Every Friday since the pandemic shut things down last March (here in the U.S.), we’ve highlighted communicators and marketers who at first were trying to figure out which part of the sky just fell on them in My Hot Mess. Then we shifted to those who are crushing the pandemic with Survive & Thrive. Now it’s time to get back to business, even if it’s not totally normal. We’re going to do that with an Ask Me Anything series—an elevation of our previous Spin Sucks Question series.
Welcome back to another Ask Me Anything, which is a new series where we talk to our friends, our viewers, and our community. about what they would like to know. The whole point is to stump me. If I don’t know the answer, I will ask one of my smart friends to join me.
Let’s take a look at the mailbag.
There were several questions this week, and I kind of prefer this format, so let’s do a rapid-fire round:
- How has COVID changed how we network?
- Has COVID changed the way you work?
- Has COVID changed the way you dress?
- Do you still work out as you did before COVID?
- What’s the hardest part about working full-time and homeschooling?
- Iron Man or Thor?
I’ve been reading Reese Witherspoon’s Whiskey In a Teacup. She has lots of great advice in it, including how to get soft, bouncy waves in your hair without burning yourself on a curling iron.
I’m great at many things, but not at blow-drying, straightening, or curling my hair.
So I thought I’d give her method a try. Problem is, part of the directions say, “Now get in your car and run your errands.”
It being a pandemic and all, I have nowhere to go. Therefore, my “errand” is to answer all the COVID-related questions that have come in.
I hope you don’t mind…
How Has COVID Changed How We Network?
Well, people are not going back to the office. They’re not having in-person lunches. They’re not having happy hour networking events.
It has completely changed how we network.
My Agency Leadership podcast co-host, Chip Griffin, was just telling me about a networking lunch he does virtually every week.
A year ago, that wasn’t even a thing.
I kind of love that I don’t have to get on a plane to see people. I love that I don’t even have to leave my desk. But I’m also an introvert so I don’t need to see people in-person. The virtual part of all of this totally works for me.
Has COVID Changed the Way You Work?
Um, yes? Has COVID changed the way you work? It’s definitely changed the way I work.
It has become lots more challenging because, you know, I have a seven-year-old who is taking second-grade classes in the seat next to me.
You know those offices with one open room and lots of tables where everyone sits together? That’s how we work.
She also refuses to wear headphones while on her Zoom meetings because it hurts her ears if she’s also wearing her glasses, so I hear EVERYTHING that goes on in that class.
Sometimes I love it—and other times I need peace and quiet so I can write or do other deep work.
Has COVID Changed the Way You Dress?
Actually, no.
I know there are lots of jokes about people who haven’t worn anything without an elastic waistband in almost a year, but I’ve worked from home for a decade.
I’ve always made it a point to shower and dress before I sit down to work.
The only thing that has really changed is that I haven’t worn a dress in 327 days. But I still put on clothes I would wear to the office.
Do You Still Work Out as You Did Before COVID?
This will make some of you mad, but I work out more because I don’t have anywhere to go.
I work out with my coach every morning and then I ride the Peloton with my friends at least five days a week.
When the entire world bought a Peloton last year, it became way more fun. Katie Robbert got one right before Thanksgiving and we did some video chat rides during the holidays.
It hooked me again. Plus, they’ve amped up their gamification game and I’m super competitive so it works on me.
“Hey, Gini. Ride 16 times in one day and you’ll get a badge.”
OK! COUNT ME IN!
(I’m embellishing. It’s not that ridiculous.)
Hopefully there will be a racing season this summer. If there is, I will be ready!
What’s the Hardest Part About Working Full-time and Homeschooling?
What do you mean? It hasn’t been a challenge at all.
Hahahahahahahahah!
LOL!
It’s the constant interruptions that kill me. It’s impossible to even sit in one spot longer than 15 minutes.
You have a Zoom meeting. I have a Zoom meeting. I have writing to do and need to focus, but your alarm is going off for your next class that has a different link and password from yesterday.
Why are you not sitting and paying attention? Your teacher just asked you a question! Have you turned in your work?
It’s A LOT to deal with.
Iron Man or Thor?
Come on, now!
Everyone knows I’m an Iron Man woman.
Robert Downey, Jr. is the love of my life.
No contest.
Have a Question For Us?
If you have a question for a future AMA, you can drop it in the comments here or join us in the (free) Spin Sucks Community.
Ask it there, drop ideas for multitasking I can do while answering your questions, engage with your fellow marketers, ad have some fun.
Happy Super Bowl weekend!