Online Teaching
Episode 30: In this episode, Peter and Laura give each other an update on how they’re doing as the lock-down still continues and then discuss how they’re moving some of their teaching and marketing strategies online.
How the COVID-19 crisis can be seen as a reason to think about new ways of working, in particular using the inherent creativity that we have as artists laterally to solve other problems.
In this episode
Prompted by the extraordinary situation during the Covid 19 pandemic Laura and Peter have explored different solutions to remain connected with their respective audiences. Today's podcast is not specifically about crisis management, it is more about how the crisis can be seen as a reason to think about new ways of working, in particular using the inherent creativity that we have as artists laterally to solve other problems.
The Useful Stuff
Be open minded about your ability to embrace new skills and unfamiliar ways of communicating. As a creative, you already have a talent for flexible and adaptive thinking.
There’s never been a time when an online presence has been more vital, so if you haven’t already embraced social media and published your own website, now is the time! Remember, work done now will stay relevant and productive long beyond lockdown.
Don’t be intimidated by what other artists and brands are doing online. Start small: look at what you can and want to offer using equipment and skills you already have. Reach out digitally at your own pace; there’s nothing wrong in learning on the job.
Making contact with your audience is far more important than superior production values, but you will need to factor in time to plan and produce digital offerings, plus time for post-production if you are publishing recorded material. Do remember that while people will be forgiving of visual and sound quality, they will only engage with worthwhile content.
Be generous. Laura’s model is to give away daily short tutorials. This has been a wise marketing and sales strategy, but it is a very demanding approach. Peter’s live art group talks by video have brought in revenue directly, but he is live streaming for free. Both artists have learned new skills and have become more available to a worldwide audience and expect to capitalise on their new digital connections in the future.
If you decide to offer a service, paid or free, be prepared for the response it will generate and be very clear with your audience about any boundaries and rules concerning payment or answering questions etc. Make the situation work for you as well as for your audience.
The Takeaway
Keep an open mind and embrace the possibilities of reaching out in new ways. You’ll be banking skills and may find unexpected opportunities.
