08.10.20
Technology Tuesday Preview: Virtual Meeting Best Practices and Skills
by: BISA Staff
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered how we do business and how our customers expect to do business. Our work environments have changed drastically in the last few months, and our reliance on technology has undoubtedly grown. To help transition into this “new normal” as seamlessly as possible, BISA presents a new four-part webinar series, "Technology Tuesday."
Join us next week on Tuesday, August 18 for part two of the series, “Virtual Meeting Best Practices and Skills.” Read below for a session preview Q&A with presenters Chris Hottel, learning & performance manager at Nationwide, and Ashley Flynn, learning & performance consultant at Nationwide. Hottel and Flynn discuss the impact of technology in the field, adding personal touches to virtual meetings, the importance of screen sharing and more.
What can attendees expect to take away from your upcoming session, “Virtual Meeting Best Practices and Skills?”
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for people to connect virtually. Attendees will learn how to have more effective and engaging conversations in a virtual environment.
Seeing as you’re both very experienced in this field, in your opinion, how has technology impacted or changed the financial industry most? Why is it important that those in the industry adapt to new technologies and ways of communication?
Technology has given financial professionals more ways to connect with clients. The need to adapt to how clients want to connect has greatly increased. Like in most industries, people who have the ability to adapt to their clients’ preferences are best positioned to succeed.
How can someone use their camera to add personal touches when connecting with clients? Is there a best way to make virtual feel personal?
People love talking to people, and webcams give virtual meetings a more personal touch. Your background that shows in the camera is an opportunity to support your brand and image. Virtual meetings are also a great way to better connect with clients by picking up on personal touches in their camera’s background.
Is it imperative that professionals master screen sharing? What steps should someone take prior to hosting a virtual meeting? What if technical issues should arise?
Screen sharing aids in reducing frustration that can come from reviewing complicated documents, statements and websites. The more comfortable a professional is with screen sharing, the more effective those conversations can be.
Before hosting virtual meetings, we recommend setting up opportunities to practice using virtual tools and functionalities, like screen sharing. It’s also a best practice to have whatever documents you will review in the upcoming meeting pulled up and easily accessible.
Technical issues can arise, which usually transforms it from a virtual meeting to a phone call. This is similar to the situation that happens when a client can’t meet in person, for any reason. You can leverage email and phone calls to make up for any technical issues.
What are some of the best ways to keep your audience engaged while meeting virtually?
Meeting virtually versus in person can increase the likelihood that people become distracted. The same ways you engage someone in person can be used to help with virtual meetings; they just may need to be used more frequently. For example, asking open-ended questions helps to make it more conversational and engaging.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or give advice on?
Practice, practice, practice. The best way to master anything, including virtual meetings, is to practice. Don’t get discouraged if it feels uncomfortable at first. Reach out to your Nationwide partners for a chance to try out things like your webcam, screen sharing, and other virtual tools before meeting virtually you’re your clients.
To register for the “Virtual Meeting Best Practices and Skills” session and to learn more about BISA’s Technology Tuesday webinar series, visit our website. Sessions take place on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. − 5:00 p.m. ET.