My pro tips for VIDEO CONFERENCING

I'm sure you're seeing MANY such posts in your feed these days but as someone who rarely ventures beyond the computer screen (and I mean rarely), I felt compelled to share some of my favorite tips and tricks for conducting business via video conferencing.

The first thing you need to do right away is upgrade the quality of the user experience - for yourself and for others. If you have a laptop (regardless of the quality), the built in microphone and camera is barely adequate. I highly recommend purchasing an external microphone and camera (via Amazon or directly from Logitech - don't risk a trip to the office supply store). Ironically, even the least expensive option is WAY better than what you're laptop provides. It's hard to go wrong with this kit. Don't balk at the price. You're saving thousands by staying put. Plus, you'll use this for many years to come.

Next you need to familiarize yourself with ALL of the major video conferencing software tools. YOU might choose ONE but among the various people with whom you'll interact, you've got to be ready to utilize THEIR weapon of choice. Oftentimes, this will require downloading a small bit of software. The top tools are as follows: Zoom Meeting, Go To Meeting, and Google Hangouts. There are TONS of YouTube videos on how to use these tools. 1 hr invested now will save you dozens of hours in frustration and hassle later. Don't make the common mistake of being conversant in only one of these.

Practice using the controls such as muting and un-muting, screen sharing and stop-sharing, as well as the various ways you can arrange what you see on the screen. All the major tools have a "chat" feature which is great for sharing links and asking questions. I believe it's also very useful to know how to RECORD the call for playback later or to share with people who couldn't make it. Just remember- good manners require you announce that you'll be recording the call. Like everything else, practice makes perfect. Video conferencing can make even the most professional-appearing sales pro look like a fumbling idiot. One more thing you should practice- inviting participants via email in the middle of the call. You'd be surprised how often you'll need to use this feature!

Clean up the background & appearance. A cluttered background is very distracting to the people with whom you'll be interacting. Also pay attention to the angle of the camera. Are people getting a good look at your ceiling? Do you have a window behind you that is causing things to look like an old photo negative due to heavy back-lighting? One of the keys to highly productive video calls is to remover all potential distractions.

I am sure some of you reading have tips you can add to my list. Feel free to contribute to the discussion below! Stay safe out there and for heaven's sake, DON'T contribute to the panic! Exploring new ways to engage with customers, family and friends is a silver lining here. And the good news is you're going to need these skills from now on! Its going to be a "new normal" for sure.