Winning Virtually

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu

The virtual environment  can be challenging. Every day from 2pm-3pm, the light shines in my window in such a way that I go partially blind for an hour. I find it challenging to separate my home from “the office” and this affects my sleep. The thrilling sounds of my girlfriend and her colleagues on conference calls all day can be heard from 3 miles away. I’m pretty sure I am DoorDash’s favorite client.

I think it is safe to say we have all struggled in our attempts to Win Virtually throughout Quarantine. In response to this struggle, RSM recently published 15 short 2-5 minute videos centered on how to Win Virtually. 

Here are 12 key takeaways from the video series that resonated with me:

1. Decide ahead of time if your meeting is going to be a video call or a phone call.
2. If a video call, turn your camera on! 50% of all conversation is non-verbal. By not turning your camera on, you are missing out on 50% of that communication!
3. It is important to be able to read the room and if you can’t see your counterpart, it is impossible to do so.
4. Be more interested than interesting. Seek to understand and listen. Talk less. Listen more.
5. Show transparency. Be vulnerable. This will allow you to connect deeper with your counterpart.
6. Check in on people on a personal basis before diving into the agenda. Show that you care.
7. Meetings should be 60 minutes, MAX. Over 60 mins. can lead to some serious distraction.
8. Build trust with clients and targets by sharing a story. Be sure your counterpart is the hero of that story, not you.
9. Set Google Alerts for your clients to stay on top of what is going on within their org.
10. BE BRIEF!
11. Partake in walking meetings. This is our chance to say goodbye to the sedentary lifestyles known throughout our line of work.
12. HMW: “How might we…?” This puts you on the same side of the client, not against them.

Implementing these insights helps one to increase efficiencies, connect deeper with clients and colleagues, and improve communication skills within this ever-changing virtual environment.

Happy weekend!