How Going Remote Helped This Australian Talent Agency Thrive

The world is changing in ways we've never seen before. COVID-19 has resulted in a digital transformation with businesses going remote almost overnight.

The talent industry was not exempt from this change. In a very face-forward industry, this may seem like a downfall, but many agencies were able to adapt successfully. 

Bubblegum Casting was one of these agencies; however, they aren't just surviving in this new climate, they're thriving. 

Adam Jacobs is the incredibly busy Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting and Hunter Talent. He works with some of Australia's biggest brands, media properties, and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film, and Modelling roles. They've recently launched an office in LA too. And amidst all of that, Adam has lent his advice to other professionals that are transitioning to remote processes. 

Here, we're going to talk about how Adam and his team have been able to adapt to going remote and lessons you can apply within your own business, regardless of the industry you're in.

Making the Transition to Remote Work 

Perhaps Bubblegum Casting's success was the result of proactivity. The agency started to use remote interviewing and auditioning and allowed most staff to work remotely when not needed in the office.

This was all done before lockdown, so the impact on the business wasn't as bad as it could have been. 

According to Adam, Bubblegum Casting was able to find success by: 

Maintaining Communication and Collaboration 

The switch to remote work changes the way we communicate and collaborate. Phone calls and emails have largely taken the place of in-person communication. 

To be successful, agencies must use these technologies to streamline collaboration to ensure that no communication is lost. Daily check-ins with talent and team members will go a long way toward ensuring success in the switch to remote processes. 

Taking Advantage of Video Conferences 

While phone calls and email helps organizations stay connected, video conferencing takes this a step further. It helps connect team members and talent. This has been the next best thing to face-to-face collaboration. 

Holding virtual meetings helps your team feel connected even when they aren't in the same room.  

Embracing Change

Learning how to adapt in a time of crisis is the single most important lesson Bubblegum Casting took away. Embracing change and learning from it can help open up new opportunities and new ways of conducting business. 

By taking a positive approach, going remote becomes a benefit, one that will help break an agency out of its comfort zone.

Success With Going Remote Is Possible 

Going remote may be new for many agencies, but that doesn't mean it has to be a negative experience. If anything, Bubblegum Casting's success shows the possibilities of remote work for talent agencies are only bound by our own perceived limitations.

Maintain communication, collaboration, and be available even when you aren't in the same room. By doing so, you'll be able to transition to a remote environment seamlessly. Most importantly, be open to change and embrace it. It could mean incredible things for your organization. 

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