Why I hate Zoom strategy calls

Recently, I had a consult call with a vendor that I’m hiring for a special project.

As soon as the meeting was scheduled, he sent an invite with a link to a Zoom room. I immediately responded back with a note that we can use the room, but I will not be on camera.

Now, you might be thinking the reason for this is because I don’t like being on camera.

Truth is, as long as I don’t have a hole in my shirt and I’m wearing pants, I don’t give a shit how I look on camera. Vanity is not the issue for me in this case.

The problem is stifling creativity.

Being tethered to a desk, chair and laptop camera hamstrings my process, because I like to walk around while brainstorming ideas, concepts and the creative possibilities that come along with them.

I refer to this activity as B&P - brainstorm and pace.

I’ve been B&P’ing for years, and it’s the primary way I like to work out ideas, whether I’m in collaboration with others or by myself.

Through physical movement, that helps get the creative juices flowing in a way that sitting and staring at a screen simply cannot produce.

Does it take some people by surprise that I recommend audio-only conversations? Sure does.

And then I explain myself, they get it and we move forward.

With regard to the conversation I mentioned up top, we spent about 45 minutes on the phone strategizing and brainstorming a slew ideas and a framework for how we’re going to work together as I did laps around the neighborhood.

By the end of the call, we had our entire process mapped out and were psyched to be working together.

A happy ending :)

I bring this up as an opportunity for you to rethink how you conduct your meetings.

Be open to different modes of communication as a way to help facilitate a more successful conversation.

When scheduling the call, ask them what their preferred method of communicating is and go with that.

(Yes, in some cases, I will chain myself to a chair and laptop camera for certain clients.)

You’ll find that the more comfortable they are when chatting with you, the more productive and valuable the meeting will be.

And you’ll create a win-win in the process.

What are your thoughts on this? Please share in the comments.