In 2016, my partner Rajiv and I (Sharan) traveled from Mohali, India to the United States to meet our clients in person and explore new opportunities. While most of our work happens remotely, we’ve always believed that great working relationships are built on trust, and nothing strengthens that more than spending real time together.
Boston – Longest Standing Client
Our first stop was Boston, where we met a client we’ve now worked with for over 13 years. We stayed in the scenic town of Plymouth, took in the coastal views, and visited the historic Plymouth Rock. During our visit, we spent a full day at the client’s office, meeting their team and discussing how to work more smoothly and collaboratively. We went to see his son’s soccer match. We also had the pleasure of joining the client and their family for dinner, which made the whole experience feel more personal than transactional.
Portland – Turning Point in a Sporadic Partnership
Next, we flew to Portland, Oregon to meet another client. Until that point, we had worked with them on and off. This visit turned things around. We spent time at their office, had a team lunch, and discussed upcoming projects. Since then, we’ve been their primary development partner, and that relationship has only grown stronger over the years.
Los Angeles – From Early Days to New Beginnings
Our final stop was in the Los Angeles area, near Riverside, where we met one of our earliest clients from our days on Guru.com. We visited his coworking space, caught up on current projects, and talked about long-term goals. We also made time to see some of LA’s most iconic spots like Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood Boulevard. During our stay, we also met with a few prospective clients, which helped open new doors for future collaborations.
A Short Trip with a Long-Lasting Impact
Although the trip was short, it had a lasting effect on how we work and how we think about our client relationships. Meeting people in person gave us deeper insight into their businesses and allowed us to plan better, collaborate more efficiently, and connect beyond emails and Zoom calls. We returned to India with stronger bonds, new opportunities, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This visit reinforced something we’ve always believed in: behind every successful remote partnership is a foundation of trust, clear communication, and mutual respect.
