Three Keys to Video Call Success

Many of us have had to revise some of the ways that we are communicating with each other because COVID19. While it’s not been easy, I have also found that there are some good takeaways that I plan to keep long after we return to a new normal.

When I work with clients, typically we would block off either a half day or full day to roll up our sleeves and dive into a variety of topics. We would meet every other week for a period of a couple of months until we work through the strategy and develop a list of action items. While it has worked well and allowed us both to immerse ourselves in the process, it has not been without its challenges. It is hard for some business owners to be away from the business for even half a day, let alone a full day – and at the end of the sessions, it can be exhausting!

With COVID restrictions, I am now doing meetings by video conference instead of in-person. I have found shorter, more frequent meetings work best. For example, where we might have met for 3-4 hours every other week, now I am meeting for 2 hours every week. That gives us enough time to really discuss the agenda items but not so much that either of us lose focus by the end of the session. I have also found that by meeting every week, it keeps the key points of our last discussion more fresh.

I have also found that with shorter meetings we only have time to focus on one or two agenda items max – so it means I have to be more prepared for the meeting and not let the conversation drift to other topics that I know we will cover at another time.

Without the benefit of being in person and being able to create flip charts with action items as we go, I have also found that a recap at the end of the call is critical. This can be done by typing onto the white board that is part of most video conference systems or typing into a blank slide in PPT that is being shared for all to see. In a pinch, even a verbal recap would work! The important thing is that people leave the meeting understanding what they need to do before the next meeting.

As I have started to modify how I communicate with customers, it has occurred to me that these improvements in communication, while initiated because of COVID19, have resulted in a better customer experience – so they likely will be my new norm, with or without COVID 19 restrictions.

In summary -

1. Have shorter, more frequent video calls

2. Focus the conversation on one or two key topics max

3. Recap action items at the end of the call

Stay safe!