Change The Way You Attend Virtual Meetings
For the last 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to both lead and attend virtual meetings and events. Don’t worry, this isn’t another article telling you how to lead a meeting - rather, I’m writing this for attendees. Mainly, those who are new or somewhat new to all of this.
The amount of energy we are putting towards virtual connections is challenging. There is a wide variety of meetings and meet-ups being offered from a wide variety of places, so if we are going to attend them why not attend them with purpose?
Here are my three tips to help you be strategic and really enhance the way you attend virtual meetings:
Never just show up - Unless necessary, don't be a virtual wall flower by joining with your audio muted and video off the entire time. This is one of the best opportunities to establish yourself as an active participant in the virtual event so turn your video on and:
Ask questions - this is your chance to give everyone a 30 second glimpse into you, your brand and your business.
Provide insight when appropriate - be a leader and add value when you can. People appreciate that and remember those who contributed intelligently.
Monitor and use the comments section - engage people publicly and privately to compliment or add value to their contributions. Just like in a face to face meeting, it takes a level of bravery to speak up during a virtual call. You have the opportunity to instantly make them feel great by complimenting them on what they said. And it doesn’t hurt to see your name pop up in the comments a few times as well!
Be yourself - Let your guard down. The majority of us are all working from home. Let people connect to your personal side, not just your business/professional self.
As long as it's not obstructive, let your dog up on your lap for a few minutes and don’t panic when your kids peak their heads into the frame. Light snacks and beverages can also be appropriate considering this is the new alternative to many types of face-to-face meetings. Just keep it polite and remember what your Mother taught you about speaking with your mouth full.
Design your “Zoom corner” - we don’t want to see perfect TV production sets, but have some family photos in your background or give people a taste of the view from your window and/or keep something interesting within view as a conversation piece.
Keep it "clean casual" from the waist up and we won't ask questions about the waist down. (After all, some benefits to working from home are sacred to us all!)
Take notes - Sure the content of the virtual meeting might be note-worthy, but taking notes on the attendees is your way to long-term value.
Record the names of the people in attendance, then note interesting, memorable things about each person as you can. Ie: Mike Metcalfe, VP Sales for SOS Charging Solutions - 2 boys, 6 and 4. Loves Soccer (wearing a Liverpool hat).
As you attend more and more virtual meetings, you'll start to see familiar faces. Engage with them. Even if it's just a quick hello via private comment. Add value by using tidbits from the notes you have on them.
Follow up or it's all for nothing - Connect with as many attendees as you can afterwards. LinkedIn is a great start, but a quick email, phone call or video message is a promising way to nurture your newest relationships and convert them to business when the time comes.
Unsure of what meetings you can join?
Look towards your industry associations, peer networks, social media, vendors and clients because they are all offering opportunities to connect casually or professionally via virtual meetings and gatherings. If you still can’t find a peer/industry support initiative, consider it an even bigger opportunity to unite your industry, demonstrate leadership and create it yourself.
Today is the best time to get involved. Expand your professional network, establish yourself as a leader in your industry, and build relationships that can convert to business in the future.
Author: Mike