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How to Get Ready for Virtual Meetings

This year the popularity of virtual meetings has skyrocketed. Previously, they were used infrequently, as most people still shuttled into work in the morning.

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How to Get Ready for Virtual Meetings

This year the popularity of virtual meetings has skyrocketed. Previously, they were used infrequently, as most people still shuttled into work in the morning. However, following the coronavirus, all that changed. Lockdown restricted people to their homes. As a result, businesses turned to virtual meetings as a way to connect employees and their clients.

Yet, due to their rapid uptake, many people are still unsure about the ins and outs of virtual meetings. Namely, how to set it up and what can go wrong.

In this article, we’ll explore how to get ready for a virtual meeting.

1. Test your connection

People often forget to test their internet connection. However, a slow or lagging connection can ruin a meeting. Both you and your other attendees are forced to sit through the stuttering video. Eventually, you abandon the session entirely. Instead, test the connection.

Most video conferencing apps will list the required bandwidth on their website. But remember, the more attendees, the more bandwidth is required. Furthermore, if there are others in your house using the internet, kindly ask them to refrain from heavy bandwidth activity: gaming or streaming.

Effective Content Delivery

2. Video and audio

Both your camera and audio will need to be checked. There are two methods for doing so. First, you can record a short video of yourself. Say a few words, then watch it back for quality. Second, you can organize a quick call with a colleague; that way, you know both video and audio work in the app. Ask them and let you know if there are any questions or issues.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until the start of the meeting to discover your video and audio don’t work. Save everyone the hassle; check it beforehand.

3. Load a virtual background

Virtual backgrounds are chronically underappreciated. They have the power to transform a virtual meeting radically. Hello, Backgrounds offers virtual backgrounds for a zoom that is suitable for any occasion. Using green screen technology, virtual backgrounds replace your home backdrop with an image of your choice. This can range from swanky offices to stylish apartments, or even a vivid natural landscape.

Virtual Meetings

So, don’t settle for a messy home or a dreary apartment. Instead, boost meetings with these virtual wonders.

4. Lights, camera, action

When setting up your camera, don’t just test to see if it works. You will also need to consider lighting and positioning.

In regards to lighting, you will need to find a location with ample natural light. Ideally, sit beside a window. You want the light source adjacent to or in front of you. If positioned behind, you’ll appear as a gloomy silhouette. Furthermore, avoid the use of lamps.

Sometimes it’s unavoidable; however, lights are prone to casting dark shadows. If you need to use a lamp, opt for a circular LED lamp. These are preferred by YouTubers and other streamers due to the even and natural appearance of the light.

Next, position the camera at eye level. If the camera is too far below your face, it will stretch out your appearance. As such, find a stack of books, or invest in a laptop stand. When talking to the camera during a meeting, look directly into the little black dot.

Although this will seem unnatural to your attendees, it will look as if you are making eye contact. This has been shown to increase the appearance of confidence and trustworthiness.

Virtual Meetings

5. Limit distractions

When working from home, distractions are rife. Pets are known to start howling and barking. Children start running around or asking you for a specific toy. Even for younger people, flatmates can be a source of noise. As such, try to sit in a quiet location.

If you have a busy road outside, shut the window. If the people you live with are noisy, ask them to keep it down temporarily. If you have pets or children, see if someone can look after them for the course of the meeting. Doing this will massively help your concentration and also limit any disruptions.

However, there are other sources of distraction: phone or computer notifications. Try to limit these as it will only hamper your concentration.

6. Review the agenda

If your meeting has an agenda, try to think of what you want to say ahead of time. You might even have some assigned tasks. However, virtual meetings tend to be stilted. People struggle to communicate through a screen adequately. That’s where the extra preparation comes in handy.

If you’ve already thought of what you want to say, you’ll never fall into an awkward silence. Plus, it helps in ensuring your discussions are fruitful and productive.

Helpful Resources:

1. Computer Monitor and Other Remote Work Must-Haves

2. What to Consider When Choosing a Phone Plan

3. How to Work with Strings in Google BigQuery?

We are an Instructor, Modern Full Stack Web Application Developers, Freelancers, Tech Bloggers, and Technical SEO Experts. We deliver a rich set of software applications for your business needs.

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Computer Network

6 Reasons You Should Have Security Cameras at Your Business

Implementing security cameras in business can Protecting your assets, ensure employee accountability, and provide evidence in legal matters

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6 Reasons You Should Have Security Cameras at Your Business

Today, more and more businesses are realizing the importance and value of video surveillance systems. Threats from both external and internal sources can be a constant worry for business owners, and peace of mind is scarce.

Having a robust video monitoring system like the one offered by Genetec will help you capture, store, and analyze video footage of everything that goes down on your premises. How will this help you in protecting what matters to you? Let’s find out.

1. Deterring Crime

First of all, video cameras are a natural deterrent for teenage scallywags and serious criminals alike.

If you have cameras visible on your property, anyone with ill intentions will understand that their risk of being caught out is that much higher, and they’ll naturally reconsider their actions.

In this sense, you may never need to use your video cameras for checking out any actual footage – if this is the case, you’ll know that they’ve done their job of preventing any incidents from happening in the first place.

2. Protecting Your Assets

security cameras in business can Protecting your assets

Of course, as a business owner, there are things that are important to you. Whether it’s the property itself, equipment, inventory, or any other valuable assets, it’s important that you have an extra layer of security protecting them – especially if they might make your business a specific target.

Video surveillance is a much more practical and affordable option than having someone physically monitoring your assets 24/7.

3. Keeping Your Employees Accountable

Unfortunately, internal threats are a real thing, and many business owners have suffered at the hands of an “inside job.”

Data theft, physical theft, fraud, and other crimes have seriously impacted a large percentage of businesses, and small businesses are especially at risk.

Having surveillance cameras can help deter any issues of this nature and will further hold your employees accountable to do their jobs and maintain productivity levels.

4. Security Cameras in Business Reduced Insurance Costs

Business owners need to be constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce their costs and increase profit margins. One such way is to ensure you’re keeping your insurance premiums as low as possible – and having a great security system can help you do that.

The better protected your business is, the lower the risk is for incidents, and the less you’ll be charged for your insurance policy.

5. Evidence in Legal Matters

Many businesses will have to face a dispute at some point – between employees, between an employer and an employee, or even between employees and customers. In many cases, a lack of real evidence can make things complicated and even unjust.

Having security footage of your premises can provide important evidence for any disputes or legal matters that might arise, helping you to ensure that things are resolved efficiently and fairly.

6. Peace of Mind

Finally, remember that having peace of mind about the safety of your business, your assets, and your staff is priceless.

Video surveillance offers an extra layer of protection and security that will help you sleep easier at night, knowing that what matters to you is under protection and less at risk.

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