You're struggling to connect with remote teams. How can you effectively communicate as a Sales Engineer?

Demonstrating a technical product online which mostly requires an in-hand demonstration becomes difficult in virtual meetings. This can be obsoleted by giving insights into your offering such as a quick document, brochure, 1 page explanation of the offering, that too in layman's language, before going into the online virtual meeting, so your customer understands the core concept rather than showing overconfident by phrasing quite complicated speech that does not even transfers your message.

Utilize Technology Tools for increasing your face value such as:- Video Conferencing: Use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for face-to-face interactions. Video calls help build stronger connections and facilitate clearer communication. Instant Messaging: Utilize tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp for quick, real-time communication and collaboration. Project Management Software: Use tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira to keep track of tasks, projects, and deadlines. Ensure everyone has visibility into the progress and responsibilities.

Remember - communication is not the art of speaking, it is the art of ensuring that the receiver hears and understands the message ! We are a wonderful world of different people and cultures. Find out how people want to receive information. Some want verbal communication/meetings, written, video or audio updates. Then figure out how to break your message into usable chunks. Finally, validate that the receiver actually UNDERSTANDS what was sent.

One of the best pieces of advice that I was given early in my SE career : You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion in a meeting ! You do not need to prove how great you tech skills are, but you do need to understand what the customer challenge is.

Encourage Feedback and Continuous Improvement Feedback Mechanism: Implement a feedback mechanism where team members can share their thoughts on communication practices and suggest improvements. Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement by encouraging team members to participate in training sessions, webinars, and workshops.

For customer feedback I would suggest running a series of workshops as they switch from a pure meeting/discussion format to a highly interactive bi-directional sharing of information. For internal feedback try the 'two things' approach. After any session ask each other "What are two things that went really well in that session" (and you should do more of as a team) and "What two things would you do differently if you had the opportunity again" (continuous improvement).

For seamless collaboration, consider these core remote work tools alongside company-approved options: - Video conferencing - Calendar and the required best practices - Task management with resource assignment These tools facilitate both real-time (synchronous) and flexible (asynchronous) communication, crucial for remote success. Building a collaborative culture goes beyond tools. Clearly communicate your needs and respect colleagues' schedules. Remember, everyone juggles responsibilities. By helping them understand your requirements, you create a supportive environment for mutual success.

Stay Accessible and Supportive Open Door Policy: Maintain an open door (or open chat) policy where team members feel comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns. Regular Check-ins: Regularly check in with team members to provide support, address any challenges, and ensure they have what they need to succeed. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity Respect Cultural Differences: Be mindful of cultural differences and communication styles. Foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel respected and valued. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance communication with remote teams, ensuring that everyone stays connected, informed, and engaged.