Business lunches and early morning coffee meetings instantly were replaced by virtual meetings… a whole lot of them! We are all feeling “Zoom fatigue” right about now. Where a Friday afternoon drink or an extra long lunch once saved us, the thought of reaching out to an acquaintance for a virtual happy hour seems unnecessarily exhausting.
Networking is still important, maybe now more important than ever.
Our lives have been flipped upside down. Many of us no longer commute into an office, instead we converted a corner of our living room into a “home office”. Our children are adapting to hybrid models of education, teachers are becoming tech experts and Moms are learning how to teach. We are surviving, but there is no question that physical isolation during Covid-19 has caused higher rates of depression and loneliness, anxiety and overall lower wellbeing, especially for those individuals aged 21-40.
Your friends need support.
It’s hard. For all of us. If for nothing else, give a call to someone you care about just to say hello. Re-connect. They will be happy to hear from you.
Non- Zoom Networking Ideas!
If you are on video calls all day the last thing you want to do is another one. Instead, think outside the box and try one of these Covid friendly activities– It’s best practice to have a quick discussion with your friend about their comfort level of meeting in person, mask use, etc.
Go for a walk outdoors. Grab a pal that is into fitness and hit the trail! A little fresh air and exercise will be the best part of your week.
Meet at the dog park. You’re taking Fido there anyways, who in your network has a pup?
Grab a coffee and sit outside. Check in advance as every coffee shop is a little different, but many are now open for in person ordering and have outdoor seating.
Happy hour at the park. Bring your own drinks and a blanket and enjoy a socially distant cocktail. You deserve it!
Humans thrive off of social connection. It’s time to mask up, dress in weather appropriate clothes and get on out there!!
I’d love to connect. Let’s chat!
