 Why has it returned?Can we talk about the last couple of weeks? What an incredible moment in history where we are being called to protect our neighbours by staying home. Self-isolation has forced many of us to explore alternative methods of communication. Two weeks ago live video was considered pretty uncool and way too big of an ask for people's short attention spans. Well... that changed. Social Media is a tool and it's only as good as the way we use it. Right now video chat has become a critical way for many of us to maintain our workflow. Through live video we can stay connected to our customers in a very real and honest way. If you do go live keep the conversation relevant to how you can serve your customers. Not sure what they need? Ask them. What you don't want to do is position yourself as an expert on the current state of the world. People are overloaded with information from reputable news sources and government agencies. Use your live video to remind people of your company values, what you are doing for your customers in the meantime and maintaining a hopeful future for when the world gets back on track.  How to prepare.
You can save your live video so people can watch the rebroadcast: on Facebook you can keep it on your feed indefinitely and on Instagram you will be able to keep it for 24 hours. Live video is not for everyone, but it's truly accessible. It allows us as businesses to connect with our clients on a very human level during a time when 6ft is as close as we can get. Stay strong and be well. 
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 Pictured above is the Broadway Theatre with their message "Wash Your Hands and Love Each Other" during the first week of the Covid-19 pandemic. Be a good citizen.Part of owning a business means being part of the community. No business survives without the tremendous support of the people here in the city. The success of our businesses is so deeply connected to the welfare of our community that it’s impossible to separate them. Being a good citizen means voting, understanding the specific needs of customers and playing an active role in advocating for positive change.  Pictured above is our beloved river valley and the Delta Bessborough Hotel. Context is key.Inspire people with your local love and show off the city. Stock photography is tricky since it will never give context to your images and videos. When you are creating content, you should always be looking for opportunities to let your audience recognize the setting. The more familiar content can feel, the better it will perform. Get creative, it’s doesn’t always need to be a shot of the majestic Bessborough. Show off neighbourhoods, local shops and familiar faces.  Pictured above is the new building for OUT Saskatoon. Business and community.Under ideal circumstances our city's non-profits run on tight budgets and with minimal people power. During a crisis their resources become even more precious. As local businesses we need to find ways to support the community organizations working tirelessly to make our city a better place. Collaborations, donations and volunteering are simple and scalable ways to make a difference.  Pictured above is a mural by @pineapplesforprimeminister on the back of Foster's Shoes off Broadway. Work with local creatives.We all need art for our websites, publications, promotional items, physical spaces, etc. Finding people in the community who can create relevant work for your business is huge. Not only does it support our local economy, but it also allows a creative in YXE to deliver art that is sensitive to the community we live in. A local artist understands the nuances of our culture and can reflect that in their work.  Pictured above is the quirky neighbourhood of 33rd Street in front of Glitch Gifts and Better Off Duds. Know who you are.People say that Saskatchewan is a fly-over province. That people often overlook us nationally or internationally. Embrace your weirdness. It’s so important that we are transparent with our audience. Don’t try to make your business look like something it’s not. The things you think no one will be interested in are the exact stories that will endear your most loyal customers to your business for a lifetime. 
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