Virtual Selling
During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual communication become a safe way to talk face-to-face with prospects and customers. Now video consulting is a part of the standard operating procedures for home improvement business.
51% of Industry Analysts Predict That Video Conferencing Will Be More Important Than Artificial Intelligence
Source: “Impact of Video Conferencing Report” by Lifesize
TheHomeMag wants to help make your virtual consultations stand out from your competition. These tips apply to live streams as well. There are many video conferencing software programs and apps you can use. Our instructions are based on using Zoom software, but can be applied to other video conferencing software as well.
Zoom Owns 50% of the Modern Video Conferencing Market
Source: TrustRadius
Experiment until you get the right setup, to look and sound your best to present your company and services.
Virtual Consulting Components:
High-Speed Internet Connection
Video and Audio Equipment
Video Conferencing Software
Video Conferencing Equipment
You’ll need video and audio capabilities. Most personal computers, tablets and smart phones are equipped for video and sound. External web cameras, microphones, speakers, headsets, and monitors can be added to your device.
Account Settings
Take time to set up your video conferencing account. Download necessary software. Have a nice photo ready for your profile. Set up your preferences. You can follow Zoom set up instructions.
Get the Lay of the Land
Familiarize yourself with all video capabilities and try them out. Explore the different ways to schedule a meeting. See what screen sharing looks like. If you’re using a personal computer, clean up your desktop. Put away extraneous files that do not pertain to customers.
Set the Stage
Where will your studio be? Find a quiet isolated location. Look for a well-lit place or bring lighting to your camera. Create even lighting so your face won’t be scary. Add some props to your backdrop (what’s behind you) or use a virtual background.
Makeup and Wardrobe
What you wear is important. Wear colors that you look good in. Stay away from busy patterns. Comb your hair. Brush your teeth. Prepare like you would for a photo shoot for the cover of a magazine.
Take a Test Drive
Do a test run. Schedule a meeting. Start the meeting and see how you look. Test the audio. Practice with a co-worker so they can give you feedback on what they see and hear. Views and app features are different for each platform- desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile.
Virtual consulting is a safe way to talk to prospective customers and it saves a lot of time and money. Have fun with it.
Kathy Latus