How Not To Behave On Zoom

This week I want to share something a bit more personal with you. As you know, especially after Covid-19 we live in a digital world. We meet, date, dine, learn, hang out, have fun do business and make money online. And while we do all that, we use digital tools. Mainly: ZOOM. And that's my topic today! 

My NLP and Coach certification training business went completely online after Covid. All my speaking engagements went online as well. My teaching, coaching and speaking are almost all virtual now. And since I use Zoom for delivering my international trainings, including my leadership class at UCLA Extension, I wanted to share some of my observations with you and highlight specifically what we are not supposed be doing in our zoom / or any virtual meetings.

Because in my experience, the majority of the ladies and gentlemen participating in those zoom / virtual meetings have been forgetting that they were in a real meeting. And I got a lot to share! But I'll keep it at three ideas for you:

1. DO NOT KEEP YOUR CAMERA OFF

Think about your virtual meetings as REAL meetings. As if you are getting ready to put your nice outfits and going into a hotel room or to that meeting location and sitting in front of a speaker. What would you do in a real meeting? You would show up to listen to and learn a few things from that speaker, right? You'd create eye contact, you'd ask questions, maybe you'd take notes... because that speaker is there to add value to your life, right?

So, when participating to virtual meetings, if you keep your camera off, it feels a bit off from the speaker's perspective. As if you don't care about what the speaker has to say, or as if you are not really there, not present, thus the speaker doesn't have a face or a voice to interact with, to add value to. I am that speaker and that's why I want you to hear it from me :)

And of course there is always a context in every situation. So if you have your dogs running all over you or a baby on your lap, in a chaotic environment that doesn't allow you to be camera-friendly, I get that. If you'll be coming and going constantly and if your intention is to avoid distraction, I get that too and I appreciate that. But if your condition allows you to be present fully, please show up everyone! Turn your cameras on! Let's all see each other and be seen! Let's create eye contact! Let's improve the quality of our conversation and deepen our virtual connection! Let me smile to your face and brighten up your world with my shininess! :)))

2. DO NOT STAY UNENGAGED

Let's assume that you have your camera on, you are there, you are present. But, you are actually not present. How? Because you are not engaging. Maybe you are not making any comments, interacting with anyone, sending any emojis or showing any signs that you are enjoying the conversation, or you are a part of the conversation. And when you stay unengaged like that, we can not create strong connections, we can not support each other or grow together. So please get engaged!

3. DO NOT MINIMIZE THE IMPORTANCE

The importance of those virtual meetings. Like I said before, these are real meetings. They are just taking place in a different medium. And most importantly, they can be recorded. If they are recorded, then you are being recorded. You don't want to be dropping big names, revealing confidential information or be out there too much. Instead you might want to ask people's permission before sharing your opinion and be careful what and how to talk.

Also, just because it's virtual it doesn't mean that your meeting is not important. Or just because you are able to connect with others from the comfort of your home, it doesn't mean that it's less important than a physical meeting. Maybe just because you don't need to drive 30 miles and spend extra money to physically show up there and all is happening a click away, your brain might be minimizing the importance of these virtual meetings but do not allow that to happen.

Because every opportunity you get virtually is a real opportunity! Use it. Leverage it. Get engaged. Ask questions. Take notes. Build connections. Build yourself.

I hope you liked this video. If you did, please share it with your friends so that together we create a better world.

With more LOVE ❤️ and #ShinyMinds.

Shiny Burcu Unsal