Networking is hard. If you look closely enough, you might even notice the word “work” inside of it! In a time when we’re forced to stay at home to prevent the spread of this dangerous disease, it is harder than ever to stay connected with your friends, colleagues, and business referral sources.
… but there’s no need to recreate the wheel – only to adapt to the challenging times! We had a great conversation with our dear friend Michael Orzech of Promotion Magic (meet him at: https://www.promotionmagic.com/) about how to network from home, and came up with a few tips for folks to stay in contact with each other. We chose Mike for two reasons: A) He’s a MASTER Networker and B) he’s just launched a new Networking Group (worst timing EVER, right?!) called Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce. Check it out at: https://www.charlotteareachamber.com/
Use your digital tools to your advantage!
If you haven’t already joined the millions (literally, MILLIONS) of people that have created a Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Skype account in the past month, what are you doing with your life? Not to brag or anything, but I’ve had a Zoom PREMIUM account for over a year now. 💪🏻
These digital tools exist for a reason. Our business absolutely depends on them. Never before has it been easier to chat with people all over the country. Oh – and if you’re going to talk to someone face-to-face or computer-to-computer, how about looking presentable? Our fearless leader, Christian, took a Zoom Call in his P.J.’s with me the other day. COME ON BRO.
I think it’s pretty cool how https://directory.charlotteareachamber.com/calendar changed all of their events so that they can still connect digitally with coffee.
It’s called SOCIAL Media for a reason!
DISCLAIMER: Dear Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat: I AM NOT BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS. The purpose of these platforms is not advertising – it’s so that people can stay connected. Create Groups. Participate (tactfully) in Discussions. Share Ideas. Reminisce on Experiences. Despite not having March Madness (for the first time in my life 😢) I still made it a point to text my friends that root for Duke and make sure they knew that they make questionable life choices (I see you Bobby G!).
I smirk as I’m reminded of Facebook’s Mission Statement: “To bring the world closer together.“
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Invite some of your contacts and have a Video Chat Brewski Party!
Cheers! Sláinte! Prost! and my personal favorite – SKOL! Just because we can’t get together AROUND each other doesn’t mean that we can’t do it online, from afar, in the comfort of our own homes. Don’t get me wrong – I can’t wait to go to King Canary when all this dust settles and have my favorite draft (I’m drooling thinking about 80 degrees and warm weather), but we have to make due with what we have in the time being. Look on the bright side! You’ll spend less, you don’t have to worry about “having too much”, and you don’t even have to put on pants!
In a time when it’s so incredibly difficult to stay connected and to smile, I wish you and yours health and happiness. I’ll see you on the other side – or maybe on Zoom before.
SKOL!
-Reece
