The best things to watch, read, eat and do – for every entrepreneur

Working from the comfort of our homes, things can get a little sloppy. So, the next time before you hit ‘Join Meeting’, besides the usual ‘dress the part’, ‘avoid cluttered and noisy background’, and ‘mute microphone when not speaking’ rules, this little zoom etiquette list might come in handy.

Use video: A significant portion of a message is also nonverbal. It’s hardly a joy speaking to static pictures and worse, just names. Also, being completely in the picture indicates that you’re actively listening and engaged.

Prepare materials in advance: Make sure you have all notes, PPTs and tabs where you need them to avoid switching between windows or searching for files.

Prepare materials in advance: Direct your meeting: As host, let your group know the agenda for the meeting, set the ground rules and intervene when necessary to ensure smooth sailing.

Do not eat or drink: One exception is water or coffee, especially if you’ve got a packed schedule. However, do not gulp and it’s good to mute the microphone.

Take deliberate pauses: Take a deliberate, slightly extended pause in between sentences to account for lags likely due to connection speeds to ease back and forth communication.

No multitasking: An often-overlooked rule, it’s best to give your full attention to retain more from the meeting, and it will be a more valuable use of everyone’s time.

Sort out troubleshooting: Network, connection, battery et al – you are your own IT team. Make sure everything’s running in ship shape!