Did you know that about 25% of people are expected to be working meeting remotely by the end of 2023? Whether you’ve been working remotely for years or are new to the game, virtual meetings are likely to become a big part of your life. These meetings are a way for co-workers, employees, employers, investors, and a range of other business-minded people to come together and discuss the progress of the company. No matter which category of people you fall under, it’s important to be prepared for your meetings.

No Distractions

Perhaps the hardest part of working from home is ensuring there are no distractions for you or for the people in your virtual meeting. This means finding a quiet room away from spouses, children, pets, and other distractions. It’s also about ensuring your video background is clear of debris or other items that can cause people to forget about the meeting. If you need to create a distraction-free zone quickly, you can use the best free Microsoft Teams backgrounds to add a professional look to your meeting.

Show Your Brand

Even when you’re working from home, your meetings need to have an air of professionalism and recognition. The best way you can do this in a virtual environment is to create a custom Google Meet background that displays your company’s name and logo. If you don’t already have an image put together, create a high-quality one that matches the branding and voice of the company’s website and social media accounts. When you show up to your meeting with business in the background, people will know you’re serious about staying professional.

Check Technology in Advance

Spend time with the technology you’ll be using well before the meeting is set to begin. Identify which tools you’ll need for your meeting and learn how to use each one effectively and efficiently. Before the meeting begins, send attendees an email that details how they can perform certain tasks, such as muting and unmuting, setting their own background, and joining in on the conversation. This is also a good time to ensure your camera and applications are working properly so that you’re less likely to come across technical difficulties when it’s time for the meeting to start.

Create Good Lighting

Good lighting is essential for a professional meeting. Never try to hold your meeting in a dimly lit room that will have everyone squinting to see your face while you’re talking. Your work desk should have a strong but soft light that highlights your face while you’re on a video call. LED desk lamps that have varying intensities are a good idea. You can adjust them as needed depending on the time of day and how much natural light is already in the room.

Don’t Be Too Rigid

Yes, you want your meeting to be professional, but you don’t want to sacrifice your personality. Avoid being too rigid when hosting your meetings. Start them with a few minutes of catching up with people, talking about an important world event (don’t get too heavy, though), or simply having everyone introduce themselves, which can help to put them at ease for the meeting.

From your Microsoft Teams background to your lighting, the way you prepare for your meeting is essential for hosting a successful one. These tips will set you on the path to good meetings.