Sometimes, you’re on the go, and don’t have the time for a pow-wow with other big wigs concerning your business. You can’t make the meeting for a lot of reasons, or heck, maybe you just prefer to do it from an area of comfort. Thanks to video conferencing, essentially streaming livecam discussions, this is all possible. However, it’s pretty easy to forget manners and formality through the screen of a computer. We’re not all there, why bother with professionalism?
This is a huge misnomer and can be problematic, no matter what the conference is about. If it’s professional, treat it just like you would a regular one. For the benefit of everybody, I’m going to briefly discuss a few good things to do and things to avoid at all costs.
Mind Your Equipment
First off, be clear. Mind your equipment when you’re about to present/discuss things with potential clients or business partners. Whatever software you use, be sure you can be heard. A nice quiet room helps with this, because background noise can interfere with what you’re trying to say.
Exercise Clarity
Another thing is to maintain eye contact with the web cam, or wherever the video feed is being taken from. Laptops or tablets, for example, typically have a lens on the top part of their frame. Keep yourself level, as in, eye height, like you were talking to a person in front of you. There’s no reason to have wonky angles where you can’t be seen. This is especially true if you’re presenting something and need to be seen clearly.
Speaking of clarity, enunciate thoughtfully and be in a well-lit space. Ever look at a photo or video with a strange, grainy effect? Well, that’s because its dark and the image itself gets blurred. You don’t want to be hiding in the shadows when talking to someone, be entirely visible.
Maintain Visibility
Visibility? That’s important too. I know you’re on a computer or the like, but this is no time to be casual. Wear professional clothing or attire, regardless. Doesn’t have to be too fancy, but definitely keep something on you’d be expected to have on at work.
Now, as for the actual conference call, be focused and attentive. Seems obvious, but it’s tempting to want to check things while someone else is talking, like emails or other websites. Don’t do it. Be respectful, just like you would expect respect for your presentations. Also, though screen names might be applicable and previous meetings had, introduce yourself politely. This is especially important if you happened to be in a multiple-person’s video call.
That’s about it. Not really too complicated. In fact, if you’re used to discussing important things with clients or other business partners, there’s not too much different here. So long as you understand the software platform, schedule things accordingly, and work out any possible technical bugs, video conferencing is simple.
Learn more about Stratosphere Networks video conferencing solutions and support – fill out our contact form or call 877-599-3999 to speak with one of our certified IT professionals.
