Greetings from the home office - Episode 29: Nora Müller, Republica

Nora Müller is Head of Live Marketing and Partner at the Bern-based agency Republica. She is looking forward to the start of the SC Bern season and hopes that full stadiums will be possible again by then.

Werbewoche.ch: How long have you been in the home office?

Nora Müller: We have been in the home office since March 16. Since I live right next door to the agency, I have decided to shepherd the office for the majority of the time.

Otherwise, is your entire agency in a home office?

Yes, basically everyone is in the home office, but occasionally there are meetings with enough distance in the agency. Agency owner Bala Trachsel and I share the office from time to time.

Where have you set up?

Although the possibilities are almost unlimited in an empty open-plan office, I usually stay at my desk. My absolute favorite place, however, is our balcony with a view of the Aare - a luxury at this time of year - I have it all to myself.

No seriously, I do live communication - the communication is there, the LIVE missing. Not being on the road all the time was a bit strange at first, but I'm trying to enjoy the temporary situation. Everyday life comes back soon enough.

Are you confident that your agency will come through the crisis unscathed?

No one is likely to come through the crisis entirely unscathed. But as an agency, we are looking positively ahead.

As we all know, everything has its positive sides. What is it in the current situation?

I'm forced to learn how to cook, at least that's what my friends say. The anticipation of seeing everyone again, going to a restaurant, and holding and attending events again is great - and anticipation, as we all know, is the greatest joy.

When and why did you last laugh in connection with home office?

At our weekly agency meetings at the start of the week, which currently take place via Zoom. Besides the weekly update, there's always a lot to laugh about and we all see each other despite our home office.

Even if you don't have a crystal ball: Do you expect the current situation to continue for a long time?

I have none, but he: Shivalive.tv

Seriously, this depends on so many different factors that it would not be serious to give an opinion on this. However, I hope for the sake of our industry that an announcement will soon be made that will give us planning security.

What would you like to give your colleagues in the industry to take with them through the crisis?

We sent out a card last week from the Expo Event Association to our members with the message "Extreme situations require extreme measures, together we can do it". I think it's great to see the industry standing together.

And last but not least: I was sent the following picture the other day - I guess I don't need to say more 🙂

Nora Müller (right) and Bala Trachsel (left) share the office from time to time.

What all do you need to be able to carry out your activity normally during this time?

My MacBook and my iPhone - I'm almost survivable with them.

Do you go to work full time at the agency premises or do you stay at home at times?

When you live 10 meters next to the agency, there's almost no reason for home office - even during Corona. But since I'm not very social in the morning, I often still work from home for the first hour.

Which processes are difficult compared to the normal everyday life of an agency?

I don't like the word difficult, different is more accurate. It's more important than ever to keep the exchange going, because random conversations don't happen during breaks or lunch. Like, for example, spontaneous ideas that arise at the bar after work.

Which jobs work smoothly in Corona mode?

Fortunately, actually almost everything.

Is there anything that even works easier or more productively when the agency is in a home office?

Meetings are usually more efficient. There is less tendency to get lost in the unimportant.

What do you do to keep the ceiling from falling on your head during this special time?

Where do I start? Online calls, aperitifs, dinners with my friends, working off the "I'll do that when I have time" list, not reading Corona news every five minutes, and exercising in the fresh air as often as possible.

Have you experienced anything like a Corona collapse?

Basically not, but last week the preparations and rehearsals for the BEA opening would have been in full swing. I really missed the production, the team and the whole shebang.

What do you miss most about the normal day-to-day life at an agency?

Our agency dog Lilly...