Virtual butterflies
Most of us had to switch fast to doing almost everything online.
It was relatively easy for those used to remote working, hosting webinars and facilitating online.
Others worked it out as they went along.
But it’s only now that some sectors have got all their ducks in a row and can talk about their online solution with confidence.
Last week, I gave a hand to someone who had never participated in video meeting for work. She’d enjoyed social zoom and face time catch ups with friends and family during lockdown, but this was getting serious.
The stakes were high. That’s the nature of her work. I wonder if you can guess her profession?
Here’s how she prepared.
✔Checked internet speed. A friend sent her a link to test it.
✔Downloaded the app (‘How do I find it?' she asked)
Job done. Back to the files.
Aware of gremlins and what can go wrong, I offered to do a test meeting with her.
📷 The camera was facing the wrong way. (‘How do I turn a camera on a PC around?”).
🎧 She lives in a noisy apartment block with kids working at home and there would be a few people at the meeting. She dug out a tangled set of ear buds. (‘Why can’t I just talk into the PC?’).
🎤 No sound. It took a few goes to get her used to switching between different mics and speakers on the PC.
Sorted. Not quite.
🧺The background was distracting and inappropriate. She was a dark forehead on my screen.
Final touches done.
The big day dawned. We walked, at a safe distance from each other, to get a take away coffee. She was distracted, a little on edge.
“I’ve got butterflies. It’s a weird feeling. Like I’m waiting to go on stage or something.”
Forty-five minutes or so before the meeting, she put on a full suit and make up. Even shoes. This was her first video meeting for work.
Afterwards, she sounded pretty chuffed. “That was easy.”
If you are an old hand at virtual meetings, this might bring back some not-so-fond memories.
We have had several months to adjust, but the same problems and mistakes stubbornly persist. For some they are brand new.
So. What's her job? Have a guess in the comments 👇🏻.
When you’re ready, here are three ways I can help you get your online meetings humming:
Settle your virtual butterflies. Download my e-book Hum: double engagement and productivity of your next online meeting. It’s a visual guide with practical and easy-to-use tips and tricks. Click here.
Drop in to Get Humming my weekly and complimentary group coaching session. Get your meetings and workshops sparking with tips from me and the group. Every Friday in my Zoom room from 1pm – 2pm. Drop in, leave when you like. Register here.
Work with me 1:1 Comment “MEET”. We’ll make a time to meet and see which of my programs would be a good fit for you.