We have time on our hands especially during COVID-19, and time can feel… intimidating… if you’re like me and like to stay busy.
That’s why it’s so important to use this time well. Here are a few ways to do that.
- Wake up early. ⏰
I’m a firm believer in the idea that the early bird gets the worm. And while many of us don’t have a ton to do during quarantine, I still think getting up early is a way to set the tone for your day and the days to come.
Even if you’re not an early riser normally, try to wake up 30 minutes earlier. Others are sleeping in an hour later — remember that early bird. Do you know that I’ve been able to create more content for event planners here, here and here?
- Get dressed. 👔👗
Staying in your PJs all week might feel like a good plan now, but it definitely affects how you feel. My recommendation? Get dressed. Everyday. Just like you’re going to work. That simple action will help your brain feel more focused and you’ll feel better. Trust me.
- Let’s leave Netflix alone. 🎬
Not every day is a Netflix day. Let’s just lay it out there. I know it’s tempting, and you might even have some (OK a lot) of time on your hands. But remember that early bird 🐦? Well, it doesn’t get the worm 🐛 by laying on the couch all day, bingeing the new season of Ozark or Tiger King.
- Choose your window. 📚
With the days running together, it’s easier to assume that you can just “work whenever.” But that doesn’t mean you’re choosing times that help you do your best work. Instead, pick a window of time that feels best to you, and work in 3-hour increments.
This is your time to focus. It’s also a good time to chat it up with peers and other professionals.
- Connect with people. 🧍🏻♀️🖥🧍🏼♂️
People are now connecting via Zoom, the phone, and inside Facebook Groups. Since coronavirus hit, I’ve connected with more people than ever — really!
It might count as networking to some, but in many cases, I’m just getting to know hotel contacts, having virtual cocktail hours with my fellow event planners, or I’m chatting with vendors and partners who are just as affected by this.
Brainstorming ideas for their own business in some cases, but just embracing the suck in most cases.
Technology has made it so easy for us to expand our circles, so I really challenge you to use this time to make connections.
You smile more when you talk to people (good people, at least!), and I think we could all use a little more smiling.
If you want to see a new face, try Zoom or Google Hangouts. I love Zoom, personally, and I’ve just found out that you can change the backgrounds for your calls. Personally, this is an amazing marketing opportunity!
Canva just sent out an email this morning showing people how to create their own Zoom backgrounds with Zoom background templates.
So… that canceled event? It can still take place! If only in the video function of your Zoom call.
Friends, let’s use this time to our advantage, rather than to our detriment.
If anything comes out of this mess, it will be that our connections are stronger, we laid a stronger foundation for our businesses, and we know we can support one another.
Just for fun…here, I am with the background of one of my favorite events we produced in Costa Rica. FUN RIGHT?
Also, for those interested, on Wednesday, April 15, I’m hosting a webinar for event industry professionals and wedding planners wanting to understand how to market their event business during any season. I’d love for you to join me. Click here to register.
