5 Ways to be Extra When Working from Home
Written by Natalyn
There is a dynamic cultural shift happening right now with the global pandemic and the ultimate doomsday planners are finally being recognized as the geniuses they are.
There is a lot of sadness that has come with these changes due to COVID-19, however there is opportunity. This is the moment where certain playing fields have been leveled. You no longer have to walk into your boss’ office or the conference room where they sit at the head of the table and if you set yourself up right, the video conference can become your boardroom.
Check out these five ways to be extra when working from home. This works for you, your kid during their class video chats, or even your spouse. These five steps will immediately take your livestream and video conference to the next level.
People are craving social interactions from others outside of their home… Turn on that webcam, connect with the participants and I promise, you will stand out.
Number 1: Turn on your webcam
“Oh no, but I HATE turning on my webcam, I don’t want everyone looking at me… no one else has their webcam on!” This is the main reason why you SHOULD do it. If this is a round table discussion, brainstorming session, or if you are (currently) presenting or asking/answering a question, your webcam needs to be on. Sure, share your Prezi, but they need to see your face too. People are craving social interactions from others outside of their home. At this point, even when we grocery shop or venture out to restock hand sanitizer, smiles are (rightfully so) hidden behind masks. Turn on that webcam, connect with the participants, and I promise, you will stand out.
Number 2: Set up a backdrop or create a set
Don’t tell me I’m doing too much; you’re not doing enough! There are benefits to creating a set and/or using a backdrop for your video conference.
If your workspace is currently in a common area (think kitchen or dining room) a backdrop adds a partition so your family can continue moving through the area freely, without pants, and distracting the other people in the (virtual) room.
If you want to take it to the next level, especially if you have a dedicated office space, add a bookshelf of trinkets in the background. Create a set that can show a bit of your personality.
This is an opportunity to create something esthetically pleasing to the viewers’ eyes, reinforce your brand (yes, YOU are a brand), and it can inspire conversation. Someone may ask you about the My Little Pony on your bookshelf that you carried with you everywhere during your formative years because you were afraid of the dark and it was the only thing that glowed.
…on second thought maybe we should leave Starglow and Lickety Split out of this.
Number 3: Use lighting
People underestimate the importance of good lighting.
If you can, face a window in your workspace. You should set yourself up for a video conference without a window behind you, because it will make it difficult for participants to see.
If your video conference is scheduled after sunset, another option would be to purchase a ring light or light source so that you may clearly be seen.
Number 4: Use a microphone
Sound is one of, if not “the”, the most important element.
No matter how great you look, if participants are hearing reverb or are not receiving clear audio, nothing else matters.
Trust me when I tell you, no matter how important the information you are providing is, if the sound is terrible, they will find the information elsewhere.
If your don’t want to use your headset microphone because it’s unattractive, decorate it, wrap a ribbon around it. Does it mess up your hair when you wear it? Purchase a new one that works for you. Consider the other participants and make it work.
Number 5: Get “Camera Ready”
Most people working from home are on the learning curve, haven’t created a schedule, and roll out of bed at 7:59 to start working at 8:00 (that is IF they don’t work from the bed).
And you know what? Usually, you do, too, but not today! You have a video conference call!
Style your hair, wash and moisturize your face (overnight), add Vaseline, gloss or color to you lips, go full on “office glam” if you really want to shine.
Last one: An extra bonus tip!
Set up your DSLR or mirrorless camera as your webcam- I promise, they WILL notice the difference.
Imagine going from the foggy look of the webcam to your team seeing you at 1080p/24fps. Look at you, you star, you!
Are you ready to be extra, but not sure what on this list to tackle first? Feel free to book an hour consultation with me and I will get you started.