Networking groups including REAL Professionals across the nation pivoted to virtual gatherings with social distancing restrictions in place designed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Pittsburgh Mastermind group met by ZOOM at the end of March, discussing how they’re doing business during a global pandemic and unprecedented shake-up of the economy.

Business is slow — but still moving slowly, and professionals are eager to compare notes with their colleagues on best practices as Americans shift from working in an office to working from home.

Pittsburgh professionals in engineering, legal, accounting, development, banking, real estate, and more discussed best practices and workflow challenges, and opportunities for small business assistance with new federal government programs.

Some predicted that once restrictions are lifted, additional companies may opt to conduct more business remotely — resulting in less demand for office space and parking spaces.

In real estate, sales continue in the Pittsburgh market both on the residential and commercial side, albeit at a much slower pace and with virtual tours. Terri Sokoloff of Specialty Group, a business serving the hospitality industry, said she’s had requests for restaurant showings.

Most construction projects are temporarily halted, and activity on new ones is hampered by closures that mean government authorities cannot quickly respond to approval requests.

Under Gov. Tom Wolf’s orders all businesses that are not “life-sustaining” must temporarily close brick-and-mortar locations and restaurants may only serve food and beverages to go.