Adapting to a new technology can be a difficult process. Lag times can lead to delays and compromise production schedules and project deliveries. But without exploring new technologies, you can hardly expect to get your company to stay competitive in the field. Getting the edge you need to keep your competition on their toes is essential. And that’s the advantage you get with new and better technology. So here are common fears and misgivings first-time users of video conferencing experience and how you could effectively work through them:
You’re worried about your appearance
A lot of people aren’t comfortable with video meetings as a rule because they’re worried they don’t look 
good on camera. There’s really no fix for that other than: you’ll get used to it. However, you can take steps to ensure you improve the way you look for your virtual meetings. For starters, nix the stripes and busy patterns. They don’t really look all that good on video. Go for solid, neutral shades and hues, says CIO. These colors should help you improve your visual register. Also, if you work from home and are afraid that people from work might view you as unprofessional if you show up for that meeting in a sweatshirt or casual tee and jeans, then dress up a bit for the meeting. However, if your company culture isn’t concerned about keeping things formal, then you can go to your meetings in casual clothes. Draw the line at PJs, though.
You’re worried everyone can see you
That’s one of the things first-time users get uncomfortable with. The thought that everyone can see what you do and that it could be magnified on the screen, can be worrisome. One way to simply work through the discomfort is to mentally be prepared for the meeting. Be self-aware at all times throughout the video call. When you’re offsite and in your home office, it can be easy to forget that everyone can see you. If you think that’s likely to happen, put a few notes beside your monitor to remind you you’re on camera. That way, you won’t have to catch yourself fixing your hair, scrolling through your email messages or even picking your nose.
You’ve got a messy space
Don’t just prepare for the meeting mentally. Make sure you’ve got your meeting space all decked out as well. Stage your background. Keep the mess out. Pick out a space that’s professional, quiet—away from noises or foot traffic—and clutter-free. Too many elements in your background—your clothes from last night to personal mementos—can prove too distracting for your colleagues. Also, it’s a big no-no if you’re meeting with people you’ve only met for the first time. So keep things on a professional keel by choosing the right spot for your virtual meetings.
You’ve got bad lighting
Not all people understand that it’s a matter of adjusting the lighting to get the optimum visuals. So don’t go with the standard settings. Explore the lighting in the room. Check it in the camera before your meeting so you know what the other people on the other end of the camera will see. If you’re going to leave the windows open, that could leave the room with a blast of light and keep your face in the shadows. If everything still seems too dark, fiddle with the camera settings until you see just the right lighting take place. If you still have a bad case of the blurries, it might be time to invest in the right tools. With video conferencing business tools like BlueJeans, you can easily upgrade your communication platform.
You’re worried about the interface
The Digital Lifestyle says it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with the bevy of interface features and controls you’ll need to face. However, by picking the right video tools, ones designed with easy to understand and use controls, then it won’t take you long before you’re running those meetings with ease. It would also help if you train yourself in how to properly use the software. Ask your IT team to provide employees with a one-on-one session. That way, your team can fully maximize the benefits of the program and make the most out of it. When you know enough of the basics, explore the features of the software to give you more control over the tool and better familiarity with it.
You can’t troubleshoot
No worries. Plenty of video tools these days are so easy to use and bug-free, that they’ll run without a glitch. You won’t have to worry about doing a bit of trouble shooting on your own or to call in the IT department every time you need to set up a video meet. Just make sure you pick out the right video software and you’re sure to easily and conveniently get to your video meetings each and every time.
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