[FLN – Updates] – Transition from Virtual to Live – When and How?

Greetings Everyone and Welcome to Memorial Day – 2020.

This has been a wild and crazy ride over the last few months, but it has been really great to see how resilient and supportive so many [FLN – Members] have been towards each other. 

The virtual [FLN – Chapter] meetings have been going very well, and the [FLN – Power Lunches] have really been very solid, as we have seen a structured format with a great group of colleagues has really made a difference during this extended time of isolation. 

The camaraderie throughout FLN has been really great to experience, and even though we are physically distant, it has been great to see so many great friends and colleagues connecting on a regular basis. 

There is no doubt that Zoom has made some things more efficient and reduced travel time, but it definitely has limitations. While it’s a convenient alternative, it can never really replace a live presence with friends, family, and colleagues. 

No matter how many times you hear the same song on your phone, or watch the same ball game on television, there is nothing like the energy and vibrancy that comes from attending a “live” event. 

I know some of you are ready to connect and attend a live Chapter meeting as early as yesterday, while some of you will be waiting much longer before you are comfortable doing so. 

Either way, we will try and accommodate everyone as best we can, and hopefully, the transition will be smooth and uneventful. 

As many venues and restaurants start to reopen throughout South Florida they are adjusting to the new format of serving groups, but so far, most of the “well-established” places that we attend, have a solid game plan and will be reopening to accommodate groups as soon as they are safe and ready to do so. 

Much of the FLN – strategy regarding returning to live Chapter meetings depends on each venue. When and how they can accommodate groups will determine when we can return to a live meeting.

Based on what we know today, here is the current strategy:

Operation – [FLN – Transition] 

Ideally, if all goes well, we would like to resume “live” [FLN – Chapter Meetings] in all [FLN – Chapters] by August 2020, but that is presuming the venues are prepared, and our members are ready to connect. 

Meanwhile, it is not realistic that we can go directly from virtual meetings to a live format overnight, so while we wait for everything to improve, the next few weeks and months will be dedicated to attending live [FLN – Power Lunches]. 

Most [FLN – Chapters] will be taking a month off from regular Chapter meetings in June or July so stay tuned for those particular announcements.

As folks start to venture into the community, it will give everyone a chance to catch their breath from Zoom meetings, and to “test the waters” by attending a live lunch event with their friends and colleagues. Once you do it, I am sure it will feel like old times again.

Of course, this will all depend on your personal level of comfort, and if you would like to keep attending virtual power lunches that will be an option as well. 

Essentially, we need to transition gradually and prudently, so before folks can really feel comfortable attending a “live” [FLN – Chapter] meeting, it will be important for folks to “test the water” and attend a live [FLN- Power Lunch]. 

Of course, only when you are personally ready to do so. There will be no pressure, no judgment, or no requirements to do anything you are not ready to do.

We will take it one step at a time, and always find a way to accommodate. 

We all know this has been a wild and crazy adventure, but the key is to always look 6, 9,12 months in advance, and make sure the actions you take today can improve your goals and objectives into the future. 

On that note, enjoy the rest of this wonderful 3 day raining weekend, and anytime you start thinking that things could be better, just make a list of everything you want to accomplish over the next year, and your thoughts and actions will follow. 

Here is the inspiring quote of the day: 

Amateurs practice until they get it right.

Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong. 

-Anonymous

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As always, make it a great day, and 

“I sincerely look forward to connecting with you sooner than later.

Regards,

-Mo N. ElDeiry, Esquire

[FLN – Founder & Director]