New to virtual business meetings?
We have been thrust into a new reality right now. We’ve seen an influx of online networking meetings. It’s an influx of people using virtual meetings for the first time. Many do not know there is an etiquette when it comes to virtual meetings. Many industries in corporate America have been using virtual meetings for quite some time, domestically and internationally.
I thought I’d share some tips for virtual meetings.
1. RSVP if you plan to attend. There are various virtual meeting platforms so don’t assume you know which one will be used. If you are going to attend, RSVP early it will give you time to be prepared properly. Make sure you have the Meeting ID, URL and or back up phone numbers handy or saved in your calendar.
2. Actually schedule your meeting in your calendar like you would any other appointment and make a reminder if necessary.
3. Get prepare mentally and physically. Good news you only have to dress appropriately from the waist up! Remember your hair and face. Guys please remember to shave. No bed head and PJs.
Many industries in corporate America have been using virtual meetings for quite some time, domestically and internationally.
4. Pre-check: Check sound surroundings and visible distractions. You want to get in a quiet place or even outside if necessary. Plan to eat before or after meeting.
5. Get your SMILE ready…everyone needs to see it right now. Be ready to say “hello” and introduce yourself if necessary.
6. Log in a few minutes early to make sure you know where you main controls are located. It may be in different places depending on the platform you are using. NOTE: Test audio to see if you can use your computer audio or you need to call in with your phone. Learn how to use virtual background if necessary and available. Locate these FOUR buttons right away: AUDIO/MUTE button (use if more than 5 people or a webinar), DISPLAY options (speaker or gallery view), and the CHAT. You will need to START VIDEO and you are ready to go!
7. Remember virtual meetings are not much different than live in-person meetings. So there should not be several different conversations verbally or through CHAT. Unless you have a question directed at the speaker, there should not be a conversation going while a speaker is talking. Its distracts the speaker as well as those paying attention to you versus the speaker.
8. If there is an interruption in your surroundings immediately MUTE and/or STOP VIDEO.
9. Stay seated your entire meeting. Don’t play on the keyboard or surf the web. Participate with discussions.
10. Remember you are in a business meeting, not watching a stage show from the rafters. It’s really important that you treat it as such. If you wouldn’t go to a meeting wearing sunglasses or a bag over your head than don’t expect to be in a virtual meeting without using your video. Be present!
With our current climate, it’s very important that we use professional skills to help keep life as normal as we can under the circumstances.