How I create “Virtual Cocktail Parties” to connect with friends while I’m housebound
One of the things about being housebound/ home-quarantined/sheltered in place/self-isolated/in lockdown is the risk of losing our connection with other people.
Why is “connection” so important?
Man is a tribal creature, and it’s been proven that we accomplish more when we work in teams.
There’s nothing that’s more fun for me than to work on an important or creative project with like-minded people. And now I can’t leave my house?!
Psychologists and friends alike are posting lists of activities — like reading, playing games, learning to play piano, cooking new recipes — to make the confinement more tolerable. This is all well and good, but it’s important for our mental health to stay connected.
Media influencer Sean Cannell writes, “Being responsible and social distancing doesn’t mean you’re alone. Just because our in-person plans are canceled doesn’t mean we can’t still have a great time learning from and getting to know each other.”
Towards this end, I’ve created what I call “Virtual Cocktails”, where I’ve been meeting up online with two to six friends at a time. I’ve discovered they all love the concept.
Here’s how I do it:
I’m a Success Coach for memoir writers, and I have clients all over the world. I use a program called ZOOM Online Meetings to meet virtually one-on-one with them. So, I thought, Why not use Zoom to create a virtual cocktail party with my friends?
Many of them have never used Zoom. But when I send them a personal email and tell them it costs nothing and all they have to do is click the link in the email at the appointed time, they easily figure it out and show up.
If you’re not familiar with Zoom Online Meetings, here’s an overview of what they offer:
· HD video and high-quality audio
· Up to 500 video participants
· Screen sharing and full suite of collaboration features
· Record your meetings to the cloud with auto-generated transcripts
You can download a (free) mobile app for Zoom for your iPhone or Android.
Zoom pricing is quite affordable.
You can sign up for a free version of this video conferencing app where you can host up to 100 participants (that would be quite a virtual party!). You get unlimited one-on-one meetings, and an unlimited number of group meetings, but group meetings are limited to 40 minutes.
Zoom’s Pro version is $14.99/month. You get all the basic features plus your meeting time extends to 24 hours (though I don’t know why anyone would want to do a 23 ½ hour meeting, for instance). There are lots of other techie extras that I don’t use. I have the pro version because I want the option to extend my client meetings beyond 40 minutes if we’re deep into a subject and the situation warrants it.
One of the personal things I like about Zoom Online Meetings is that their support is great. I’m not a “techie” person, and I often need help online figuring things out. So, I never buy anything that doesn’t come with great support.
Here’s the link to the pricing information on their website:
Zoom has posted a special link to address how to most effectively use Zoom during the COVID-10 pandemic:
https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/covid19.html
My personal recommendation is that you purchase the Pro plan, if you are able. In this uncertain time, I believe it is important to stay connected, and also to support the economy. You can do this by making online contributions to your favorite local charities and by paying for helpful services like Zoom.
Then put on your party tie or party earrings, arm yourself with your favorite drink, and host your own “virtual cocktail party.”
Personal disclaimer: I don’t get any affiliate commission from recommending Zoom. However, I am looking into making a small stock purchase in the company, because I see it as a communication tool that can and should grow as more people look to stay in touch online.
Cheers! (Imagine me raising to you a virtual glass of wine)
