• Very inexpensive option if you’re on a tight budget.
• Lots of neat integrations and features (including calendars, recording features, email reminders, etc.)
• Biggest con is the lack of customer support and the limitations on event attendees (250 max with the top tier plans).
• Okay for client meetings and small events, but not your best option for larger webinars.

2. Scheduling

Calendly is by far the best option for most advisors. 

It has a great interface, integrates with almost anything you want it to, and has pretty decent support. 

I’d recommend beginning with this option.

In full disclosure, my team and I have transitioned over to Acuity Scheduling. It’s a little more challenging to set up, but is great for advanced needs. We have it fully integrated across our tech stack and love it.

If you have more advanced needs, Acuity is another option to at least consider.

Regardless, all of the virtual meeting tools are starting to integrate with each other – which is great news for advisors.

You can now fully integrate scheduling with your virtual meeting platform and calendar to save time, reduce stress, and mitigate confusion.

But rather than just send people a calendar link and tell them to book a time, give them multiple options.

This lets you game the system, so to speak.

You can create and architect different meeting types that create authority and preeminence. So rather than just offer standard 30- or 60-minute timeblocks, you create meeting options.

This allows you to control the feeling around the meeting and increase the likelihood that people schedule one.

I find that these options are working well in today’s climate:

• 15 Minute Virtual Coffee (People don’t want to “meet” – they want to have chit-chats.)
• 60 Minute Meeting
• VIPs & Friends
• Clients Only

Do you see how these sound better than just asking people to book a cookie-cutter meeting?

3. Cloud Storage Solutions

Instead of storing everything on your laptop where it can be stolen, choose a safe cloud solution.

Google Drive has great integrations which is why I like it more than DropBox. (But either works.)

As your team grows, you’ll see how much easier it is to share files and communication with others.

4. E-Signature Platforms

While there are some companies that still require wet signatures, most of the industry has come around to the idea of digital or electronic signatures by now.

And there’s really one market leader: DocuSign.

It’s easy to use, people are comfortable with using it, and it checks all of the legal boxes.

If you don’t like DocuSign for some reason, give SignEasy a shot.

5. Backdrop

To make the most out of the Zoom virtual background feature, you’ll want to buy a green screen.

It’ll give you much better quality and eliminates most of the annoying glitches and distortion that occurs when you have an unpredictable backdrop behind you.

You can get a simple green screen from Amazon for as little as $25. 

There are a myriad of options – so do your research and look for the right style at a price point you’re comfortable with.

Options include:

• Collapsable & retractable green screens
• Full green screen setup with frame
• Green screen fabric/sheet (can be affixed to your wall)
• Portable (attaches to the back of your office chair)

6. Set a Three-Step Agenda

This isn’t really a tech tip, but it’s certainly one of the top virtual meeting best practices – so I’m going to throw it in here at the end.

In addition to securing the right technology, you also need to send each prospect or client an agenda prior to the meeting.

This can be integrated into your scheduling process

You don’t need anything fancy, but it should be specific.

Keep it to three points and let the prospect/client know what to expect out of the meeting.

For example:

• Personal Check-In
• Markets & Portfolio Check
• Action Steps

Having an agenda like this sends a signal to the client that you’re prepared and serious. They feel like their time is being valued.

And as we discussed at the beginning of the article – that’s half the battle.

Grab Your FREE Virtual Meeting Playbook

We’ve only skimmed the surface in this blog post.

If you want to WIN big with virtual meetings, you need to understand everything from securing appointments to engaging clients and prospects to following up afterwards.

Thankfully, we have a brand new playbook that goes in depth on all of these topics and more.

It was developed in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis as a response to the issues that insurance financial advisors are facing RIGHT NOW.

And I believe it will be a powerful resource for you.

Let us know that you want a copy and we’ll send you The Definitive Virtual Meeting Playbook for Insurance & Financial Advisors: 44 Proven Tips, Tools, and Secrets From the Front Lines….

…at NO COST to you.

Armed with these insights, I believe you’ll shatter some of the barriers that have so often suppressed advisors in our space from winning in the virtual environment. 

Are You Attending My Weekly Masterclass?

Each Wednesday afternoon at 12 noon ET, I host a weekly masterclass that’s designed specifically for the industry’s top insurance and financial advisors.

Hundreds show up ready to play full out. 

We deliver massive value. Spark thought-provoking conversations. And celebrate wins.

Most importantly, we arm ourselves with the tools we need to CONQUER the week ahead.

It’s totally free.

(Yes…100% GRATIS.)

Over the next few weeks, these Virtual Advisor Power Hours will be laser-focused on the subject of virtual meetings…

Building on the techniques and tips discussed in this blog post.

And I want YOU to be there.

All you have to do is show up and I PROMISE to deliver the goods.

Click the link below to add it to your calendar

>>>SAVE MY SPOT for the Virtual Advisor Power Hour<<<