GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 48 - December 2020

e are all feeling a little bit Zoom-fatigued at the moment, there is no question about it. However, we need to accept that hopping on a business call is part of the “new normal” right now. During these uncertain times, you need to make sure you are able to connect with new people and con- tinue networking to the fullest of your ability. But how do you change your business culture to sell authen- tically online? I’m going to share some of what I’ve learned in the past six months hosting our Digital Marketing Mixer and attending a plethora of industry events virtually. SET TIME ASIDE FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS If you were taking the time to attend a conference, you’d be making the time to get prepared for it. Take a look at the schedule ahead of time, find out who’s going to be there, and craft some great outreach emails to build a rapport with people before you attend. For conventions and other big meetings that are heading online, the organizers will make sure to post what is going to be happening. If there is a talk or panel you wish to attend, make sure you sign up, if pre-registration is available. There might be a cap on attendees, and you could lose a place otherwise. PRESENT YOURSELF You always want to be putting your best foot forward when you’re going to an event to do sales. The same applies to digital events. Don’t register and have a blank or faceless avatar. Use every opportunity you can for branding on the digital platforms you are being invited to make use of. Culturally, we are not used to being social virtually. Just like 20 years ago, we couldn’t ever understand walking around with a mobile phone in our pocket—we are going through a cultural business change right now. How we communicate and how we present ourselves in the digital atmosphere is going to have an impact on how we are connecting with people online. Make the effort to ensure your LinkedIn profile has the latest information about your business, what you do and the best way to contact you. People are go- ing to scope you out before the event, just as you should be doing to them. VIRTUAL EVENTS: THE NEW REALITY During these uncertain times you need to make sure you are able to connect with newpeople and continue networking to the fullest of your abilities . G P W A t i m e s . o r g 24