Teleconference Etiquette with BoardRoom.Me

Today, any kind of intellectual work isn’t location-bound anymore and you can work from anywhere in the world. We often use this modern-world privilege of remote working, but sometimes we do have to all get together with the rest of the team and do some conferencig. Sometimes you just need BoardRoom.Me. BoardRoom.Me is a startup that wants to make your teleconferences easy and integrated with other services that you are using. With BYOD (bring your own device) philosophy, they want to provide easy access to video calls by instant calling to permanent URL address to any professional user and white label conscious business. Almost like having your own land line. A lot of other solutions are localized, but they are aiming professionals who are geographically diverse and their slogan “Simple, Private, Global” describes their agenda quite well. So, imagine any technology provider, social media outlet or network license, they want to integrate it and make your interaction easier, and at the same time they don’t want to change your user experience. But there are more things to video and teleconferences then just integration and discussing work. Teleconference etiquette is question of good (business) manners of today, so doing it properly can sometimes make or break your deal. So what do you need to take care of before starting off a conference? Well, here are few helpful tips.

Check Your Technology

Well, this should go without saying, because any time that you are working with technology and people, you should be sure that everything works. Check the microphones, cameras, keyboards, if you can access your server, cloud, internet, basically anything that can go wrong. There are always circumstances that are out of your hand, but those can be excused.

Selecting a Place

Remember how annoying it is when somebody calls you from a noisy place? Try not to do the same. Choose a place that has minimal background noise, so a quiet office or any place where you can be alone is a good start. Don’t choose echoey places like corridors or marble halls or crowded places like coffee shops or busy streets. Sometimes you can’t choose but if you can, choose wisely.

Microphone and Speakers

If you can, avoid cordless phones, especially if you have other technology near. They produce enough static by themselves, and adding more technology that adds more static makes a lot of noise. If you want to avoid possible feedback altogether, don’t turn your speakers all the way up and when you can, use attached headset.

Be On Time and Introduce Yourself

One thing is being late when the conference is face to face, because then everybody can see you coming by simply seeing you. Unlike video, teleconferences don’t have that option, so when you are there, identify yourself, and if you are late, wait for the first break to announce yourself. And if anyone joins you, like your boss, you should introduce them too.

Be Person Specific

It doesn’t matter if you are asking someone or simply discussing with them, you should always say their name. As previously mentioned, lack of visuals is problematic. By aiming your question or remarks at specific person, you avoid awkward silent pauses, or even worse, henhouse where everyone is talking at the same time. Confusion avoidance 101.

No Call Waiting, No On Hold

Turn off your call waiting because your microphone and/or phone will pick up every single beep that is happening around you. Also, never put your conference call on hold. Sure, some people like elevator music, but conferences are not the time or the place to be a DJ. If you need to step away, announce it, put your phone or microphone on mute and leave it on your desk And there you have your basic teleconference etiquette. Don’t forget to check out BoardRoom.Me and come back for more tips and tutorials!