We’ve all had to make some changes to our daily routine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, all of us are following the CDC guidelines to wash our hands more often, stay home as much as possible, and keep 6 feet away from others when we can’t stay at home. But all the “social distance” can make it hard to stay connected. It’s still crucial in both our businesses and our personal lives to stay in touch with people, though, so how can we make that happen while still staying healthy?

Technology…or no technology

Of course, many of us are using Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms. I think most of the people I’m talking to are finally starting to figure out how to use them (it was painful, though, right?), and I’m thankful for the technology and how it allows us to see faces. But I set a goal this year to send more handwritten notes, and I’m getting some in return! I love it! It seems that with so many focused using Zoom to connect, the handwritten notes are getting noticed. I’m sending notes to clients, prospects, former clients, and team members. And what about picking up the phone and calling someone, just to talk or catch up? It works too!

Business development

Sales and business development can be tricky right now, with small businesses struggling, record numbers of people applying for unemployment benefits, and everyone focused on getting through the pandemic. My friend Amy Woodall with Sandler Training suggests:

• An economy is a collective behavior and attitude of its people. If we want it to be different, then we have to be different. Refuse to participate. We can be the stimulus.
• It’s unethical to sell something people don’t need, but also unethical to not sell something they do need. Let your customers tell you what they need.
• There are people who cannot afford to do business with us right now, but we can create trust points; how can we develop trust and loyalty right now? See the first bullet above.

Social media

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve had more new Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter followers and connections in the past six weeks than I’ve had for the past year! Many people are hungry (and have more time) to comment, share, and retweet than ever before, so it’s a good time to be a driver of good content, good stories, and positivity. Be active. Be a thought leader.

Furloughed or downsized?

Unfortunately, unemployment is higher than ever before (in a year where we started with unemployment being lower than ever before). Many have found themselves looking, unexpectedly and quickly, for a new role. Don’t just sit around and hope this goes away quickly (ok, I hope it goes away quickly, but be active in the meantime):

• Update your resume; keep it short and simple
• Polish your LinkedIn profile; add keywords and logos, and ask for recommendations
• Many companies ARE still hiring, so seek them out, watch for job postings on LinkedIn and indeed.com, and keep applying
• Follow up with hiring managers and recruiters
• Most companies are being forced to figure out how to work with telecommuters, so positions that might not have been an option for you before might be now; look outside your local area!
• Contact Purple Ink for assistance in your search

I’d love to stay connected. You can reach out to me at jodee@purpleinkllc.com to set up a Zoom meeting or call, to just check in, or to find out where to mail me a handwritten note!