According to 2018 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spent more time commuting to work than ever – approximately 54 minutes round trip per day. But with many Americans now working from home due to COVID-19, those minutes sitting in traffic can now be reclaimed for other activities. But, what’s the best way to use that time? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Professional Development – Many organizations have moved their in-person events- talks, conferences, seminars, etc.- online. This is a great opportunity to virtually attend these events. Now that you’re not sitting in the car, you can learn a new skill or take that class you’ve been putting off. If you have a certification, many webinars and classes also offer continuing education credits, so be sure to earn while you learn!
- Thought Leadership – During uncertain times, your clients and customers will be looking to you for leadership. One of the best ways to do this is by writing thought leadership pieces like white papers, blogs, research papers, and articles for social media. If writing is not your strong suit, consider creating a series of short videos outlining your leadership ideas. Stand out from your competitors by showing your audiences that you’ve listened to them – and that you’re the subject matter expert who can help them navigate through their barriers.
- New Business Development – If agency life has taught us anything, it’s that you must keep your current clients while also bringing in new business. This is an essential, but often overlooked, part of keeping your business viable. We often get wrapped up in client work and forget to do it, but for businesses to survive, it’s a constant and necessary process. You can capture new business in a lot of ways, but the two biggest are expanding within a current client and meeting prospective clients through your existing social network. Who do you know that works at Company X that you’ve always wanted to work with? How can you deliver more value to a current client? Spending your commute time drumming up new business could turn out to be the most profitable use of your time.
- Virtual Networking – Now is a good time to introduce yourself (virtually) to potential clients via social networking sites, emails, or even an old-fashioned letter. Or, host your own virtual event where you discuss one of your thought leadership topics and invite potential clients to attend. Either way, the extra time you spend here could help strengthen relationships with potential clients and introduce your company to new clients.
- “You” Time – While using your extra commute time to better yourself as a professional is great, you also need to pay attention to you. Are you stressed, anxious or exhausted? Then maybe you need some “you” time. Choose something you enjoy doing – exercise, cooking, hobbies, or even extra sleep! Taking care of yourself first will ensure you put your best foot forward at the office – commute or not.
At some point, COVID-19 will become a thing of the past. And it will likely leave some lasting changes to how we do business. Until then, we’ll make lemons out of lemonade by finding more ways to spend our commute time! What are you doing with your extra time?
TVG helps clients navigate new situations every day. If you’re looking for ways to connect with your audience, get a crisis plan in place, conduct training with your staff or set up virtual events, we can help! Call us at 314-991-4641 or visit our website at www.tvgpr.com.
By Laura Vandiver, Senior Research Strategist and Health Coach at The Vandiver Group in St. Louis, Missouri
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