Just in case you’ve been lucky enough to live under a rock for the last year, video conferencing has become a pretty big deal. From a business perspective, video conferencing has many advantages including:
Maximizing collaboration
Streamline sales process
Drive accountability
As far as providers go, Zoom has become the unquestioned market leader. Zoom’s ease of use, freemium business model, and a lossless experience from desktop to mobile have made it the trusted partner for, well… the world.
While we have all become Zoomers, there’s been a longer learning curve for some of us. We put together a quick breakdown of some common do’s and don’ts a few weeks back, but today we will be focusing on more tactical recommendations.
Default Mute
Knowing when to use the mute button has become society’s highest display of emotional intelligence. It keeps the discussion on task by limiting random distractions. A clean line of audio will also minimize miscommunication between the parties on the call which becomes especially important if you happen to be recording the discussion/demo. If you’re looking to make a strong impression, stay on mute until you are ready to speak.
Remote work is here to stay, and part of that will be taking calls in public or shared spaces. It is not your fault if there happens to be construction, a barking dog, or an alien invasion, your clients and peers will appreciate the respect you are showing by doing your best to create a quality experience.
Have Presentations Ready
One of the most helpful features of Zoom is screen sharing. This is a great way to make your calls more engaging. Zoom fatigue has become a very real phenomenon and it is now more important than ever to make sure your discussions are truly interactive, not just a lecture.
The key to running a smooth presentation or demo on Zoom is to make sure you’re prepared. Have your collateral ready to go, and close every other tab that isn’t Zoom. This will save you time since you have only what you need open, and it will allow you to maintain the conversational rhythm of the conversation.
It’s Okay To Turn Off The Camera
Just because video-conferencing has become the standard, that does not mean that you have to show your face all the time. Zoom allows you to call into a meeting rather than jumping on screen, and this can be a major lifesaver in today’s remote world.
Personally, leaving the camera off from time to time has empowered me to connect with my team when life gets in the way. Whether it is being stuck in traffic, or an exceptionally bad hair day, you can still participate with confidence. Too many of us throw unneeded stress on ourselves by rushing to get “camera ready,” and while the camera should always be the first option, changing it up now and then is okay.
The “new normal” has given us the opportunity to take more control over our work lives. Tools like Zoom help us remain connected at a distance, and learning how to use them effectively can help bring the best parts of the past into the future. For more insights on running your business in the digital age, Subscribe to the Crucial Clickbait newsletter.
About GCC Group
We provide small and medium sized businesses the tools they need to stay relevant in today’s digital economy. As more consumers turn to the internet to shop and socialize, organizations need to have the digital footprint and infrastructure necessary to meet customers where they are. Visit our website for more information.
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash