About mid afternoon, my brother in law pulled out his cell phone and then his pad computer and announced, “It’s time for some face time.”
I thought, “Do I have to?”
Today there are a myriad of ways to use technology to see who we’re having a conversation with. The results run the gamut from awkward to zoftique.
You can use:
An app on your Smart Phone
An app on your Pad Computer
Your Laptop or Desktop computer via Skype or meeting software.
Is there a device that doesn’t have a camera and microphone on it anymore?
Here are some things to consider before you opt to call or receive a call using “Face Time”
No matter what device you are reading this on, I want you to turn around and look at what is behind you. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
- Would you be comfortable with an unannounced visitor seeing that?
- Does the view of you and your surroundings convince people of your expertise?
- Will the prospect have a better impression of you?
- Will they remember you or your background images?
- Most importantly, does the background meet their expectations about you?
Face Time used to mean an in-person meeting. You knew it was going to happen. You dressed for it. You got ready for it, reviewing information and honing your observations and questions.
Today, you could be face to face in a heartbeat. Here’s how to be ready:
- Plan for these calls. If you know it is going to happen you can be ready. If you plan for it you can better control what is going on around you. You won’t wind up talking from the back of cab on our way to a costume party which is where we connected with my nephew.
- Be aware of the background. In your office take the look suggested above. In the field, try to find a quiet place with a neutral background and a low probability of people wandering through it.
- Look at yourself before you answer and make sure to disconnect. Too often people that work from home simply forget where they are and the fact they are in their pajamas (or less). Then, too you can stay online with some technologies and not know it. Just disconnect if someone forgets to do so. You probably don’t want to know what you might see or overhear.
As Humphrey Bogart would say, “Here’s lookin’ at you kid.”
Jerry Fletcher is a beBee ambassador, founder and Grand Poobah of www.BrandBrainTrust.com
His consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for Trust-based Brand development, Positioning and business development on and off-line. He is also a sought-after International Speaker.
Consulting: www.JerryFletcher.com
Speaking: www.NetworkingNinja.com