Zoom, and similar video based, meetings are here to stay. They are an efficient way for small business retailers to connect with colleagues, suppliers and other groups appropriate to their situation.
While Zoom meetings are still new for many, here are my tips for making the best contribution and getting the most from any Zoom meeting.
- Have a computer with a good camera and microphone.
- Be dressed.
- Be in a quiet room.
- Have a good background.
- Keep your mic muted unless you have something to say.
- If you are eating – do it off camera.
- Be prepared for the topic – do some research so you have information to share and / or questions to ask.
- Be active in the meeting, participate. There is nothing worse than people who come to watch.
- If you have something to say or ask, ask it in the meeting. Don’t private message, text message or Facebook message the organiser to get them to make your pint or ask your question.
- Participate planning to contribute. Zoom meetings are usually about collective engagement. That means you.
- Don’t be scared. Sure, the tech can be daunting. However, you soon get the hang of it.
I urge newsagents to suggest Zoom meetings instead of rep visits. This will save time in-store. It also guides supplier reps to be more focussed on what they want to pitch and discuss.
I expect that with lockdown restrictions being eased there will be a rush of rep visits in-store. Unless well managed these will waste time. Suggesting Zoom, or similar, meetings instead could help businesses with tight rosters save time.