Julie Bowditch is the advancement officer for community fundraising at UMass Medical School in Worcester. Reach her at julie.bowditch@umassmed.edu.
Updated: September 28, 2020
10 things
10 Things I know about... Staying connected during a pandemic
By Julie Bowditch
10) Reach out. When in doubt, go for it. Many people are feeling less connected than ever, and they may welcome hearing from you.
9) Be sensitive to altered circumstances. If you have not connected with someone in the last few days, begin your outreach by acknowledging the challenges of the pandemic. An extra “How have you been holding up lately?” demonstrates thoughtfulness.
8) But, know that life is not on pause. Everyone has been impacted in some way, but we all still have our eyes on goals and deadlines and on navigating the new normal. It is okay to do business.
7) Use technology. Staying engaged from afar half a century ago would have been nearly impossible. Luckily, we have smartphones, tablets, and laptops to help us connect efficiently. Send an email or text. Pick up the phone.
6) Get social media savvy. With less time commuting, networking and socializing, the internet has become a one-stop platform for filling these voids. Spruce up your LinkedIn presence and utilize it to discover and interact with new connections.
5) You’ve got mail! Getting a handwritten note in your mailbox can be a very pleasant surprise. Take five minutes to pen a personal note.
4) Stay informed. Do a quick Google search before reaching out to a new or lapsed contact. If her or his company had a recent round of layoffs or region’s reopening phases has impacted their business significantly, that should inform your timing and approach.
3) Show your face. Programs such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and even apps like WhatsApp, Google Duo or Hangouts, and Marco Polo can make seeing each other’s faces from a distance simple. With body language and facial expressions making up 55% of communication, hosting a video chat can make a world of difference.
2) Empower your team. Be sure your team has access to the same great resources and is encouraged to use them. Print company notecards, draft email blasts or direct mail pieces together, and set them up with the technology to help them succeed.
1) Show gratitude. It can be refreshing to hear from a contact without a solicitation or pitch. Express your appreciation for your relationship with them. Thank them for their past business or support and leave it at that.
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