COVID-19 has undoubtedly affected all of our lives, forcing us to change the way we live and work to adapt to this new “normal.” While in-person events and conferences may have been postponed or canceled, virtual opportunities still exist to foster connections and ongoing education even in the midst of a global pandemic.
So how do you keep your team motivated and bring them up to speed on the latest trends in your industry during these uncertain times? Here are some of my favorite ways to enhance my skills and network virtually.
Virtual Conferences
When I think of educational opportunities, conferences are at the top of the list. Any topic that you want to learn more about, there is bound to be a conference you can attend. These events often span a few days and include panels of industry experts who share their knowledge on a particular subject matter, so you will be able to hear a variety of viewpoints and opinions. These days, many conferences have been condensed to single-day virtual events, but the information is still valuable and worth the time (and money).
My Recommendations:
- MozCon: MozCon is an annual event hosted by SEO software company Moz. It aims to connect marketers with industry-leading experts regarding topics ranging from SEO to conversion optimization. This conference is a great opportunity for marketers to network and share industry best practices.
- American Marketing Association: From building customer loyalty and crisis communication to work productivity, the American Marketing Association regularly offers webinars and conferences to provide marketers with the tools to be successful.
Podcasts
Whether you want to learn about leadership, photography or simply connect with your favorite author or TV personality, there is a podcast for you. Podcasts can be as short as 30 minutes to over one hour in length and are free — that’s right, you don’t have to pay a dime. Want one more reason to like podcasts? New content is available every week, so you don’t have to wait six more months until the next event rolls into town.
My Recommendations:
- John Maxwell Leadership Podcast: This podcast will teach you what it means to become a transformational leader and provide you with the principles and practices to help you along the way.
- Lead to Win with Michael Hyatt: Each week, New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt provides you with the tools you need to win at work and succeed at life. He’ll cover topics like personal productivity and development, team leadership, and intentionality to influence, among others.
Lunch and Learns
Lunch and learns occur during lunch and often have a less formal atmosphere than a structured training session or seminar. This is the perfect opportunity for co-workers from different teams to meet and share their skills or have a business manager outline the company’s sales strategy, for example. Lunch and learns don’t have to focus on your core business activities, though. They also offer a great platform to provide value and education about things outside of the work sphere, such as physical fitness, well-being or to engage with outside experts.
My Recommendations:
- Phoenix Business Journal: The local publication occasionally hosts lunch and learns that focus on leadership, among other topics.
- Arizona Technology Council: The Arizona Technology Council hosts lunch and learns about a variety of marketing topics, including how to develop a differentiation strategy and effective marketing channels for your business.
What are some ways you are staying connected and enhancing your skills in 2020? If you are looking for a speaker to discuss marketing and strategy insights and leadership skills development, I would love to connect with you to learn more about your organization.