Zoom has become ubiquitous since the pandemic hit, yet mastering its virtual backgrounds and filters remains challenging for many. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Zoom expert Christopher G. Johnson, who shared invaluable advice for entrepreneurs.
Who is Christopher G. Johnson?
Christopher G. Johnson, a celebrated LinkedIn Top Voice, excels as a virtual event producer, public radio producer, live event announcer, and audiobook narrator.
Effective Use of Zoom’s Virtual Backgrounds and Filters for Entrepreneurs
Here are Christopher’s expert tips for entrepreneurs eager to leverage Zoom’s virtual backgrounds and filters effectively.
Q: Why should entrepreneurs use virtual backgrounds in Zoom meetings?
A: Virtual backgrounds enhance professionalism and ensure brand consistency, which is crucial when your physical workspace isn’t ideal. They offer a way to maintain a polished look, vital for establishing trust and credibility with clients and collaborators. Subtly incorporating your brand’s logo or colors can reinforce your brand identity.
Q: What are common pitfalls with virtual backgrounds?
A: The key mistakes on backgrounds include choosing overly busy ones, poor lighting or inadequate hardware causing an unnatural look, and using default or overused backgrounds that fail to make you stand out and lack personality.
Q: How can entrepreneurs design custom virtual backgrounds?
A: Begin with a high-resolution image of 1920×1080 pixels. Add branding elements like your logo and tagline that signify your business. Tools like Canva or Adobe Express simplify this process, such as creating a LinkedIn banner. Ensure your design remains professional and uncluttered. Here are some basic step-by-step instructions for making a Canva banner on LinkedIn. Just create a custom size of 1920×1080 for a virtual background.
Open Canva and search “Zoom Virtual Background” for pre-made templates, and then add text, your logo, or other graphics. Download the image from Canva and upload it to Zoom. If you want to create an overlay, adjust the image’s transparency.
Q: How do filters and overlays improve the Zoom experience for entrepreneurs?
A: Filters and overlays can introduce a personal or fun element to meetings without sacrificing professionalism. They can display essential elements such as your name, QR Code, or call-to-action in front of you, while virtual backgrounds provide a branded backdrop.
Q: When should virtual backgrounds and filters be avoided?
A: A natural setting may be preferable in informal meetings or intimate team interactions. Avoid flashy filters or overlays during crucial meetings like client negotiations or investor pitches, where they might detract from the main message.
Q: What are the best practices for testing virtual backgrounds and filters?
A: Conduct a technical check before meetings. Experiment with various backgrounds and filters in Zoom to see how they look with your lighting setup. Recording a short video can help evaluate their appearance on camera. Being proactive can help you avoid any surprises during the actual live meeting.
Q: Additional tips for enhancing Zoom setup?
A: Treat your Zoom environment as an extension of your personal brand. Invest in quality webcams, microphones, and lighting. Use virtual backgrounds and filters to enhance, not detract from, your professional presence. Regularly refresh your backgrounds and overlays to align them with your branding.
Q: Where can more information be found on mastering virtual events?
A: Connect with Christopher G. Johnson on LinkedIn or visit Calm Clear Media for resources or to book a consultation. Don’t miss subscribing to his LinkedIn newsletter for more expert tips.
Stay tuned for an upcoming article on live streaming via Zoom and other platforms, enhancing your virtual engagement capabilities.
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BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
