Delays. Power outages. Disabled networks. Sick staff. Online events are not immune to being sidetracked by a myriad of situations. How you handle these situations will speak volumes to the attendees. It will convey your level of preparedness. It can express your leadership skills. It may even deter attendees from coming back to future events. When handled properly, however, can be a blip on the radar, barely detectable to the naked eye.
What is the best way to handle these emergencies? I highly recommend putting a contingency plan in place. I referenced the components of this plan in my previous blog post “Can’t Let Your Guard Down.” But what will set you apart is how you respond when interruptions happen. Here are three characteristics of a good planner:
- Preparedness. Actually watch the feed the attendees are receiving. Have backup slides readily available with, “Technical Difficulties, Please Stand By” or “Be Right Back” on them. Do you know what it will take to make a decision and move on? How can you minimize the impact a disruption has on the attendee? You have to be prepared by brainstorming the craziest situations.
- Leadership. Are you paralyzed by high-stress decision-making or can you think rationally and direct a team to take the best next step to keep the attendees from losing interest? Take time to craft message scripts ahead of time so you are not floundering for words. Leaders are visionaries and forward thinkers. They can often see the potential pitfalls and be ready for what may happen.
- Communicate. Do you know what the window is for making a decision about what happens next? When will the attendees stop watching a blank screen and decide to move on? You need to quickly communicate what is happening, that you KNOW it’s happening, and what you plan to do next.
Keep your head on straight, be ready for anything, and assume you’re going to have a great story to tell after the event, no matter what. This will help you respond well when you hear the pop of a filament burning out….
Have you had to navigate a last minute interruption? Tell us about it below or
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