Make a better Zoom room

It is well documented that I have astute observational skills, it’s actually my birthright - according The Book of Birthdays, March 29th is the day of the OBSERVER.  And this ability to see everything has served me extremely well - I’ve literally made a career of seeing everything.

However during the pandemic it has become my kryptonite.  In this time of virtual video communication from how we meet with clients and friends, how our televised news is delivered and unprecedented access into celebrities’ homes - I am visually overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. 

I want to jump through the screen and make adjustments: straighten up shelves, move artwork, remove clutter and design more flattering backgrounds. 

We’re conducting almost all our business from the neck-up now.  And while some are practicing new grooming techniques (read: no longer shaving) and investing in enhancement technology, the backdrop of our new *offices* are being overlooked.  And by overlooked - I mean I am looking over all of it.

Last year, I worked exclusively with the president of a private jet company after watching an online interview of him.  I can’t even tell you what he was saying because I was so visually disturbed by the chaos of swag cluttering his desk, that I felt compelled to contact him.  I’ve never questioned the safety and cleanliness of his charters however the mere appearance of such a messy desk might unintentionally create the wrong impression. 

Would you want to work with an accountant who has papers strewn across his desk? Or an organizer who has sloppy shelves?

Do me a favor - next time you are on a video call in speaker mode, take a screen shot and tell if you think your background properly reflects the image you want to convey.  Does the background and how you are positioned in it inspire confidence? 

Would you want to do business with yourself based on that photo?

If you feel like your background needs to be upleveled and improved, let’s make a virtual date.