Abraham Harrison is a virtual company and yes, we are all computers and live in the cloud.  J/K.  Actually, all the staff at AH are real people from all over the U.S. and the world working together to bring our clients the very best in digital communication and social media.

But it takes a certain finesse to keep a virtual company running smoothly and that is where Director of Operations, Sara Wilson, shines.  Sara has been working for AH since 2007 and her responsibilities include business development, human resources, financial services, and operational oversight.  Sara knows who at AH is supposed to be doing any particular thing, and, if no one is doing it, will assign it to someone, or do it herself.

I sat down with Sara to learn a bit more about her and what it takes to manage a virtual company.

Ellie Brown: What is a typical work day like for you?

Sara Wilson: I may be one of the rare people at AH that actually works from 9-5 everyday.  I have mainly have an oversight role – Mark jokingly refers to me as the “all seeing eye” of the company – but I also do research, project monitoring, new business development and some direct client work.

EB: What is a typical non-work day like for you?

SW: I have two children, Casey and Jared, so my days off usually involve their many activities. Most days it’s shuttling Casey to the local performances she hopes will launch her to Broadway stardom, taking Jared to cello lessons and watching him play baseball.  I also like theater, reading, and anything that gets me outside, as long as it doesn’t involve a lawn mower.

EB: What did you do before AH and how did your previous experience prepare you for your job at AH?

SW: I am trained as a historian, with experience in college administration, freelance writing, and non-profit management.  Before AH I was working part-time for an association of historians made up of university professors from all over the world. Like AH, they did not have a central office, so this position gave me experience working effectively from home with people spread out all over. I learned how to get everyone to work together to accomplish common goals.

EB: What is your favorite part about working for Abraham Harrison?

SW: There really isn’t just one part. But if I had to narrow it down, I’d say the environment (working from home) and the things I’ve learned about social media.  I love the freedom of being able to make my own schedule and working at a place where you don’t have to ask permission to take a couple hours in the afternoon to take your kid to the dentist.  There is a shared expectation and trust at AH that everyone will complete their work when they have to.  It doesn’t matter if it falls into that 9-5 schedule.

Also, I have learned so much in the last few years about social media.  My background is in history, so I didn’t have initial expertise in social media or even public realtions.  It’s exciting that the field is changing so rapidly and there is always something new to pick up on.

EB: I have to ask.  Do you have a favorite Chris Abraham social media analogy you can share with everyone?

SW: There are so many! I like the one where Chris compares Twitter to throwing bread crumbs in a flowing river. Some bread crumbs will get picked up and eaten, the rest will just float on by.

EB: Finally, if Chris and Mark gave you a million dollar bonus (you deserve it), how would you spend it?

SW: Sounds typical, but I would love to travel with my family.

Not typical at all – especially for someone who “works” around the world everyday.  Read more about Sara and her work on Abraham Harrison’s website.

(by Ellie Brown)