Changing how you conference in these days is important if you want to ensure your career success. The way people interact with each other through conversations, meetings, and gatherings has changed dramatically due to the spread of COVID-19.
Conference calls have become the norm, as individuals are staying at home and using technology to connect. Even meeting in person for conferences or events has shifted to online platforms so that attendees can remain socially distant.
Businesses across the board have been impacted by this shift. Meetings via phone, video chat, and even virtual tours are being replaced by alternatives like Google Hangouts and Zoom apps. Some companies are even holding all employee meetings virtually until it is determined whether face-to-face interactions are needed again.
It’s normal to feel nervous about changing how you work, but don’t worry – you aren’t alone! In fact, there are many things you can do to make working more efficiently during this time.
Don’t hesitate to adjust your habits if any changes seem too complicated or time consuming. This will only help you in the long run! And before you know it, you’ll be spending your time more effectively than you would otherwise. Keep reading to learn some helpful tips for organizing and managing your business while keeping up with the latest developments related to COVID-19.
Change your marketing focus
During this pandemic, most businesses have been operating with very limited resources. Most companies do not have an internal department that creates engaging content for their social media accounts, website designs, advertisements, etc.
That is why it is so important to outsource these services. You will spend money up front, but you can invest in more effective strategies that may win you more business in the long run.
Some of the things you could outsource include:
Writing web copy or article advertising
Designing new logos and websites
Gain access to all-new targeted ads
These are just some of the ways your company can reengineer its image while looking into other routes to success during this epidemic period.
You should be aware of how changing your marketing strategy can make a difference. It’s time to start investing where it matters the most – and that’s in the communication channel.
Start thinking about what changes you can implement through spring and summer. The best way to do that is by doing an inventory of everything we mentioned before.
Review your current website
Now that we are past the pandemic, you can start to review your current site and see what you need to make changes to better serve your audience.
You will want to do this not only for cost-effectiveness, but also to determine if your current services or features are working well for visitors and how responsive your site is.
If there are things you’re offering that people seem to like, great! Keep them and evaluate whether these offerings increase as demand increases. If yes, then great! Add more of those products to grow with you.
But if there aren’t enough buns in the world, maybe it’s time to add some. Product brainstorming sessions can be fun ways to source new ideas.
At the very least, you should consider adding additional pages or sections to tell your readers about yourself and what you have to offer. It’s always good to know who you are so they can connect with you, and it sets up opportunities to give them something extra — which is what you aim to do every day.
Consider making changes to your website
Changing your business’s marketing strategy is never easy, but these times require it. Technology has made it possible for most anyone to create an online presence, so there are many ways to promote your company now.
You can start by looking into free software such as Google Suite or Microsoft Office 365 that you can use to build your own website or web app. These applications make it easy to edit pictures and content, upload files, and even run email campaigns!
Next, consider what features you want to include in your site. Do you need to have videos or picture galleries? Can you add documents and spreadsheets? If so, which ones?
And do not forget about social media! Most people use at least one of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, all of which can be used for business. Find out how to best utilize them for your company and industry!
In fact, some companies begin with just that – a profile on each before adding products or offering services.
Test your marketing messages
In these times, with so many changes happening around us, it is important to test out your messaging to see what works and doesn’t work. You can do this in different ways- through surveys, testing materials, asking people how you make them feel, etc.
By experimenting with your message and strategies, you will find that some things don’t work as well and you can drop those, while other ones prove more successful!
It is very easy to get distracted during a pandemic, so staying focused and persistent with your messages is needed.
Ask your clients what they think about conference changes
As mentioned earlier, you should be asking your clients if they want to keep meeting at this location or if it is no longer viable. If they are willing to try another venue, ask them how their business will survive the change!
This way, you can determine whether or not changing venues is for the better by looking at the results of these questions in terms of engagement and attendance.
If there is still enough interest in attending this event as scheduled, then perhaps exploring other options isn’t needed just yet? You can discuss potential alternatives like moving the event online or finding an alternative site that feels more welcoming.
However, if people seem less interested than before in the current setting, it may make sense to look into changing things up.
Offer a new conference or a different time and date
There’s no reason you can’t continue to meet your goals this year, just outside of the confines of the building. Online meeting tools have never been more accessible nor reliable than they are today!
Some will argue that meetings online feel less intimate because of the lack of body language, tone of voice, and context. While it is true that these things matter when face-to-face, there are many ways to include those components in a webinar.
Audio quality can be better than face-to-face, and most people are familiar with how to use them. The technology to do so has improved dramatically in recent years and almost every smartphone comes preloaded with one.
Tell clients about new conferences or shows
During this pandemic, many of us have been staying at home more than ever before. That means less time to attend events, spend money attending events, and supporting our favorite brands and organizations!
In fact, research suggests that attendance at large-scale events has actually decreased during this period. It’s important to note that while some people remain in self-isolation due to health concerns, most people are still working and keeping busy. So, how can you help those who may be struggling because they’re trying to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues?
We recommend telling your clients about any upcoming conference calls, meetings, or exhibitions they should know about. Many times, big companies will hold internal team meeting sessions or launch new products that individuals at the company need to be aware of. They’ll usually announce these things via email, social media, or both.
By sharing this information, you’ll give your audience a chance to prepare and be prepared themselves.
Encourage clients to join a new group of friends
Even if you are not able to meet with your current client in person, you can still help them heal by being there for them online.
Many therapists offer online counseling services via apps or chat platforms. You may be able to find a app that allows your client to talk to you through their smartphone, tablet, or computer!
Some patients feel more comfortable chatting online than in person, so offering this as an option is a way to help them feel better connected.
By staying connected, they also feel like they do not have to make too much effort to speak to you. It is easier because it does not require traveling to a place nor spending money on gas!
It is important to note that although these services are helpful, they will never replace face-to-face therapy. At times, some people need direct contact with other people to work through things.