Video Conferencing with Zoom is now the new normal for most people around the world.
Everyone is having to resort to virtual meetings. Here at Kirkham, we use Zoom every single day. Every. Single. Day. We absolutely love it, it is very easy to use when having to communicate virtually and it’s very secure.
Zoom can be used for video conferencing meetings, webinars, chat, and audio conferencing. You can download Zoom on your laptop or phone.
We thought we would share everything we think you need to know about Zoom.
How to get started to get started with Zoom
- Pick the right Zoom plan for your team. You have four options: Zoom Free, Zoom Pro, Zoom Business & Zoom Enterprise. We recommend trying Zoom Free if you are just testing it out. Make sure it is the right fit for you and your team.
- Download Zoom. Once you have picked a plan for your team and you’re ready to start using it, it’s time to download.
- Sync Zoom to your personal calendar. Doing so will make it possible to schedule Zoom meetings that are on your calendar. It also makes it possible to add a Zoom meeting link to events on your calendar. When you’re signed into Zoom, navigate to “Settings,” then “Meetings,” then “Synced Calendars.” Then, toggle on “Sync Zoom Meetings from Calendars,” and tap to select the calendars you want to sync with Zoom.
- Schedule your first meeting. You can schedule a meeting via the zoom app (downloadable for computers, phones, and tablets) or directly by using your calendar. You then add the details of your meeting. Once in Zoom, there are many features available. You can turn your video and microphone on/off, invite other meeting participants, record your meeting and even share your screen.
Our Favorite Zoom Tips
- Record important Zoom meetings. If for some reason someone cannot attend the meeting, you have the ability to send them a recorded copy. It is also good sometimes to have a copy of important meetings for future reference.
- Use integrations. Here at Kirkham we use Slack constantly. We meet in Zoom, but we live in Slack. You can start Zoom meetings right from slack. You can also use Slack’s recurring reminder feature to remind your team when the daily meeting is about to start, 5 minutes in advance and right as the meeting is starting.
- When not speaking, mute yourself. This will dramatically cut down any distracting background noise. It is also basic video conferencing etiquette.
- Look at the camera. I know it will take a bit of getting used to at first, but try and look at the camera when you are talking. This will mimic the feeling of eye contact and the in-person feeling. Looking at the audience will make them feel like you are really talking to them.
- Upload a photo to your account profile. While your setting up your profile, add a nice picture for participants to see when your video is disabled.
- Apply a background. When your workspace at home isn’t so tidy, you can apply a backdrop to virtually clean up the clutter, it is like a green screen without the screen. Doing so will give you a more professional appearance when doing video calls.
- Turn on meeting reminders. Set reminders to ensure that you never miss a Zoom meeting. You can do this on your phone and laptop.
Video Conferencing With Zoom – In Summary
Zoom may take some getting used to, the second you have the hang of it, you’ll never want to stop using it. Remember to use the free version first to test it out, make sure it is the right videoconferencing platform for you and your team.