Businesses from across the globe are adjusting to working from home and adapting their business practices accordingly. While in-person meetings are put on hold, it is important to keep communicating with your clients in order to stay up to date and connected with them. Most of us are familiar with sending emails and making phone calls as part of our daily tasks, but video calls and virtual meetings can be an unfamiliar communication method.
Services like Zoom, Google Meet, and GoToMeeting are offering great video conference options for everything from one-on-one meetings to large webinars.
Learn how to incorporate video meetings into your business with these key tips:
Webcam and audio set-up is important
Your webcam should be straight on at eye level so that when you look at your screen, it appears as if you are looking directly at the person you’re talking to. This could mean propping your computer on top of something to prevent you from looking down into your camera.
Test out your audio ahead of time if you can. If you are not in a private room, use headphones to minimize background noise.
Business casual attire
Dress as you would for an in-person meeting to let your client know that they are important enough for you to get ready for the meeting.
The focus is on you
Keep in mind that you’re more visible in video calls than in offline meetings. Take note of what background is in view from your webcam and tidy up anything that could be distracting.
Make sure your face is well lit from natural or artificial light in front or to the side of you. If there is too much light in the background, it could be hard to see you.
If there are other people living in the same household as you, notify them beforehand of the meeting to minimize interruptions.
Always show your face, rather than just audio
Having your camera on and making eye contact with your client shows that you are invested in them and it is a lot more interactive than a black screen with audio.
Shorter meetings
It can be easy to get distracted by incoming emails while on video call, so it is best to keep your meetings short and to the point – 15-30 minutes is all you need.
Modify your communication
It can be easier to interrupt someone over video call than it is when talking to someone in-person. Wait for a few seconds of silence in case there is an audio delay. Keep your client on the same page by asking questions throughout the call – say “How does that sound to you? Any thoughts, comments, or questions?”
Content sharing
Most video conferencing platforms have a screen sharing option. Add an interactive element to your meeting by utilizing screen sharing to show your clients presentations, documents, or website demos.
Good luck and don’t forget to convey your personality on your next video call!
As a digital commercial insurance brokerage, Fuse Insurance is fully equipped to work from home and can help you with finding insurance that is customized for your business. We are available by phone, email, and video chat to assist you. Contact us today at 1-866-387-FUSE (3873) or visit our contact page.