I have Covid Fatigue. For Sure. The changes that Covid brought to our lives were quick and dramatically. While the changes were quick the fatigue lingers globally. Everyone talks and writes about it.
Covid Fatigue is a persistent problem. It has changed our social and networking habits and it likes to linger. Its’ spurs are like long tenacles in our behavior keeping us with its grasp. Covid owns us.
I was looking at some photos on my phone yesterday. I saw where I was on July the 4th in 2019. I was in Buenos Aires and my behavior, and the behavior of others was so totally different. No masks. Packed restaurants. I remember meeting strangers and friends and handing out my business card.
When is the last time we handed out business cards? I have attended a couple of live-in person in conference room meetings and brought my cards and did not even hand them out. Now that is Covid Malaise.
I have spent way too much time in my yard the last few two years being with myself. That is not a good way to network. Calling people on the phone and texting and emailing is not an ideal way to network.
It is touch but not high touch.
The voices in my brain say stay home. Its comfortable out here. I do not have to get changed. It is safe here. An excuse. I have been vaccinated.
The other voices say get out there. You need to meet people. It is time to network.
Oh, sure I have drinks with folks from time to time. They are productive but they are not like going to a networking event, navigating a room of friends and strangers, and learning new things and growing.
I compare it to this. I can post a Hankism or write a blog and somebody might give me a like. It is nice but it is not the same as talking to somebody at a networking meeting and they say I loved your last blog, or I see your content all the time. Human endorsement and interaction are key endorphins of human relationships. They motivate you to do things better than you can motivate yourself.
Live networking events are starting to happen. There is one for OCTP on July 15th, I have seen live events posted for ACG on LinkedIn, I got an email about an in-person event for PEMA today.
It is time for Hank Blank and you to change our habits, leave our stupid Covid comfort zone and network. We will all be better for it.