Strangeways, here we come.
I know you’ve received one of these from every possible source and probably had to create your own so I’ll be brief.
We are living in interesting times. Here in Pittsburgh, the Carney team is social distancing and working from home. Zoom is our best friend; we’re even pitching remotely. It’s hard to predict what will happen next but we’re committed to continuing to deliver for our agency clients and to you as a subscriber to our daily newsletter.
A fellow Pittsburgher by the name of Mr. Rogers once said that when things are bad, to look for the helpers. So – how can we help? The Daily Carnage is a global community and we’re all in this together. Reply to this email and let me know what kind of content we can provide that might make the coming weeks a little more bearable.
(But we can’t send TP. That’s on you.)
If you need a shot of like-minded humanity, join the conversation on the Daily Carnage Facebook group. Lots of discussions about working from home, crisis communications, and general survival in our strange new reality.
Hang in there & stay sharp.
– Rob Carney
Motivational Monday
- Woman Starts Doing Grocery Runs for Older Neighbors to Reduce Their Exposure to the Coronavirus
- One Million ‘Wonder Plant’ Seedlings Are Planted in Wales to Fight Climate Crisis—and Create Healthy Seas
- U.S. providers offer free Wi-Fi for 60 days
- Breakthrough Solar System Uses Recycled Aluminum to Store Energy—Without Batteries
WFH: the 411
Working from home sounds fabulous. You get to roll out of bed, no worries about traffic, and the best perk… no pants!
What most people don’t tell you about working from home is the isolation and demand for discipline. If you’re not used to working from home day in and day out, it’s quite the adjustment. Hang in there though because it’s not impossible!
The Carney team is working from home for the next few weeks until things with COVID-19 become less uncertain. Here are our five tips for a productive week.
- First, we get it, no pants sounds awesome. But it’s best to maintain your normal morning routine. This means get a shower, make your coffee, and dress like you’re going to see people. Sticking to your usual work routine will help the transition back when it’s time to do so.
- Make yourself a designated workspace. The goal here is to separate work from home, limit distraction, and set boundaries with household members.
- Do you live on a busy street or next to a noisy dog? Find what works best for you to block out distracting noises. This could mean creating a work playlist, using a tool like Coffitivity, or investing in noise-canceling headphones.
- Set timers to move around. Sitting at your desk and staring at your computer day in and day out will get you on the fast track to crazy train. Doing something as simple as taking time to stretch, walking around the room, or getting some water can actually increase productivity.
- Last but not least, when you accomplished your to-do list for the day put the work away. Take the opportunity to decompress your mind with a hobby, learn something new, or spend more time with family.
Coffitivity
Have you ever noticed eureka moments happen during a shower? What about the productive feeling you get when you work out of a coffee shop? Well, there’s proven science that suggests tiny distractions help your creativity.
Coffitivity capitalized on this notion. This tool gives the ambient sounds of a cafe to boost your creativity and heighten your productivity.
We’re definitely giving this tool a go this week!
What we're reading...
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg Ph.D
Watch
Restaurants don’t do half a job
Have you been served something in a restaurant that was a little cold, undercooked, overcooked, or frankly not what you had ordered? Mistakes happen. But when a squawking chicken arrives at your table, that oversight may be of concern.
Nested Estate Agents want you to know that they follow through on the job. From helping you sell your house to negotiating a better deal when you buy; they do it all. And you can bet they won’t be hauling cows over to your table when you order a rare steak.
“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”
Leonardo da Vinci
