Q: Should I be considering Zoom or Skype for some of my“meetings” with people?
A: YES. It’s a trending method that makes sense AND that can bevery helpful.
I’ve been doing many of my executive coaching and training sessionsusing Zoom or Skype the past few years. It saves time, travel expense and ismany times just as effective as in person. It also makes it easier for theclients, who can just hop on the computer and see you, yet not have toentertain you during an actual visit.
Many of your clients (especially Millennials andGen Z folks) are using these mediums already, so why not get familiar with themso that you don’t feel like a “duck out of water” when it comes time to connect.
The great advantage of a video conference isthat you are right there in front of the person. You not only hear what theyhave to say, but can note body language. You are also able to show them charts,graphs, picture or slide presentations that are needed for that meeting.
The one consideration that’s important is yourbackground. I have one set up in my office that people find very relaxing. Ilive in Florida, so I have a mural that looks like a view out of a window thatfaces the ocean. You can’t help but smile and relax.
If you don’t set up something appealing behindyou it can be distracting. And if you want good eye contact, remember to look intothe camera, not at the person on the screen.
