It’s often a lot easier to set up a video business meeting than an in-person one. Your prospects often prefer them because it gives them an opportunity to determine if it’s worth taking their valuable time to continue the conversation.

That’s why it’s important to make sure that it goes really well. Here are a 4 tips to ensure you have a successful video business meeting.

1. Eliminate distractions. The first thing you need to do is eliminate any potential distractions. That means you need to shut down email and text messaging. Put a sign on your door that says, “Do Not Interrupt”. And, make sure you don’t have anything that’ll tempt you to start multi-tasking.
2. Build rapport. Make sure you start the meeting with a few minutes of friendly chitchat to create a personal connection. When everyone has logged on, if you called the meeting, it’s your job to review the purpose of the meeting and double check time frames.
3. Lead the conversation. Then, you need to plan on leading the conversation because the best virtual meetings are highly interactive. They’re not one-way presentations. Have some questions planned to get people talking. And, make sure to draw out any silent attendees. Before you end the meeting, make sure you’ve agreed on the next step.
4. Record the session. You can send it to your prospect as a way of following up. You can also send it to others who couldn’t make the meeting. And, last but not least, you can review it to find ways you can personally improve.