Collaborate with Video Conferencing to “Cultivate Loyalty”

I have experienced many video conferences and Zoom meetings, and I think we can all agree there are too many Zoom meetings. But here are some key concepts to keep in mind when using video conferencing to cement a bond with your business partners.

First– Is there a scheduled event on your calendar for a video call? If so, just don’t assume your audience will be magically appearing for your meeting. Chances are high that they were just being polite to accept your invitation with a minimal commitment to actually carve out 30 minutes out of their day. Remember to keep tabs with a quick text: “excited to chat Friday on Zoom, I’ll make it a quick zoom chat”. Then send an email a few hours prior: “I am excited to share some details on the alpha widget along with any topics you think of covering”.

Second– Learn what their day looks like when you will have this scheduled zoom. Will they be at home or at the office? Ask open-ended questions to have them “paint a picture” of where their mind will be when you meet virtually. This way you may know if your scheduled time is on shaky ground or if they are running late, you can have an ETA of their arrival.

Third– Will you have an internal partner take part in this call and introduce them? Painting that picture with internal partners is just as critical. Don’t forget to paint a mutual picture of every internal and external partner’s work day. The goal is to build mutual trust between every partner. Internal talent and resources within your group are key players and remember to consider how your meeting is affecting their productive work day.

Fourth– My kids taught me a new term. Have you heard this one? TL,DR. Well, it’s new to me and it means “Too Long, Didn’t Read”. The case goes here as well. Do your best to keep a video call to 15 minutes. If you have them engaged and it goes longer, nicely done. Focus on two key points and make sure to invite your audience to cover any questions or concerns they have from their side of the fence.

Fifth– Follow up your video call with a quick tip sheet or job aid. What was your call about? Text or email the following day a simple graphic and instructions on the key point you covered. Remind them what you wanted them to learn. Your soon-to-be partner will appreciate the follow-through.

Remember, the key to these “Cultivate Loyalty” strategies is to grow mutual business activities. Don’t forget this is a shared mutual loyalty. You are looking to grow a “give-and-take” relationship. The foundation is not based on a single transaction. Of course, it takes a few transactions to get the skids greased, but my tactics will remind you and your partner that you are fostering growth in each other’s business ventures.

Please visit EvanTrickett.com for more Strategies & Tools to Cultivate Loyalty.