Radically Improve Your Video Call Performances

Seriously? Do's and don'ts of Video Conferencing 

Written by Robyn T. Braley 

Video conferencing has been elevated to new levels of use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online communication has become the only way to have real-time visual and audio conversations in many situations. It has made self-isolation only slightly more bearable.

For business, it has established remote work stations as a new reality. Team meetings, client meetings, training along with consultations with professionals like doctors or accountants are a new normal.   

Like it or not, when you are onscreen, you are on stage baby! My tips in this post will help you to be an even better version of you when on camera.

 

Following these tips will make you look better and sound better. They will heighten your online confidence which will make you feel better about the process.

It doesn't matter whether you use Zoom, Skype, Go-to-Meeting, Blue Jean, Google Meet or any other platform. This post will help improve how you present yourself and how others like family, friends or colleagues receive the message you are communicating no matter how casual the conversation! 

I also touch on online decorum. For example, rolling your eyes while the host is speaking will be noted by the others on the call. Why? Because they are probably bored too! They will be filling time looking at each image, and what is showing behind it, of everyone on the call including you.   

How is Your Brand Performing in a Tough Economy

Calgary, Alberta, Centre of Canada's Oil Industry  

Written by Robyn T. Braley

When economies are threatened by political turbulence, international trade uncertainty, natural disasters or the threat of war, it's time to assess the strength of your brand.

Canada has been impacted by challenges in our petroleum industry which drives our national economy. Government, industry and climate change interest groups can't seem to find a compromise that will allow all parties to move forward for the common good.

Many companies will make it through this time. They will adapt, adjust and carefully manage their operations as they find ways to survive.

Others will not be so lucky. A client operating in the petroleum industry manufactured processing equipment valued at $5,000,000 per unit.

When the oil industry collapsed it happened in a hurry. They failed to find new markets for existing products and could not retool to make new products quickly enough. They were forced into receivership.

A client in commercial construction offers new construction and maintenance services for older high-rise buildings. When the economy sucks, their new construction business dives while their maintenance division soars. Owners of large buildings cannot afford to put off maintenance.

Beware The Open Microphone; Lessons from Justin Trudeau, Donald Trump and Naheed Nenshi

Written by Robyn T. Braley

I speak at conferences and do media interviews about social media. I can always depend on athletes, politicians or business leaders to provide fresh examples of what not to do or say in the media. They have been caught on camera saying or doing something silly or offensive. 

Instantly the clip is uploaded to the internet and goes viral. Then it gets worse! TV NEWS Networks pick up the story and broadcast the segment through news cycles around the world. 

Think of it in layman's terms. That wild and crazy guy dancing on the table at the company party to thunderous applause may not play well with upper management or customers watching it in their social media feeds. 

We've all seen posts of racial, sexist, political, or other nasty comments on leaders' social media platforms. As a communication specialist and coach, I teach this simple mantra! 

How to Build Resilient Relationships in a World of Toxic Negativity

Forming relationships should be based on character, personality and common
interests. Not on skin colour, country, age, gender, wealth or level of education. 

Written by Robyn T. Braley

Did your relationships languish during COVID-19? Me too! Maintaining friendships by Zoom or Facetime only went so far.

We learned that forming relationships is one thing. Maintaining and developing them is another.

It takes thoughtful action guided by genuine caring to form life-long friendships. One of the greatest challenges to maintaining strong relationships during the pandemic was the mental state you were in. 

Being confined to your house and not allowed to go out took a toll. Addictions soared and the dark cloud of depression settled on many. Some gave up.  

Meeting together in Zoomland didn't cut it. It was better than nothing but not by much. We heard the term Zoom fatigue as video conferences became boring and predictable. 

Radically Improve Your Video Call Performances

Top 10 Brandit Posts of the Past Year - Branding, Sales, Inspiration

Every summer I publish the Top 10 Brandit posts for the previous year. Whether you own an established business, are bootstrapping a startup or just looking for a good read, there is something listed below for you. I Am Honored 

More that 70,000 people have read one or more articles since we launched Brandit. Most live in Canada but many are in different parts of the world. 

My goal is to help you grow your business or personal brand. Thank you for your loyalty and placing your trust in my content. Please reTweet or Facebook any you find helpful! Also comment with any ideas the posts give you .