and the energy that flows from being in the presence of mission-aligned individuals.

We’re all co-creating and participating in one of the coolest co-living experiments I’ve ever heard of, and the experience is nothing short of fascinating.

The power of in-person collaboration is self-evident here.

However, the reality is, in-person meetings with like-minded collaborators aren't always feasible. Geographic boundaries, time zone differences, and busy schedules often make it challenging. So how do we connect deeply with these brilliant minds scattered across the globe?

The answer lies in asynchronous virtual communication, specifically via audio and video.

Asynchronous communication, in my opinion, should be our default method for networking and kickstarting potential collaborative relationships or intellectual fellowships.

Here's why:

1) No Pressure, High Context

Asynchronous communication offers an excellent alternative to the dreaded cold call or meeting request from a stranger. When you send an asynchronous audio or video note, you’re allowing the recipient to engage with your message in their own time without creating a burden on their schedule. This no-pressure, high-context approach enables the recipient to gain a sense of your personality and energy without the awkwardness of a first-time synchronous meeting.

2) Thoughtful Interactions and Better Understanding

Unlike in-person meetings, where the pressure to respond immediately can lead to half-baked answers, asynchronous communication provides the luxury of time. It allows you to think through your response, ensuring clarity and adding unique value to the conversation. Similarly, it gives the recipient time to process the information, leading to a more effective collaboration.

3) Inclusivity and Flexibility

Asynchronous communication is a godsend when dealing with collaborators spread across different time zones. It's almost impossible to find a suitable time for a synchronous meeting when working with a global team. With asynchronous communication, everyone can participate at a time that works best for them, reducing the strain of coordinating calendars and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

4) Fostering Creativity

Creativity doesn’t adhere to a strict nine-to-five schedule. It can strike during a walk, a workout, or even while you're on an airplane. Asynchronous communication respects this reality, allowing collaborators the freedom to engage when they are at their most creative and productive, thereby reducing the risk of burnout.

5) Empowering Introverts and Thoughtful Responders

Asynchronous communication also caters to introverts and individuals who need more time to formulate thoughtful responses. When given time, their contributions can often be rich and invaluable, adding another layer of depth to the collaborative process.

6) Effective Documentation and Tracking

Asynchronous communication tools provide an efficient way to document and track the progress of collaborative projects. Unlike synchronous meetings where important details can get lost in transcription, asynchronous methods allow for clear task assignment, deadlines, and accountability.

7) Reducing Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings or miscommunications can be minimized with asynchronous communication. It allows for careful crafting of messages, ensuring your point is conveyed as clearly as possible.

8) Building Trust with Audio and Video Notes

While text has been the default mode of communication due to its convenience, audio and video notes are gaining popularity as a more personal and trust-building alternative. They offer a glimpse into the communicator's personality, fostering a deeper connection.

Caveat: When Synchronous Communication Still Makes Sense

There will be instances where synchronous communication is preferred, particularly with individuals who are more accustomed to traditional ways of working. They might not understand the shift towards asynchronous methods and be comfortable coordinating synchronous meetings.

In such situations, it's crucial to respect their preferences. Yet, we should also subtly showcase the benefits of asynchronous communication – how it saves time, conserves energy, and boosts collaboration quality and efficiency. Sharing resources, like this blog post, can help them grasp the concept better.

Most people value efforts that enhance efficiency. By sharing our experiences, we can shed light on asynchronous communication's advantages and possibly persuade them to consider it. Change is gradual, but every step counts.

Conclusion: Level Up By Making Async Your New Default

A big reason why I’ve been thinking about async communication is that I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in the early days of a platform that utilizes asynchronous communication exclusively.

It’s essentially a platform for busy builders, by busy builders.

If you're keen to explore the potential of asynchronous communication in your networking and collaborations, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (in an async way that doesn’t require you to find time for a “quick call” with me 🙂).