Lockdown ended 5 years ago this month.
During that period, everyone missed personal contact. Networking as we knew it was dead.
Rapidly we all adapted to Zoom. A tool very few people had used before. And hey presto. Group meetings were possible again.
We spent hours obsessing over our 'bragrounds'. The display behind us visible to everyone. We did family meetings on Zoom. Pub quizzes on Zoom. Meetings in pyjamas.
You show up. Pretend to engage. Log off. Go back to the sofa.
Then lockdown ended. Everyone started talking about the New Normal. WFH became a global business debate. There was a rush to meet people in real life. Actual humans. With legs. And shoes.
Zoom fatigue became a recognised medical condition.
Everyone missed personal contact. Networking was dead. Again.
So two years ago I started ZEST Creative Business Networking. An in-person event at Design District, Greenwich, supporting the creative, business, and graduate communities.
You never really know what might happen when you start something. Will anyone turn up? Will they enjoy it? Will they come again?
It turns out they did.
But it wasn't enough.
"I'd love to come to ZEST but I'm not travelling down to London."
"Wish it wasn't over lunchtime on a Wednesday."
"Can you do a ZEST over the pond sometime?"
So now we're launching ZEST Online. Held on Zoom, the first Tuesday of every month.
I know. I know.
But here's the thing. Zoom was never the problem. Showing up without any reason to engage was the problem. ZEST fixes that.
I'll be hosting alongside long-term collaborator and Executive Business Coach Bayo Igoh. One hour. First Tuesday of the month. No commute. No excuses.
Can't join us online? Fine. Join us in person.
Can't join us in person? Fine. Join us online.
Enjoy your Quick PINT.
ZEST Online: Tuesday 7 July, 5-6pm. [EST 12-1pm]
Read more about Bragrounds here
Nigel Davies
