Not only schools are turning to the possibility to reach their students and conversation partners online.
This may also be a good time for sales staff to start online meetings.
I myself have organized and led hundreds of hours of online meetings. Online meetings are not only useful for initiating conversations and getting to know each other for the first time, but you can also use them to close sales.
In this blog, I would like to share my experience with you regarding the technique and structure of an online meeting. So, it is not a comparison or a blog to help you choose the right technique and products.
THE CONCLUSION AHEAD
- There are several free products on the market
- Better headset than microphone and speaker
- No bright light in the background
- Agenda and discussion discipline help enormously
- Test everything first and connect 5 minutes before
SOFTWARE OR PLATFORM
I work with ZOOM. In 99 out of 100 cases, my conversation partner successfully joins the online meeting. The person I invite does not need to log in to Zoom and the installation works even without administrator rights.
In addition, Zoom also offers the possibility to join the online meeting via a telephone number. But this option does not allow video. Other free platforms are: Google Hangouts, UberConference, TrueConf Online, Skype, FreeConference, Appear.in, Slack Video Calls, Facebook Live or YouTube Live.
THE CAMERA AND THE MICROPHONE
I always use the camera on my iMac. But the sound is more important than the images. Even long-time “video conferencers” still often work without a headset. This is usually quite uncomfortable for the other person (my feeling). Much better sound is produced when using a headset (headphones with a microphone). My recommendation: Always use a headset.
THE BACKGROUND
Cameras have great difficulty with a bright background. The person in the foreground then becomes very dark. So, if a window in the background cannot be avoided, then at least lower the shutters. A white wall is better. Some programs can even show a very realistic background in their own video. For home offices, make sure that no personal things are visible in the background.
THE STRUCTURE
A video meeting is definitely different from a physical meeting, that’s for sure. However, it also means that some discipline must be maintained when speaking and commenting.
A clear agenda in advance helps to maintain this discipline. While someone is speaking, it is best to be quiet or even switch off the microphone temporarily, especially at larger conferences.
THE PREPARATION
Always dial in 5 minutes before. If you are not yet an experienced “video-conferencer”, make sure you have a ” final rehearsal” with a colleague to make sure you can hear and be heard as well.