Video conferencing tips
Buyer and seller like to sit at the table together. Whether it's an introductory meeting or closing a deal; face-to-face contact is preferred. Sometimes this is not possible. And since the summer of 2020, there has been a greatly increased demand for other solutions for understandable reasons. Video calling services like Facetime, Skype and Zoom offer many possibilities here: speaking, seeing each other and even sharing documents and screen are common options. In this way, buyer and seller can get a better picture of each other, the online business and the possible deal even from a distance.
A video call requires a different approach than a phone call or a face-to-face appointment. It can be very uncomfortable at first. To make video calls as smooth as possible, you can prepare according to the tips below:
Practice the call
Setting up the right program and/or app, with all the sound, picture and connection options, usually takes some time. It is helpful to agree in advance which video calling service to use and then test it on your own circle. This way, you become familiar with the software and ensure that the picture, sound and connection are in order.
If you want to take advantage of options like screen sharing, it is important to test these features as well. Be aware that these features are not available via What's app (on the phone).
Provide a quiet environment
A quiet environment allows the focus to be on the conversation and each other. Best is a place with a neutral background. In doing so, it is important that you are not, or as little as possible, disturbed. This can be by people in your immediate vicinity but also by incoming calls and emails. Make sure your other notifications are on silent, where possible, and that you can keep your full attention on the conversation.
If you do get interrupted or a short pause is required, feel free to let the other person know. Remember: if the conversation is still in progress, the other person can still hear and/or see everything.
Building trust
The buying/selling process is based not only on numbers but also on trust. The bond and trust grows when buyer and seller sit together at the table. You can look the other person directly in the eyes and body language often speaks volumes. During video calls, this is harder to analyze and trust can be harder to establish. You can do two things to make the video call resemble a real-life meeting as much as possible: make sure you are completely in the picture, not just zoomed in on your face, but also shoulders and arms. And look the other person straight in the eye (into the camera). So don't look at yourself on the screen.
Create an agenda or cheat sheet
Whatever the purpose of the conversation preparation is important. Together, you can create an agenda for the conversation. This way all topics can be covered point by point without forgetting anything. It is useful to send each other questions for each topic in advance. This way the other party can prepare and have (qualitative) answers ready.
If the contact is still early and you do not want to set an agenda (yet), you can use a cheat sheet. Then you still remember what you want to ask or say without affecting the natural course of the conversation.
And finally: end the conversation well
A good conversation also ends well. With video calls, a natural progression of the conversation can be more difficult. It can then come across as annoying if one party "suddenly" has to hang up. Closing is important. We recommend that you indicate your desire to end the conversation in good time (e.g. 15 min before the end). You can also indicate at the beginning of the conversation when you want to end the conversation. This way the expectations on both sides are clear and this ensures a good conclusion. In the conclusion, also let it be known what the next contact moment will be and how this will take place (video, mail, real-life, telephone, etc.). This way both parties know what to expect and there are no loose ends.