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5 tips for Zooming at home Virtual meetings, events, training and even job interviews have become an integral part of the ‘new normal’. It’s therefore increasingly important to convey yourself in the best way possible for your profession on Zoom calls and interactions. Interior designer, Benji Lewis, from Zoom That Room, shares his tips on how to set up your home backdrop to reflect confidence and professionalism for each meeting. 1.
Consider your backdrop carefully and make it appropriate for you – both professionally and personally. A patterned wallpaper background can set you up very well, but irrespective of the job you’re in, be mindful of the kind of pattern you choose.
2.
Large scrolling designs are great for disguising the fact that you might not have brushed your hair before the meeting and can be surprisingly forgiving, though do always bear in mind how the colours and pattern look to someone on the receiving end of the call. Perhaps do a practice run with a friend who can offer
GOVERNMENT LEVELS PLAYING FIELD FOR SMES The government has published a ‘Selling To Government Guide’ to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) essential information on how to bid for and win government contracts. Some £50 billion worth of public contracts are available, including anything from supplying hospital equipment to providing public sector pensions, which are tendered each year. The guide includes advice on where business owners can look online for Government contract opportunities and also includes tips on how SMEs can make sure they are showcasing their strengths during the bidding process. This will be backed up by online webinar sessions for small businesses. For details see bit.ly/sellingtogovernment
Elmcroft Business Services has launched in Orpington. As a family business that started on the corner of Elmcroft Road, the company has more than 16 years’ experience in the office supplies sector and has been recognised for its community work and excellence in customer service by the BOSS Federation. The company’s core values are
38 Life in... Orpington February 2022
feedback on how you look, or alternatively take a video of yourself.
3.
Try to make the backdrop you choose feel appropriate for the job you’re in or the service you offer; a large bold patterned wallpaper is great for a creative but if your job involves advice, for example, in the legal profession, then consider a backdrop that is complementary to that. Bookcases (tidy of course) look effective, and ensuring that small ornaments have been removed from the shelves will make things look neater.
4. A structured design like brickwork looks smart as a background and is suitable for multiple job types. 5.
If you wish to use a wall with pictures hanging on it as your background, be mindful of how your head shape looks against those frames. A gallery wall can be very effective, however one or two undersized pictures can look underwhelming. A single statement piece of art looks neat and organised.
Every day I’m hustlin’
Research from Virgin StartUp has revealed that approximately two million (5%) people started a side project during last year’s lockdown. Wanting to be your own boss is amongst the main motivations for becoming self-employed (49%), alongside a better work-life balance (45%), disliking existing jobs (17%), and finding it hard to be managed (14%).
Care, Trust, Respect and Professionalism, with an emphasis on minimising carbon footprints. It offers a wide range of products made from recycled materials, including paper and card, to help its clients meet their own carbon-neutral targets. It also supplies bio and recycled packaging, Fairtrade tea and coffee, eco-friendly cleaning products and more. For details see www.elmcroftbusiness.co.uk or call 0345-222 2444.
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