Let’s face it, with the holiday season upon us, our ‘pandemic fatigue’ is at an all time high. Normally at this point we’d be hosting holiday parties, engaging in team building events, and taking more time to connect, face-to-face. But as we all know, there’s been absolutely nothing normal about 2020 and our end of year activities are no exception.
A few weeks ago, however, at Baptie Channel Focus, we had some really invigorating conversations around virtual options that can truly and effectively bring our teams and our Partners together. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through them below and I’d love your feedback, especially if you use them or are already using them! .
- Mixology Workshop: Companies like Salta Events offer private virtual workshops where your team can learn how to create a menu of holiday cocktails together from home.
- Wine Tastings: Many vineyards, restaurants and liquor stores have sample sizes they can send out, making it a perfect option for a Zoom wine tasting. If you’re in the Boulder, CO area we suggest Flatiron Wines!
- Virtual Cooking Classes: Williams Sonoma and many local cooking classes like Food Lab Boulder and The Chef and the Dish now have virtual options, where everyone buys their own ingredients and comes together on video to prepare a meal.
- Zoom Karaoke: Use any video conferencing platform to host a virtual Karaoke party!
- "Magic" but with an IT Twist: Magicians like Anders Boulanger of Engagify, who is no stranger to events, also does virtual shows!
- Scavenger Hunt: Coordinate a scavenger hunt, like Mystery Scavenger, where teammates must collaborate and build on each other's creativity to find answers.
- Virtual “Field Trip:” Join a virtual animal sanctuary broadcast, like Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and bring the excitement of a field trip to your living room.
- Remote Office Party: According to a LinkedIn poll, 44% of people said they would absolutely attend an office party via video. Boost camaraderie with a virtual end-of-year work celebration!
I’m sure I’m forgetting some people but thank you to Heather Tenuto of Zift, Mike Moore of E2Open, and JP Policcichio of JAMF for the great suggestions!
What other ideas do you have for bringing Channel Partners and team members together in these challenging times? Let us know!