Meetings & Events: Creating Social Connections & Sustaining Energy

Social Connectivity?

Whether we consider ourselves extroverts or introverts, creating genuine social connections in a hybrid world can be a unique challenge. I found it easier to make a strong impression when everything was in person. There seemed to be more time to relate; sharing interests, talking about family and finding immediate humor. Even if it was just “small talk” there was time to connect. Turns out, virtual meetings don’t necessarily lend itself to sharing personal details that make initial relationships feel natural.?

Here are a few strategies I have implemented within a virtual meeting:?

Take 5: Many calls finish at the hour and we jump into the next one right away. From a brain chemistry standpoint, it is next to impossible to shift gears this quickly and be able to drop into the present moment with the person on the call (whether a new intro or existing). It can be useful to set calls for 25 or 55 minutes and share the reason behind it. When suggesting the call, add the note of 5 minutes for refresh time. The person on the other side of the call will relate immediately and likely appreciate this gift of time. It can also be helpful to strategically block your calendar in the day for brief breaks.?

Create a Personal Touchpoint: While it may be more efficient to jump right into the business component of the call, we can build trust just by creating one element that unifies or complements. It could be as simple as expressing a specific reason you are grateful for meeting or a complement of a value you find to be inspirational- any personal (honest) touchpoint here can allow for the humanization of business, and the reminder that we are all connected.?

Be Clear: One personal downfall of mine is sharing too many ideas on a call. I get so excited about all we can do, and then I overwhelm with too much content. I have been lucky to learn from Tammy, “Clear is kind.” Prior to a virtual meeting, I write one intention. The magnification of a single concept provides not only clarity to the person I am presenting to, but also gives me the ability to articulate specific next steps.?

Walk and Talk: The feeling of burnout can be an immediate connection with another person. Whether team member or client, it may be beneficial to schedule a walk and talk. If you have the luxury of being in person, it is a great way to get out. If it is a virtual meeting, shifting to a phone call and suggesting you both go for a walk can be a powerful way to respect one another’s time and inspire activity. It may not always work with screen sharing, but it can be a gift when a screen is not necessary for the meeting.?

Happiest Hour: While live events are back (the best!) it can be useful to extend the connection with clients and team members with a monthly virtual happy hour. This can be an experience that has an enriching element. I have found the Vino & Vinyasa virtual experience has been a hit- guided restorative yoga followed by a wine tasting with discussion on longevity. While there is no sommelier in my house, I have just suggested healthier wine options ahead of time, and clients share their picks.?

Sustained Energy?

In person events allow for the best type of personal connections and discovery of new business. While it can be a joy to be back togehter, we may feel wiped by the end of an experience. It can be a challenge to conserve energy throughout. Then we get home and get to jump into our personal relationships. Downtime is not always available.

Here are a couple tools that have been helpful in sustaining energy during and after events:

Quality Fuel: Energy can be quickly zapped when eating out. The processed oils prevalent in packaged foods and most restaurant dishes are inflammatory. The omega 6 oils create a sluggish environment for cellular energy and buildup of plaque in the brain.?

While we can’t avoid eating out at events, I have found it to be very helpful to pack macadamia nuts and dark chocolate. The palmitoleic acid in macadamia nuts burns fat efficiently and helps curb cravings. The cocoa in the dark chocolate lowers inflammation and can solve for a sweet tooth. I have both treats right before the cocktail party and at the break in the day.??

Efficient Workouts: In the midst of multi-day events, time might not lend itself to long workouts or staying in a personal routine. The good news… the body responds quickly to short, intense bursts of activity. Aim for 15-minutes of movement daily. Here is an effective and simple routine to complete from anywhere in the world:?

Perform each exercise for 1-minute at a fast pace. Repeat the series for a total of four rounds- 12 minutes total plus cooldown stretches.?

• Squats: Stand feet hip-width apart, deeply bend knees and lower down until thighs come parallel with the ground. Drive up and repeat.?
• Jumping Jacks: Step or hop out to the side as you bring arms overhead. Move as quickly as you can and stay light on your feet.?
• Plank: Place elbows under shoulders and form a straight line with the body. Option to hold plank with knees on the ground.?

Quiet Time: I have lost my voice on more than one occasion and have been forced into quiet time. While it is not my natural state, it can be rejuvenating. Even though it requires waking up a few minutes earlier, I have found daily meditation at multi-day events can be invaluable.?

The Calm app is a great one for the 10-minute Daily Calm, but there are a lot of other great resources out there. I’ve also implemented this in the moments between general session and happy hour. The quick reset drives my bright energy to(I be the best version of myself.?