Staying Connected April 2020

 

Things look different these days and may look different for a while.  But that doesn't mean your business has to come to a screeching halt. On the contrary, designers who use this time wisely may be uniquely positioned to thrive during and after the pandemic. 

In all challenges, there is an opportunity—for growth, learning, and serving others. Here, we've put together a few tips for navigating this challenging time. 

You may think that now is a bad time to market your business because you don't want to seem opportunistic. While it may seem counterintuitive, this is actually the perfect time to be of service to your clients. The balance is: this is not the time for hard selling—instead seek new ways of connecting, offer an online class, share new design concepts with current and future clients, respond (and initiate) Instagram comments. Share ideas with your clients via Instagram/private pinterest shares, or email. You can also use the time to make a game plan for the second half of the year and catch up on marketing tasks such as website redesigns that usually get put on the back burner. 

Designers are utilizing many of the great tech tools available for remote work. You may want to add FaceTime/Zoom/Google Duo consultations to your list of services for new and  existing clients to stay in touch. Consider setting some time aside for budget-challenged clients—30 or 60 minutes at a flat fee— to recapture some lost revenue.

Think about which technologies will allow you to stay connected with your team, clients and others and keep your business going virtually in spite of social distancing. 

Design is a visual business, so one-on-one meetings are a much more personable method of communicating than the usual phone call or text, plus it's a great opportunity to share creative time. Make it fun and interesting: choose backgrounds for your chat (great settings in your home or office /or there are standard options, plus you can upload your own photos as a backdrop). Show your personality and clients will turn to you for inspiration when the time is right.  

Other tools such as Slack, Trello, and Evernote can help you stay organized and in touch with team members no matter where everyone is. (This article offers a comprehensive look at several tech tools.) Skill Crush

You may not be able to meet in person, but why not use this time to make some new connections? Perhaps there is a designer or vendor whose business model you admire or a market you'd like to know more about. Send an email introduction or LinkedIn request. Reach out to people now—once the quarantine is lifted, things will get hectic as we readjust again. There are also thousands of online groups (including virtual happy hours and communities for every interest or hobby under the sun) where you can network with all manner of potential clients and like-minded people. 

Exercise is a powerful antidepressant—it releases natural endorphins in our brains which make us feel good—and outdoors is one of the safest places we can be provided we continue to follow social distancing protocols. You don't need to run a marathon or even break a sweat; a leisurely bike ride with the family or a brisk walk will do. And since it's spring, it's the perfect time to plant flowers, clean up the yard and spiff up the outdoor entertaining area.

This is a massive reset of everything we're used to, and it is a big deal. Please know you are not alone. 

Give yourself permission to relax and recharge. This is the Universe's way of telling us to slow down, and it's okay to heed that call! You may find comfort in nesting activities such as cooking, cleaning, organizing, rituals, music, aromatherapy or simply enjoying the extra time for whatever fuels you.