The world is in various stages of lockdown due to COVID-19, and many of us are feeling the strain of not being able to interact socially with our friends, family, and colleagues. Luckily, we live in a technologically advanced world that offers us plenty of ways we can keep in touch online, including through the use of video conference software such as Meeting Rooms. Whether you are using our online meeting rooms for business reasons or just to keep in touch with family and friends, there are some ways you can make better use of it during this trying time.
Business Tip: Have an Agenda
If you are logging on to have a natter with your mum or your grandad, then you probably don’t need to set an agenda – unless there is something pressing you really want to talk about! This video conference software tip is aimed more at professionals who are trying to juggle home schooling and working from home at the same time as hosting a conference call.
To cut down on the stress of worrying about being interrupted and finding somewhere quiet to make the call, just ensure you have an agenda for the call and that you keep it as short as possible. Agendas are a great way to streamline meetings, ensuring everyone is on the same page – simple yet effective. Just make sure you share it with all attendees before the call starts and you will be good to go.
Business & Personal Tip: Encourage the use of the Mute button
Many people seem to forget about the mute button when they are on a conference call, letting all and sundry hear their dog barking or their kids screaming in the background. This can be really distracting for everyone else on the call, and can quickly lead to the meeting or conversation becoming derailed.
At the start of the call, politely remind everyone about the mute button, and say it is OK to use it if they are in a noisy environment. You can even set the example and mute yourself at points during the meeting too.
Business and Personal Tip: Schedule carefully
We have seen a lot of people fall into the trap of thinking that as everyone is socially isolated at home, they will have plenty of time for online meetings – and this just isn’t the case. People may be looking after their elderly parents, or trying to home school their children, while also keeping on top of the house work and trying to hold down their job as well. So, their day may be pretty full already, and so it is always wise to check before you schedule a meeting or conversation in. After all, working around their existing schedule should also mean that noise and distractions are kept to a minimum as well.
Let’s face it, we are all a little stressed out at the moment, but these tips we have shared here should help some way to make sure you make the best use of our free video conferencing software while in lockdown at home.