How Professional Development for Online Communication Became the ONLY Way Forward
A simplified version of Moore’s Law, which originated in the 1970s, states that computer processor speeds double every two years while the cost of computers are cut in half every year. Fast forward 50 years and technology is disrupting nearly every industry in some way, shape, or form. Innovation is obviously a good thing, and technological advancements have allowed economies to flourish around the globe, but it’s not uncommon in this day and age to be unsure about the direction of your business, or the customers you support. In fact, for many, the only thing that is certain is more uncertainty.
The new “flat world” we live in today enables businesses to span the globe with advanced communication and technology infrastructure. Freelancers and contractors can be hired in moments and enable businesses pivot with unprecedented speed. One of the most important technology tools for businesses today, especially in our current global climate, is online meeting technology that makes face-to-face interactions possible from anywhere, at any time.
The implications of capabilities like these are incredible for those with an aptitude for learning new communication skills. It’s easy for digital natives, like me, to pick up an online meeting software like Zoom and understand its core functionality within minutes. But, one thing the recent global pandemic has uncovered, for me personally, is how many people are new to online meetings.
There are so many people in our society and the workforce who are struggling with online communication. Too many working professionals are having unproductive online meetings every day. Events that were once exciting and full of powerful experiences are now stuck in boring talking head webinars. Most professionals have not taken the time to work on their own professional development when it comes to online communications. Ironically, this concept only recently occurred to me, and I work in the online communication technology space.
When I think about online communication, teachers who have been tasked to start their very first online distance learning programs are the first people who come to mind. I am actually in the process of helping the teachers at my kids’ school in West Chester, Pennsylvania. After speaking with the school administrator, it’s clear that professional development for foundational online communication will be required for a successful implementation of a distance learning program.
After writing The Online Meeting Survival Guide, I wasn’t the least bit surprised when people from almost every industry reached out to me about the book. It seems there is one thing we can all agree on: professional development for online communication is a great idea.
That said, I turned to Bill Mullin, a mentor who I deeply respect. Bill had given me advice on books to read throughout my writing process, and I asked him what else we could do to help. After a couple of Zoom meetings, we decided we needed to gather some of the top minds in the industry for a full day of professional development. Bill suggested that we shoot for the moon, “Let’s get Joseph Pine, the author of The Experience Economy.” One thing led to the next, and today I am happy to announce that the Presence Summit is taking place July 15th.
Bill is well connected in the industry, with over 30 years of experience in the audio/video industry. Bill’s company STARIN was recently acquired by the Midwich Group, an international organization that fully supports the idea of providing a full day of professional development for online communicators.
The PresenceSummit has been created to help attendees take a deep dive into their personal communication style. Our team knows online communications can create sustainable high-performance productivity by empowering teams to meet more efficiently. This Summit is an ideal opportunity to take your organization to new heights by showing the numerous opportunities that exist as a result of online communications.
What can you expect?
Hear from Michael Gidlewski, with Achievement Unlimited, who will explain why our communication style matters and what it means for our teams. Fatima Doman, founder of the Authentic Strengths Advantage, will help us understand science-based strategies to help us gain greater resilience during rapid times of change. Perhaps our best-known speaker, Joseph Pine, author of “The Experience Economy,” will help us redefine the experiences we deliver using online communications.
We also haven’t forgotten about the entertainment, which is so integral to keeping online events fresh and engaging. Join us for a mid-day live stream with New York City’s famous historian, “Urbanist” and an after-party with music by Philadelphia’s own G. Love.
If your organization is leveraging online communications, join us on July 15!
Learn more here: https://presencesummit.com
