Zoom Virtual Office Creating A Good First Impression Virtually

Creating a Good First Impression Virtually

These days, many meetings, and even social gatherings, are occurring virtually. Whether it is a work meeting, an interview, or a meet and greet with vendors, it is just as important to present yourself in the best light virtually as it is if your were meeting in person. However, showing up online can be tricky, and many people feel uncomfortable or are nervous. However, with a little preparation and some nifty tricks, sch as using a teams virtual background, you will be well on your way to making a good impression.

Embody Your Brand & Values

One thing to keep in mind is that you are representing your company’s brand and values. Make sure that everything you do and say reflects this. One good place to start is considering the background that people will see behind you. Pick a background that embodies your style. If you work in a creative field, consider a background that is interesting, yet not so busy that it pulls focus. Or perhaps a good background for your company would be something like a nice piece of art or a bookshelf neatly filled with books.

If you are in doubt about what background you should choose, you can never go wrong with a solid background in a nice color or picking a Google meet office background. Also keep in mind that the lighting in your space affects your overall appearance.

Dress appropriately for the meeting. Although you may spend most of your days in sweats with messy hair, this is the time to dress professionally and do your hair. Also pay attention to your body language. Sit up straight and avoid nervous behaviors such as twirling your hair or picking at your nails.

Be Engaged & Follow Up

While on the virtual call, make sure you engage with others as appropriate. Answer questions with a loud, clear voice, and make sure you acknowledge and show enthusiasm about what others are saying.

Depending on the purpose of the virtual meeting, it may be appropriate to follow up. You may reach out and say how nice it was to meet people, or you may have follow-up questions or suggestions to show you were engaged and paying attention.

Understand How to Use the Platform

Part of creating a good first impression is to show that you are comfortable using the virtual platform. Days before your meeting, familiarize yourself with the various functions. For example, using a background can be fun, but you want to make sure your computer meets the Zoom virtual background system requirements and that you take the time to learn how to use it.

You should also understand how to use the mute and unmute button, turn the camera on and off, and adjust the volume. It is no fun experiencing technical difficulties during an important meeting, and it definitely does not help make a good impression. Another way to make a good impression is to choose a spot where there is no background noise. The other people on the call do not want to hear your dog bark or the sounds of a noisy street.