We sure do miss events, and we know our amazing brand ambassadors do too.
It’s crazy to think that just a few short weeks ago, we were carrying on with the busy routines of our daily lives. No one could have predicted how quickly things would change, but here we are, staying home, events are on pause, and it’s eerily quiet – a little too quiet for those of us who are used to the hustle and bustle of the events industry.
Unfortunately, due to this pandemic, and social distancing being the new norm, we are unable to connect with each other in the ways we normally would, both professionally and personally – and it’s taking a toll on everyone. With that said, it’s important to find ways to stay connected for both our physical and mental wellbeing – this is especially true for brand ambassadors who thrive on socially connecting with co-workers, consumers, and event attendees.
Here are a few ways that you can stay connected with your friends, families, and other brand ambassadors during this time:
Use Virtual Platforms to Communicate
- Zoom is a web conferencing for professional meetings and education/classrooms (be sure to check out the background settings for a little fun).
- Google Duo is a mobile app for Android and iOS operating systems that allows users to chat.
- Google Hangouts is a one-on-one video or in a group “hangout” video conferencing.
- Facetime allows for videotelephony (specific to Apple devices).
- Skype is a messenger service that allows for individual and group chats as well as video conferencing.
- Marco Polo is a “video walkie talkie” messaging app that allows you to send quick messages back and forth with your friends.
- WhatsApp is an app that allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other media.
When using virtual platforms, keep the following tips in mind:
- Listen and don’t interrupt: on a virtual platform people have to take turns to be heard, so be sure to bite your tongue and wait your turn.
- Pay attention: make eye contact, be present, and put other devices away to avoid distraction.
- Ask questions: this shows that you are genuinely interested in the conversation, plus it opens the door for dialogue.
- Share: conversations should always be two-sided and don’t be afraid to speak up. Share your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
Social Media
- Enjoy social media but don’t get too wrapped up in negativity: social media is both a blessing and a curse. Post photos, share stories, participate in funny challenges, but don’t let negative posts, fake news, or other social clutter wear you down.
- Instagram and Facebook stories: this is a fun way to share stories and view what others are up to.
- Facebook and LinkedIn groups: there is a group out there for everyone! Whether it’s a professional group (check out all the BA groups on Facebook and the experiential marketing groups on LinkedIn) or something that interests you personally, joining a group and connecting with those that share a similar interest can do you a world of good.
Have Virtual “Dates” with Your Friends, Family, or Love Interest
- Happy hour: have a cocktail (or mocktail) with your friends, chat, and share lots of laughs to create a relaxed and uplifting vibe.
- Have dinner together: order a meal to be delivered to each of you, ditch the sweatpants, and dress as if you were going out.
- “Let’s do coffee:” chat it up with friends over a good cup of coffee.
- Cook a meal together: pick the same recipe, make it (with lots of laughs) and eat together.
- Watch a movie together: Netflix Party or Scener are apps that allow people to watch a movie together (remotely) with video, audio or text chat capabilities.
- Host game night: check out some Q&A games, board game classics,and don’t rule out charades or Pictionary which can hilariously be played through a screen.
- Workout together: take a walk if you’re able to, or participate in fitness challenges.
- Start a book club: meet regularly for group discussions on the book you’ve chosen.
Share Your Talents
- Live video lessons: there are many things that can be taught virtually including yoga, musical instruments, art techniques, and so forth. Sharing your personal talents or learning from your friends and family can be super fun and engaging.
- Creating a video tutorial: prep an area to film tutorials on subjects you are passionate about such as beauty and fashion, arts and crafts, photography, cooking, ETC.
Socialize
- Going for a walk, hike or run: if you are able, practice social distancing and get out in nature either alone or with a small group to connect with each other as well as others who are out and about – a wave and a smile can go a long way.
- Chill with your neighbors: gathering with your neighbors and keeping distance between yourselves offers a safe and effective way to hang out with others. You may have to speak a little louder, but connecting with your immediate community is a win-win for all.
Spend Quality Time With the People You Live With
- Set aside time to unplug: put devices away and pick a fun activity to work on such as puzzles, board games, art projects, cooking, baking, ETC.
- Talk to each other: this sounds really basic, but set aside some time to just hang out and chat.
Takeaway
Brene Brown, Professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work who specializes in social connection states in Psychology Today: “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don’t function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick.”
This is a tough time for everyone and it’s important to connect with others on a daily basis. We can use this time of isolation to learn more about the people we love, our interests, and our hobbies. We can also make new friends and connect with other brand ambassadors, acquaintances, and even strangers. With a little effort, planning, and the right tools, forced isolation will teach us how to connect with one another in ways we never expected.
ATN is an event staffing company that offers exciting, fun, and flexible work in the experiential and event marketing industry. If you are interested in learning more about ATN and the opportunities that we provide, please click here!
