Why do I need to be prepared?

Since the Coronavirus started in March many business owners had to become more creative. Many had to transfer to more online work and conducting virtual meetings on different sites such as: Zoom, Live, Facebook, GoTo Meeting, Join.Me etc. Virtual meetings are great ways to communicate to one person or a group of business people. For many of us, it’s been a new avenue. I personally haven’t used a virtual meeting platform prior to Coronavirus. I prefer the face to face meeting, however that is impossible right now. Of course with Coronavirus the world basically has become 99% online for business and personal meetings. The problem is most people like me weren’t trained so it’s been a crash course of learning. Also no one was there to show us the best ways to present ourselves. I have recently been listening to many virtual meetings with professionals all over the country. I have seen so many inexperienced hosts, speakers and attendees that I decided it was time to give a few tips on business virtual meetings:

• Poor attire for screenshot (No PJ’s, low cut tops)
• Poor screen appearance ( Hair not combed like you just got out of bed)
• Avoid distractions such as: children and/or pets
• If you don’t want the group to see you, don’t check the video button or provide a stationary picture
• If you must walkaway from the screen put up stationary picture
• Hosts head down reading questions / notes (use another monitor for questions / notes or have them on a paper at the same level that you can glance at like teleprompter)
• Introduce yourself in a professional manner (no long elevator speeches)
• Ask intelligent questions and give intelligent answers
• When setting up a meeting put an appropriate picture of yourself and headline
• Face the camera / smile
• Sit up in chair not with good posture

You have to remember that these are people you may want to do business with in the future. If these are your employees it gives a poor sign of leadership. There are many ways to test the system out before you have an actual meeting. Ask for help from a co worker or friend. This maybe uncomfortable the first few times however it’s a great way to do business. Virtual meetings and working from home might just be the best way to conduct business after the Coronavirus subsides.

We at The Hart Experience would be happy to give you some more virtual meeting tips in this area. We are all in this TOGETHER… Also when you are ready to open for business let’s get together and discuss your employee guidelines for keeping your employees and customers safe and healthy. Contact Debbie 602.717.3271, Debbie@thehartexperience.com , www.thehartexperience.com