A Content Creator's Thoughts On Covid-19

When the news first broke about Covid-19, I was admittedly a bit blasé about the whole thing. Whether this was a subconscious effort to protect myself from my own anxieties, or just pure ignorance, I'm not sure. A bit of both, perhaps. 

However, I'm sure we all realise now that the outbreak has seeped into all of our lives, one way or another. 

Well, I wouldn't be writing this from the "comfort" of my kitchen, if it hadn't affected mine. 

I thought I'd write down some of the things I've had to quickly adapt for my business since I began self-isolating at the beginning of this week. 

Disclaimer: I realise I am lucky. My work is almost purely digital. I also have the benefit of being a very small company - it's just little old me and a couple of freelancers, and we work almost always remotely. 

Be more reactive with content. 

At any one time, Bloom manages the social media channels of around ten clients and we run a similar number of blogs/websites. 

This requires a lot of planning, organisation and getting content in front of the noses of clients for approval sooner rather than later. 

Usually, I am as reactive as I can be. But having a plan - as I'm sure a lot of content creators out there will agree - is the key to success without burnout. 

But, I think I can speak for everyone when I say no one was prepared for an event so far-reaching as Covid-19. 

So, in the light of the outbreak, I've had to become a lot more reactive in my content creation. This week alone, I've had to share several statements, create urgent newsletters and post business updates from my clients' accounts. And, it's all had to be done quickly and correctly.

It's also meant that the content that the freelancers I work with and I have carefully created has had to be pushed back; maybe it will never see the light of day, who knows?

It is frustrating, but there are a lot of businesses worse off than what we are right now.

Don't abandon the plan fully. 

As I said, I usually plan ahead with the ability to change up content when necessary (i.e. like this week). 

I haven't abandoned my content plans altogether. No one knows how long this crisis will last, so some of that content will be shared at a more appropriate time. 

Meanwhile, any content that is still relevant and helpful is still going to be shared. I think everyone is appreciating positive social media content that doesn't solely focus on doom, gloom and disruption now, right?

Keep creating. 

It's tricky to feel comfortable creating when there's a lot of scary stuff going on out there. For a few days, I shied away from doing anything majorly creative.

However, I've been working hard to turn a negative situation into a positive and create content that is either practical, educational, or simply brightens someone's day. 

When I'm not on my laptop, I am working on my embroidery projects to keep my mind happy, fingers busy and creativity flowing. 

Be open and honest. 

Everyone is concerned. Everyone has their own struggles during this challenging time.

So, why not talk about it?

On Monday, I sent out an honest email to all of my clients letting them know where I was at with it all, followed by an email on Tuesday letting people know I'd be self-isolating for the next 14 days. It's best to be honest, and I always stick by that rule. 

While this shouldn't affect what I do for them for the time being, it gave me the opportunity to check in with them, see if they needed any support or any information from me. 

It was well-received, and most came back with something I could support them with, or a line or two wishing me well. 

We're all human, so let's stop trying to be uber-professional and have some empathy. 

Digital is so important. 

In late February, I took on a work experience person in partnership with the wonderful Goodwin Trust. Alex has been working with Bloom at our usual space (C4DI) for a few days per week since. 

Obviously, with the news of the outbreak, I had to make the decision to ask Alex to work from home for the foreseeable future. 

In hindsight, I'm so glad that from day one of his work experience, I introduced him to the online project management tool Bloom uses for everything - Asana. 

It's because of this tool that I am able to easily interact and collaborate with Alex, as well as all of my clients, without having to meet face-to-face. 

Of course, I'm hoping for Alex's sake this is only temporary so he can get full and useful work experience from his time with Bloom.

Other tools, like video conferencing software, I'm yet to use during this period of home working, but I'm guessing I'll have to jump on Zoom at some point over the coming months with clients.  

It's okay to feel overwhelmed.

My panic usually sets in around 7pm, after the news updates. While I am trying to remain positive throughout all of this, it is okay to feel sad, overwhelmed or anxious sometimes. 

These are unprecedented times, and we all need to forgive ourselves for feeling and behaving in unprecedented ways. 

However, if you are feeling too overwhelmed, please reach out to someone. My inbox is always open (www.instagram.com/_bloomltd). 

Reach out to communities. 

My anxiety largely stems from feeling out of control of a situation.

I spent the weekend feeling on edge to the point the core of my body ached. 

On Sunday evening, I decided to take some action, to claim back a little bit of control and do my bit. I set up a Discord server for the growing #freelancehull community; a place where freelancers can talk and discuss topics about freelance life in Hull and the surrounding areas. A lot of small businesses are worried, a lot of freelancers need support, whether it's advice about grants or just a silly conversation to distract from the chaos outside. 

By speaking to people in the same boat as me, I have been able to feel less alone and part of something bigger. Something we all need a bit of right now. 

If you're not a freelancer or business owner, but still feel isolated. Take a look on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media platforms to get involved with a community; it could be a local neighbourhood Facebook group, a WhatsApp chat for you and your work colleagues, or supportive Twitter chat. 

And, if there isn't one that quite fits what you're looking for, set one up yourself! 

I'm fortunate that - as of yet - Covid-19 hasn't completely turned my life and work upside down, I have been able to adapt. However, it has forced me to ramp up my efforts to stay connected and keep creating.