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6 Tips to Up Your Game in Virtual Meetings

Virtual meetings have become a way of life for most of us. We’re selling, collaborating, and socializing online — pretty much from anywhere except our pre-pandemic offices.
But just because we’ve become comfortable doing business virtually doesn’t mean we’ve all gotten good at it. Loud background noises? Dropped calls? Wardrobe malfunctions? Chances are you’ve recently witnessed one of these bloopers.
You really don’t want all eyes on you during the next meeting mishap. Check out these six tips for effective virtual meetings:
- Power up. A bad connection in the middle of a client meeting can be bad for business. If you’re having problems ensuring a clear and consistent WIFI connection, do the research to upgrade your broadband.
Pro tip: Move to voice only if your connection is messing up the video. Or use your phone as a hotspot. - Do a test drive. Using unfamiliar technology with a new client? Test it with a friendly audience first to work out any kinks with the audio and video.
Pro tip: Find the mute button and stay on mute when you’re not talking. - Look behind you. Use a background from your virtual platform that conveys professionalism, confidence and warmth. A solid-color screen is a safe choice. Save the Game of Thrones background for your weekend family chat. If your background is the space behind your chair, simple items — like a healthy plant or a vase of flowers — are a nice touch.
Pro tip: Clear the clutter in your space. Don’t let your co-workers or clients see dirty breakfast dishes or a pile of laundry. - Get the light right. Adjust the lighting or your position in the room so the light is coming from in front of you. Natural light from a window is ideal, but a lamp can be helpful, too. Lighting that comes from behind can make you appear silhouetted and cast shadows on your face.
Pro tip: Open a white image or a blank Word document on another monitor to use as a light source on your face. - Dress the part. Although business casual has become the norm, dressing too informally can detract from your image. A professional look — at least from the waist up — can add normalcy to your workday during a time when things may seem anything but normal.
Pro tip: Avoid distracting slogans, logos, and small stripes and prints, which can pixelate on camera. - See eye to eye. Even remotely, making eye contact with attendees contributes to the success of a meeting. If your camera isn’t part of your primary monitor, buy a webcam and position it so you’re looking directly at it.
Pro tip: Adjust your equipment so your entire face is visible and centered. Don’t make it look like you’re peeking over a fence.
Make your visual presence memorable for the right reasons. If you’re already practicing everything on this list — congratulations! We can’t wait for our next meeting with you.
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Confidence and Compassion
A Note from Greg Ness, Chairman, President and CEO

At The Standard, we’ve been helping people achieve financial well-being and peace of mind since 1906. As the global health crisis continues to disrupt lives, communities and the economy, I am confident we’ll continue helping people when they need us the most. Our company has been through hard times and market volatility before and we will navigate through this challenge as well. As our customers face tremendous stress and uncertainty, we will continue providing support and stability to those who rely on our products and services.
This pandemic is tough on everyone. Our communities are hurting, our families and friends are distressed and some of our most vulnerable neighbors are at risk.
The crisis and the way we collectively respond to it will define a generation. We are rising to the challenge. I know every single employee at our company — along with staying focused on keeping our business running and serving our customers — is looking for ways to make a difference for those most affected by this pandemic. That’s proving true in businesses and homes across the community, the country and around the world.
Part of the tragedy of this disease is that even as we come together to help those most in need, the unique nature of COVID-19 is forcing us apart. We all understand the importance of —social distancing— to slow the spread, but we should remember that’s just physical distancing. I encourage you to find ways to safely connect with those in your neighborhood who may require extra help and with groups in your community that are making a difference and support them however you can. And now is the perfect time to reach out to friends and others and just check in.
To our health care providers, first responders and everyone selflessly setting aside their own fears and concerns to help others during this time — thank you hardly seems enough. These people are true heroes. This crisis reinforces how reliant we are on the many essential services we too often take for granted. We are grateful to so many for continuing to show up with focus and commitment.
We will get through this, especially if we are sustained by the examples of those who make us the proudest right now — family, friends, neighbors and colleagues working together — rather than allowing our fears to guide us. No matter how unsettled we may feel, remember we are not alone. There are so many people in this world trying their level best to help others. And I am certain we will get through this — together.
In times of crisis, we are defined by how we react. Let’s continue to be defined by compassion.
And to our customers, thank you for putting your trust in The Standard. What we sell is a promise to be there when you need us, and that promise is unwavering.
Be safe and well, and stay connected.
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Jared's Story: Time for Family
Age: 36 - Occupation: pediatrician - Married, one child
How the Family Care Benefit provided the ability to care for a loved one
Jared's daughter was born with a heart defect. They visited multiple specialists to diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Then his daughter underwent surgeries, hospital stays and months of follow-up appointments. Benefits from Jared’s Platinum Advantage policy helped make up for the income lost when Jared spent time away from work to attend physician appointments and to be with his daughter in the hospital and throughout her extended recovery — providing peace of mind during a trying time.

Jody's Story:
Supportive Office Equipment
Age: 42 - Occupation: accountant - Married, no children
Assistance on the road to recovery through a rehabilitation program
Jody's role as an accountant at a small firm requires a lot of computer work. After sustaining a serious back injury from a car accident, Jody was totally disabled under her Platinum Advantage policy. Jody’s doctor recommended she purchase assistive equipment to help her work comfortably at her desk without aggravating her condition. She was able to return to work full time after participating in a rehabilitation program in which expenses for a sitstand desk and other ergonomic accommodations were paid for under her Platinum Advantage policy. These modifications helped ensure she could return to work safely, without hindering her recovery.

David's Story: Starting a Medical Career
Age: 33 - Occupation: dermatology physician - Single, no children
Benefits that match career growth through the Benefit Increase Rider
David is completing his dermatology residency and just accepted an offer at a private practice. Before the end of his residency, he purchased a Platinum Advantage policy that included the Benefit Increase Rider, knowing his income will rise significantly after he starts his first post-residency job. The benefit also will allow his policy to grow with him as he progresses in his career and receives additional salary increases. David values the fact that his coverage going forward will match his developing career.

Jason's Story: Accidents Happen
Age: 35 • Occupation: orthopedic surgeon • Married, two children
Finding work in a new occupation with the Own Occupation Rider
Jason injured his right hand in an accident and was unable to return to his job as an orthopedic surgeon because he couldn't perform surgery. Due to his medical training, he was able to return to work as a family medicine physician. Jason was considered totally disabled in his regular occupation as an orthopedic surgeon — even though he earns an income from another occupation as a family medicine physician — because of the own occupation definition of total disability included in his Platinum Advantage policy. Because of this, he receives the policy's full basic monthly benefit, in addition to the income he receives in his new position.
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You can currently run ISA, FGA, SPIA and Restricted SPIA illustrations.
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