Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication by Andrew Brodsky will help you understand which mode of communication to use, when, and why. Be sure to get a copy for your professional development library.

1. The PING Approach

• In addition to in-person, face-to-face communication, there are a variety of virtual methods that you can use to communicate. While face-to-face is usually considered superior, Andrew makes the case that it’s not always the best, depending on the context. This book gives the blueprint that will allow you to leverage technology to improve the quality of your communication. This is important as we are all virtual communicators.

Using Virtual Communication to Get Ahead: 2. To Meet or Not to Meet…That is the Question

• Organizations have a lot of meetings and they are expensive when you consider the total time of the attendees. Meetings need clear goals, agendas, only the people necessary, and time limits. Some are not even necessary. Brainstorming should not start as a group activity. Start by having everyone come up with ideas independently and then share them anonymously with the team. Then get together to discuss, prioritize, and decide what to do.
• Emails are asynchronous communication and should be answered in a day or so. If you need an urgent reply, don’t use email. Don’t have your email app open all day as you will be constantly interrupted. Andrew suggests that you check your email about three times a day.

3. Seeing is Believing. Or Is It?

• Eye contact is just as important in video meetings as it in in face-to-face meetings. Make sure that you have good lighting. (Doug: This is a common mistake.) Avoid back lighting, which can come from lamps or windows when the sun is up. Keep your camera on as no one is impressed by a black screen with a person’s name on it. Don’t use novelty backgrounds, look professional. Bookcases are good. Appearance matters. If you know how others will be dressed, match them. If you don’t know, err on the side of being more formal. Be honest when touting your capabilities. Be sure that you can walk the talk.

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