We are living in interesting times.

The world is caught up in a national crisis as ‘Covid-19’ is ramping up. Most people are coming to terms with the idea that they may not be able to go to work for a while. Many of us wonder what this means for our jobs and the daily interactions we are used to.

In the UK, the government has finally recommended that people self-isolate. By now we are all used to the term ‘social distancing’. It is now in the public consciousness, as though it’s always been here.

We are now all encouraged to stop spending time in large groups and maintain a safe distance from one another. This will slow the potential for further infection.

It makes sense!

So what’s going to happen to your business if everyone isn’t seeing or being near people?

We are all directed to work from home wherever possible. This is easier said than done for some people. Many people think they can’t work from home. Others don’t want to.

I’ve worked from home for more than 15 years so it’s not a big deal for me. The truth is I can’t imagine working in an office environment again.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that I can’t. It means that I have learned how to be productive, effective and efficient with my time. For example… I wrote this article whilst having a stroll in my local Country Park, using voice dictation.

What works for me may not work for you. I’m not thinking about me alone. My clients worry about this too. They realise that social distancing may hurt their business. Take the example of a business that relies on customers coming through the door. There is little doubt that a lack of footfall may have a negative affect.

The effects are being felt in the freelance community too. Our clients are cancelling those previously scheduled meetings. In some cases, they’ve scaled back on the services we provide too. This is either through fears or perceived budgetary constraints.

What does social media have to offer here?

There are a few different ways of thinking.

• “Social Media is the devil and to blame for all this negative information.”
• “Social Media is a useful place to find information and share your message.”
• “Social Media is a distraction.”

There is little doubt that Social Media has a lot to answer for and has created panic and fear for some.

People don’t want to read every single COVID-19 story ad nauseum. They already feel 10 times more anxious today than they did yesterday. What they want is the same as before. They want to be educated, inspired and entertained.

Are your social posts doing that?

There is a silver lining in all clouds. People are at home. They are distracted by the press and bored of hearing the same old things. Your business has an opportunity to use social media in a positive way to reach and engage with your audience like never before.

Don’t bombard them with nonsense marketing bumph. They get that rubbish all day long everywhere else. Instead, consider asking questions about your target audience. Try and find out what inspires them so that you can fill that void in their lives.

Bear in mind that each platform is different. LinkedIn messaging should be different from that of Facebook or Twitter.

Social Distancing doesn’t have to mean Social Media distancing.

Are people finding your content positive, insightful, engaging or better yet, entertaining?

Yes! Things aren’t great right now, but could it be the right time to consider your social media strategy?

Have you considered the best ways to execute that strategy going forward?