There is no doubt that there is something social missing from society at the moment. The world is operating online at a mass scale, and a majority of people are looking for new ways to connect with others. Despite the isolation, 2020 has been the perfect year to start building relationships that will carry on to 2021.
Human Connection
There is an underlying lack of human connection that comes with moving day-to-day life online. A large portion of the world’s workforce has had to isolate at one point or another. The interactions we have with our coworkers, associates, and friends are now limited to digital environments, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a hollow experience. Keeping up with coworkers and friends will maintain a sense of community and normalcy that promotes mental wellbeing. Meeting one on one isn’t always possible, so utilize video calls to bring a personal level to your next meeting. Humans are social animals at our core, and a simple text message or call checking in on someone you haven’t seen in awhile never hurts. Companies that focus on communication as a means of business are beginning to focus on better ways of connecting with clients. Showing the human side of your brand or organization isn’t always a bad thing, and it can benefit you greatly when building relationships.
Networking Potential
Human connection was placed first on this list because it should be the basis of any communication. Ulterior motives are seen from a mile away, and some networking attempts can come off wrong if you don’t have any rapport built prior. In 2020, and going into 2021, the focus is to construct a network or perform maintenance on one they already have. Keeping in touch with network contacts when they are not busy will leave a positive correlation later down the road when business is in full swing. The benefit of building relationships today is that it opens up networking potential in the future.
Looking Forward to the Future
Planning during COVID can feel like an insurmountable task at times, considering that no one knows what the future will hold. Having connections and other professional associates to rely on during the precarious time will be a direct indicator of your success in 2021. The future is collaborative, and as others begin to figure out their professional trajectory, being relevant within your network is everything. When events start to pick up, press releases get sent, and clients are looking for a marketing professional, the relationships you have built and fostered will prosper. Going any extended period without checking in on your network is ill-advised with how short most memory spans are in this day and age. If you have only interacted with someone over email or phone, reach out and see if any upcoming projects could be open for collaboration or mutually beneficial media opportunities.
The world is currently isolated, but going the extra distance to build relationships now will benefit you in the long run. Not only do they have a direct impact on mental wellbeing, but building genuine relationships are better for business. Collaboration and utilizing shared networks can expand the reach of your work and create opportunities that never would have been possible. Companies that neglect to build positive relationships will suffer in the long run, as they are less likely to have the impact needed to be successful.