How to handle video calls like a boss
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Remember when we used to iron shirts and travel miles to have business meetings?
Those jobs still exist, but for many people, deciding to be your own boss means doing things differently.
If you’ve recently started a business, video conferencing technology offers a low-cost way to connect with a range of people and build professional relationships remotely.
Try these 10 tips to send the right signals onscreen
Test your tech
Before a high stakes online meeting, check your microphone, camera, and internet connection.If you’re struggling to get your equipment working and are thinking of investing in some new kit, sign up to Smarta where you can benefit from discounts of up to 20% off at Dell Technologies.
Don’t wait to update
Video conferencing tools and platforms often require you to run updates. Log on ahead of time and check whether an update is required. If you’re downloading a new, unfamiliar video conferencing tool, book a practice call with a mate before your meeting.Don’t be that person who switches on 2 minutes before the call only to realise there’s an update that takes 8 minutes to run! (Yep, we've been that person).
Show up on time
Don’t keep people waiting - make sure you’re ready to join the call at the agreed start time.
(Following tips 1 and 2 in advance make this one a lot easier!)
Know why you're there
Before agreeing to meet with someone virtually, you should be clear about the purpose of the meeting - for you and for them. The conversation will flow more smoothly if expectations are set early on for what you each want to get out of the call.
If you’re meeting to discuss finance, make sure you’ve understood the current interest rates and considered fixed-rate options such as a Start Up Loan.
Pick the place
Ideally you should take business calls somewhere quiet, well-lit and distraction-free.(We love working in coffee shops, but they’re not great for calls).
Whether you’re working from home or a shared office space, upgrading your webcam and microphone can make a massive difference.
Have you heard… Smarta are giving away a Dell UltraSharp Webcam and Speakerphone with Multiport Adapter?!
With a 360° omnidirectional microphone and background noise elimination, you can look and sound your best.
Mute-unmute-mute-unmute
It’s a good idea to mute yourself when you’re not speaking. This helps to avoid background noise but also makes it easier to avoid interrupting each other. Just remember to unmute again before you start answering a question!Stay focused
Entrepreneurs often have to multitask, but you should try to avoid looking at other devices whilst you’re on a video call.
If juggling too many tasks is something you struggle with, we’ve suggested a few apps and tools that might help you.
Watch your body language
Making eye contact can be tricky on video calls, so try to position your camera so that you can look directly into it.Remember that negative body language (including slouching, crossing your arms or looking away from the camera a lot) can make it harder to build rapport with someone online.
Stay switched on
To show respect for the other meeting attendees and demonstrate that you’re actively listening, you need to stay engaged in the conversation: ask questions and participate in the discussion and invite quieter members of the group to contribute to the conversation.Say thanks
If you don’t have a great deal of experience with virtual meetings, knowing how to wrap things up and when to hit the red button can feel awkward!
The simplest way to bring the conversation to a close is simply to thank everyone for their time, before confirming what your next steps will be. That might be booking another meeting, circulating a document by email, or going away to work on your business plan following their feedback. (We’ve got a template to help you with that).
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