In January, as we all made our New Year Resolutions, did anyone imagine that we’d be participating in 5+ Zoom calls a week and homeschooling our kids? Well, here we are. Staff meetings, virtual happy hours, birthday parties and even job interviews – I’d bet they are here to stay. But remember, just because you are “staying at home” doesn’t mean we should be “staying in our pajamas”.
Now is the time to make sure you put your best face forward. Look good = feel good! Your next video call is no exception! Those of us who have been working from home long before the pandemic can tell you that keeping a routine, including getting dressed, doing your hair, and setting up an organized and efficient office environment are keys to success.
Video calls have been around for some time but now they are a way of life. First Skype and then FaceTime truly changed the way we live and “talk” to each other, both personally and professionally.
However, it is important to remind yourself that FaceTiming (now a verb) your mom isn’t quite the same thing as trying to convince your boss that your idea for a new product launch is, well, genius! Or, in my particular case, when trying to convince a local contractor that I’m THE designer to hire through a Zoom conference.
I like to think I make truly happy living spaces for my clients, spaces that are attractive as well as functional. I believe that your space reflects who you are and should be something you are proud to share. With Zoom, Google Hangout, Teams, and other platforms, we are inviting coworkers and peers into our homes. Here are some ideas I have that can help you TRULEY make a good impression.
GIMME SOME PERSONAL SPACE – Set yourself up in a quiet room. No carpet? Bring in a nice area rug or more texture through lots of throw pillows or even an overstuffed chair. Putting textiles in your space can reduce reverberation and help to muffle unwanted sounds.
EYES AND EARS – Go eye-to-eye with your camera. Set your webcam at eye level so you look more natural, as if you are speaking “face to face”. A shoebox or stack of books can do the trick. For sound, earbuds are best! While many laptops have good microphones, even the earphones that come with your phone will create a more intimate, conversational sound profile. Laptops are always better than using your phone!
LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN – Always be aware of your lighting. Use a strong but soft light that can illuminate your face during your video. Open your shades and let the natural light pour in, but don’t put the window at your back. Bad lighting or no window? Check this out for a quick and simple fix!
PETS AND KIDS – We love them but they didn’t get the Outlook invite so close the door (if you can) and save them for Instagram (oh, by the way, please follow me on Instagram at @truleyhome.llc for some decorating inspiration). My goldendoodle often makes a cameo but be aware that not all video meetings are pet friendly! I think in today’s world, we almost expect an errant ball or barking dog – that’s real life for all of us, but it can be distracting to those that haven’t welcomed fur babies into their home.
BUSINESS IN THE FRONT AND PARTY IN THE BACK – Well at least business on the top. Dress the part, put on a nice top or dress – look good. We don’t care if you have on sweatpants on the bottom but skip the ball cap and sweatshirt. Show a little style or pop of color. Even a plain basic tee can clean up your look!
DÉCOR DEFINES! – You look, you know you do. At the photo hanging on the wall or the odd stack of clutter in the corner. I am talking about what is BEHIND the faces on the video conference with you. They do the same thing. Let your “background” reflect who you are. Don’t be afraid to show your personality but leave the collection of Beanie Babies in the other room. I do kitchens so you will likely find me set up on my island with my cabinets and new hardware framed in the background. Frame that gorgeous photo from your trip to Zion or simply declutter and restyle your built-ins. A few baskets or bins can do the trick. Low budget or even no budget options can give your home office style! No office space? Keep reading!
SCREEN SAVER AND MOBILIZE – Is your bedroom your home office? Invest in a plant, floor lamp or even a room screen to create an office vibe and hide your headboard. Small spaces? Don’t sweat it, make your office/equipment more mobile to move from place to place or for easy clean up. For example, you can use a bar cart for storage. Simply cart away the “office” and relax with your family or enjoy a good binge fest. No one lives in their office, so don’t make your office live with you. Be CARTe blance!
VIRTUAL VIBE – Last but not least, upload your own background or use one of the backgrounds shown in the video conference template. Just know, you aren’t fooling anyone – you can tell it is a background, but they work. They are perfect for hiding kids dashing to and fro – or your significant other as he/she “commutes” to their home office from the kitchen. Same as above, choose a background that reflects you!
So, make the best of the situation you find yourself in. Remember, we’re all in it together!