Let's Talk About Strategies to Innovate Beyond Zoom Fatigue

As the reality of this global pandemic continues to spread across the world, our lives keep adjusting. It is becoming clear we have a long slog ahead of us once the Fall and Winter arrives. Schools may or may not hold physical classes. Events postponed to the Fall are likely to be postponed again, until further notice.

Yes, we are exhausted being online. In a previous article, I break down exactly why that is so. While many are beyond weary of Zoom meetings, or Facetime family nights, or GoogleMeet thingee's... the reality is for the time being, that may be all we have to continue functioning, both professionally and socially.

Until the tech catches up, the key for now is to use good instructional design skills. IRL (in real life) is different than online participation, and there are new ways of thinking required to match our learning style online.

I have been watching competitive platforms with a curious eye to determine which combination of tools will best serve those who are solopreneurs, small business owners or community organizations interested in designing something that is the opposite of exhausting.

But, between you and me, the reason they suck is not just the fault of the technology, but the lack of imagination from the hosts. Events are being thrown together with no time or thought about the user experience. Teachers and thought leaders drone on and on in a poorly lit area with slides running for a majority of their talk. It is both ineffective and this old school laziness will soon become the key differentiator in your industry.

Getting innovative means putting the audience first. It is not about you. It is not about your information. What use is it if nobody can integrate, apply or focus on what you are trying to share? People require creativity, imagination, vulnerability, storytelling, context and conversation to learn, generate energy and get motivated to take action.

Here are three strategies you should be investing a lot of time right now:

1. Strategic Planning

Whether you like it or not, live events, trainings or gatherings are not going to be the norm for some time. How can you set up your business in the cloud and how can you design your assets to be more effective in the virtual world? There are many tools that are free, templated and effective to set up a virtual academy, create online courses and keep connections vibrant.

2. Effective Virtual Event Design

Everyone is getting tired of a hosted call that is unorganized, sloppy and poorly designed. There are a few critical dynamics in any virtual agenda that will make or break the experience that have nothing to do with tech. It is more about understanding our attention span, capacity to process information and desire for authentic connection that will help you stand out. Blended learning or flip learning is going to become critical in virtual meetings, events and work groups.

3. Communication Strategies before, during and after an event

How to design a communications funnel is more important than ever. Have you thought about all the tools you have available and when, why and how to use each? People are overwhelmed with Slack, FB groups, instant message, text, email, WhatsApp and others to connect. Set up a simple flow that easily organizes a group's natural desire to learn, connect and engage throughout the timeline of your project, course or event.

Bottom line, most professionals have not needed to pay attention to effective virtual meeting techniques- until now. If you want to get ahead of the competition, leveling up your hosting and tech skills, as well as online facilitation chops that can make or break your business in the next year and beyond.

Let's talk about it.

This Friday, May 22nd, I am hosting a free open source coaching call. I am calling it the "Online Event Mastery Power Hour Laboratory." Please join me if you are facing changes in your business strategy that may involve planning online events, virtual courses, or expanded strategic thinking for training, coaching, or education in your field.

I know another Zoom call makes everyone want to throw up, but it is what we have. I look forward to hearing your questions, stories, and ideas. I will share more details on my thoughts on these three strategies and how to apply them to your business right now.

Click HERE to register for this Friday, May 22nd at 10am PDT, 1pm EDT. It is free and you are welcome to join as my guest.

I hope you and yours are remaining safe and sane.