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HarryCaray profile picture

HarryCaray

HMFIC

Notable Contributor
Notorious Answer
Celebrated Contributor
+12

[POLL] Zoom cameras on or off?

Some people love it, some hate it, but we're all having to deal with video conferencing. Y'all lookin' fresh on camera or chillin' in the cut with it off?

On camera or off for (external) zoom calls

Attached poll
*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.
🤷‍♂ Poll
👑 Sales Strategy
📣 Demos
137

481 comment

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DaveFromCollege
Notorious Answer
72
Account Executive
Saw some data out there from Gong I think that says if both parties have their cameras on, usually leads to more engagement during calls and more closes.
jackodiamonds
Opinionated
29
Account Executive
I think it even said win rates are higher even if only the seller has the camera on. Feels a bit weird but I usually do it anyways 
beachNsales
Politicker
6
Sales Manager
Def feels a bit awkward, but I try to always have it on in a prospect/client meeting, even if they turn theirs off. I want them to see me as real person no matter what. 
N_Deal
Good Citizen
0
Director of Sales
Easy way to get them to turn it on. 

"Okay, once everyone turns on their camera we can get started."


Awkward at first, but the cameras will flip on. 
Filth
Tycoon
2
Live Filthy or Die Clean
Makes sense, you can tell if they're paying attention to you, or at least the computer, and gives you some facial feedback to play off of.
cinnamonrolex
Good Citizen
1
Inside Sales Representative
Feel like it's true! all my closed/wons lately have been with prospects that I actually know what they look like
MarianoRivera
2
Enterprise Account Executive
I just say, “if other people would turn their cameras on with me it would be greatly appreciated.” That gets people to turn it on like 90% of the time. And yes Gong says it’s a very significant improvement. 
closerofdeals
1
Director, Partners and Channels
A lot of times if you have yours on, and you leave it on, they will turn theirs on as well.
CorpSheep
Good Citizen
0
Sales Rep
You should re-evaluate your sales career if it feels awkward.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
16
HMFIC
yep I mean I honestly don't know why you wouldn't, especially knowing how important it is to meet with people face to face.  While we can't do that, at least try the next best thing.  So many of my peers never have theirs on.
MichaelScottDunderMifflin
Contributor
2
Account Executive
I love having it on
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
1
Account Executive
Agreed with @HarryCaray here
Mitch
0
Account Executive
It's rude not to
heypumba
Executive
6
Business Development Manager
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gong.io/blog/if-youre-selling-without-video-youre-doing-it-wrong-this-data-explains-why/amp/
value
OG Sales Savage
3
Major Account Executive
I appreciate this comment because it's sharing insight with the Bravado community, and I think we should encourage this type of collaboration. 
Golfersparadise
Member
3
Sales Manager
This:  https://www.gong.io/blog/if-youre-selling-without-video-youre-doing-it-wrong-this-data-explains-why/
CorpBroette
Executive
2
New Business Account Executive
This is very interesting.  The company I work for has the "on" culture (rather than policy) which I have bitched about when I want to be sat in my PJs.  I'll stop bitching now though and embrace, fuck I may even slap on some makeup!
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
@CorpBroette would love to hear about any differences you experience as a result of having the camera on!
Claud
0
Manager of Business Development
I definitely bitched about being on camera and slowly came around to the idea that I was basically losing deals for not being on camera. It’s so much easier to build trust with someone you can actually see.
CorpBroette
Executive
0
New Business Account Executive
We've always done Camera on, I just moaned about it.  I was more saying I may start to make more effort with it
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Very interesting
ChefK
Good Citizen
2
SDR
This is accurate. The close rate is significantly higher with your camera on. It helps build rapport. 
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
True that! Can correlate
MrMotivation
Politicker
2
Sales
Feel like it also brings an extra level of "humanity" to the call. In person meetings are always easier, and having the camera on brings a close level to that, in my opinion.
BigWave
Fire Starter
1
Head of Sales
That's exactly what got me to put it on all of the time. I've found that most of the time if my camera is on the person on the other side will turn it on. There is no question that it makes the win-rate go up. 
DoubleDialGuy
Fire Starter
0
Account Executive
Correct 
SalesBro7
0
Growth Leader
Couldn't agree more. I'm a big fan of either both on (preferred, or both off. With that said, if I start with it on, it stays on the whole time. Kinda awkward to just cut out the camera mid-intro. haha
HappyPancake
0
Healthcare Account Executive
I have seen many sketchy basements during the pandemic.
Lambda
Tycoon
0
Sales Consultant
I make it a policy to ask my clients to turn on the video. Sort of forces the issue of partial engagement or at least I can see where I am failing (when they look at there phone, etc) in my presentation for the future and adjust
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
And how are the results?
Incognito
WR Officer
16
Master of Disaster
I had far too much plastic surgery to not monetize it 🤷‍♀️
amyhyoung
Politicker
2
Vp ops
i wish i could double upvote this
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
True
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Get your money’s worth!
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
13
Officer of ♥️
internally off, externally on with my smile and dial face on
pitchandputt
Executive
4
Account Executive
So curious why off internally? I'm an introvert IC salesperson and I crave cameras-on on all my meetings, ESPECIALLY internal. Feels strangely antagonistic to turn it off for internal meetings.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
Its weird knowing someones always looking at you for an hour and you cant see if they are looking at you really 

i prefer off if not one on one
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Get comfortable being uncomfortable!
jackodiamonds
Opinionated
4
Account Executive
Some companies have way too many internal meetings. I need to eat during them and multitask so I’m always off 
theCommishioner
Opinionated
12
Account Executive
can't rip the vape when cameras on
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
There has been quite a bit of research showing that have it on all the time is terrible for stress levels and your mental well-being. I think a lot of people do the internal off as a shortcut. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
3
Officer of ♥️
Yeah some study was done like about ‘zoom exhaustion’ or something like that essentially saying that mentally knowing that a hundred people are all watching your every move and not knowing if they are at the same time is terrible for you because you’re just stressed out about how you look and who is watching you and not knowing if they are or arent is in a constant state of stress, at least thats how I felt, and would rather just have it off and focus on the meeting actually and not what ppl r thinking of me
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
I still be trippin if they can actually see me w my cameras off doe hahah
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
or spit dip in a bottle
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
if mine is off I'm constantly checking to see if it's still off because I'm paranoid
SaaSyFerDealz
Good Citizen
1
Senior Account Manager
Lmao this is basically the truth!
Panda4489
Politicker
4
Head of Some Shit
Depends on what the meeting is for. Small meeting with your core cohort that's helping you with deals water-cooler style and you're building camaraderie and brainstorming how to close. Camera on... 

Do you really want to always have the camera on for every big internal meeting talking about the same old stuff that isn't helping you close deals faster? If I'm not being engaged directly as an individual contributor there's no point in my camera and mic being on.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Yup^
Panda4489
Politicker
1
Head of Some Shit
right! Meeting about the last meeting we had about that thing that we talked about but never got around to... I'd rather be yelled at by prospects I'm making cold outbound calls to. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
seriously gouge my eyes out with rusty spoons instead
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
At times, yeah true this is
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Agree to this 💯
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
1
Account Executive
Even internally, I’ve received negative feedback about never turning it on and try to have it on as often as possible now.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
yeah i mean, it's kinda expected it's just kinda lame it should be a choice
Panda4489
Politicker
0
Head of Some Shit
I would question that...

Who's so insecure that they need the validation of seeing you giving every oz of attention to them... 

Or who's the micromanagey boss who NEEDS the validation that everything they're saying is being 100% absorbed.


Those are the only two reasons I've encountered why anyone would give someone negative feedback about not having it on. 
FullyDiluted
Opinionated
11
Account Director
If you got a good face - use it
SaaSyFerDealz
Good Citizen
1
Senior Account Manager
And they can't tell how tall we are. Is there a Zoom version of dating? asking for a colleague... 
HappyPancake
2
Healthcare Account Executive
Someone told me I had 6 ft energy the other day. Hurt to tell them I'm 5'8.  
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Use what you got!
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Straightforward 🙌
UltimateMango
Opinionated
9
Chief of Nothing
On and authentic. No blurring or virtual background. Fight me. 

pitchandputt
Executive
3
Account Executive
Sure - I'll fight you on this.

Why is a virtual background inauthentic? How is it less authentic than having carefully curated pictures hanging on your wall, or cleaning up exactly what's within the field of the camera's vision, or putting on make up, or putting on a nice shirt while wearing pajama bottoms?
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
@pitchandputt well I don't think Mango was saying any of that stuff you named was authentic or more authentic than a virtual background.  All they said was on and authentic.  
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
@UltimateMango wanna weigh in?
UltimateMango
Opinionated
0
Chief of Nothing
Not all virtual backgrounds are inauthentic. Not all real backgrounds are authentic. 
I have found that people with just a real background are easier to connect with. We can have all sorts of discussions on why people have real or virtual and if virtual what they pick and why and what it means. 
One of the best discussions I had during the pandemic was with a VP (to whom I was actively selling) who was in his garage, him in shorts and a tee shirt, and his wife brought him a sandwich. Completely disarmed what would have been a super hard discussion otherwise. 
Sometimes the piles of crap in my office are visible. Sometimes I try to clean them up. But WYSIWYG with me. 
pitchandputt
Executive
1
Account Executive
@HarryCarayThey said "On and authentic" followed by "No blurring or virtual background" - clearly the implication was that blurring or virtual background is inauthentic. In any case, they said "Fight me" indicating that their stance was absolute and absolutely correct. 🤷‍♂️

@UltimateMango"Easier to connect with" is not always the goal, though. If you're an AE giving a product demo or an applicant at a job, is it better to use a clean virtual background or have crazy clutter in the background which may distract from the actual conversation? 

Different people have different circumstances - like @CaneWolf said, some people don't have dedicated spaces, for instance. And not all of us would brag about working out of a bathroom like a certain blue haired SDR leader. (No slight to him - love his content).
UltimateMango
Opinionated
0
Chief of Nothing
Some good stuff here to unpack. Demos are a whole different ball of wax. Video on/off can be a great technique for forcing focus, especially when you have multiple people on the call. If you aren't presenting and someone is screen sharing, video off works well to force focus on the demo. 
When you want to call attention to a comment or interject, turn your video on and speak, get to resolution and go back off video. You are right that you absolutely don't want to distract people from especially a demo. 
There seems to be a culture here of extremes (hence my taking a strong stance with a bold comment) - and the dialog that was generated is spot on and valuable. 
If I had said 'eh, it depends' we wouldn't have had this. 
pitchandputt
Executive
0
Account Executive
Now that we've got the fight out of the way, we can have some beers 🍻
Incognito
WR Officer
2
Master of Disaster
@UltimateMango  - I look forward to when my cats make cameo appearances. 
SaaSbod
Contributor
2
Sr Sales Account Exec
I keep seeing this with cat people - then they completely zone out watching the cat. Also, dog people will start to look down on you...
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Hate zoom backgrounds 
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
I'm actually on the Zoom background bandwagon now. Most of the people I know who use them just don't have dedicated spaces they can use (applies to me) that will look good. 
cinnamonrolex
Good Citizen
1
Inside Sales Representative
I'm with you for some reason the virtual background feels cheesy to me
IrishHoosier
Good Citizen
6
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
Originally the company mandated it and I hated it. But since I've gotten used to it, I totally understand why. If they're on video as well, it gives you the opportunity to read people. If they're distracted, I can call them out and take a different approach ie "I seem to have lost you" or "do you not see this as a fit?" The ability to read people to determine how real a deal is had been invaluable in the current environment. It will be interesting to see once we're back in office if prospects are still as willing to get on video as they are now 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Completely agree. It’s a game changer. Why not have as many ways to get a feel for the prospect as possible? Thanks for the input. 
HypeWoman
Fire Starter
5
District Sales Manager
Always on. lol wfh is lonely enough. I want to see human faces and interact. I’m also the manager who has it mandatory at 7:30am😅
Zbocashmoney
Good Citizen
2
Enterprise Account Executive
7:30am?? Was it mandatory to be in your office at 7:30am pre covid? 
HypeWoman
Fire Starter
0
District Sales Manager
We work 7-4 to match east coast hours. We are in CST but cover EST customers. So yes. 
Zbocashmoney
Good Citizen
0
Enterprise Account Executive
so 7:30 am is a reasonable meeting :)
LoneMaverick
Executive
5
Strategic Account Leader
Camera always on.  It humanizes us a bit, especially during COVID when kids jump in the frame.  

“Oh that’s just little Timmy, I hope we can afford Christmas this year.  When can you sign?”
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
haha yeah our boss is always talking about how that stuff used to be distracting and "unprofessional" and now we all love to see it
justsignit
Contributor
0
Account Executive
Brilliant, the best move is showing the puppy and they lose the ability to sense your commission breath. 
woof
WR Officer
3
Account Executive
For external meetings 100% on! It increases the engagement on your call and helps to build rapport, but I also find you can tell a lot from the reactions on your prospect's face that you would not get from having the camera off. 


HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Couldn't agree more
GlenRoss
Politicker
2
Director of Sales
Agreed with the Gong data listed below. My calls are so much more engaging when both people have cameras on
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Same. Glad that data was pointed out
E_Money
Big Shot
2
💰
on for external, off for internal
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Good SOP for sure
TheDragon
Executive
1
CVO
I actually like having the camera on for internal calls... probably because I like to mess with my coworkers
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
lotta fun making coworkers laugh when they shouldn't be laughing
YoungGoat
Opinionated
2
Surgical Technology Specialist
My manager insists on doing our weekly 8am calls over video. I’m in Med device so at that time all reps are on their way into OR’s he’s then only one who ever has his camera on. Completely pointless. 

I like video but if you’re going to use it their needs to be a reason/purpose
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
yeah I get it.  That's lame.  Again, talking about external calls here though.  Appreciate the response - I think we all agree that internal calls have almost zero purpose of having cameras on.
pitchandputt
Executive
2
Account Executive
Nope, definitely don't agree on internal calls.

Am I the only person here who likes their team and likes seeing them?
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
You’re not alone. I have mine on at all times unless it’s an internal lunch meeting and I’m eating
TheDragon
Executive
0
CVO
I’m with you.... even if only to mess with the team
NeverEverStopSelling
Member
2
Sales Manager, Mid-Market
I used to be anti-video coming from a call-centric and in-person-centric world of media/ad tech, but in SaaS with it being so heavily inside sales (esp now) I quickly turned around on it.

If you aren't using video during calls, you're absolutely leaving money on the table. So helpful to be able to see their faces, even if they leave it off, I leave mine / have my team leave theirs on so they can see ours. Body language has huge value.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Absolutely adds value. The numbers don’t lie, having cameras on helps move deals forward
TheLaughingWolf
WR Officer
2
Business Development Manager
Always on. How else will others see me rocking my colorful shirts and rocking my Elvis look.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Thank you. Thank you very much. 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Prospects are funny about cameras so I only have mine on when I'm presenting a financial proposal. 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
What do you mean about them being funny about it? Curious what you’ve seen in that regard
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Funny as in comfort level. Some don't like it or don't trust the camera. 
ODoorRules
2
Business Development
I find when you can add the personal element to the conversation it helps the prospect view you as a person, not just some guy on the phone trying to sell. 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Definitely agree with that
AssistantToTheRegional
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Have it on. Tell them it will be on. Some will join you, others won't or can't.

Give good face and show you're not some dumb zoom picture.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
That's a good idea to tell them it will be on ahead of time so they're at least prepared either way.
hagianni
2
Account Executive
I think you definitely should keep it on, as mentioned in the thread it builds rapport and makes the conversation much more engaging.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
definitely agree
StevieD
2
RSM
In the absence of human, face to face interaction camera on is absolutely critical for me... reading social cues, facial expression, monitoring their engagement... these are critical and for me a phone call or non-camera call will never be as valuable. 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
definitely.  Going to be interesting to see how zoom/similar services remain a part of our lives after the pandemic is done.  Would be hard to just go back to phone calls.
trainer
Opinionated
2
Sales Trainer
total respect thing, if you're in sales your camera should always be on.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
I agree, it's the respectful thing to do
SADNESS4ME
2
Key Account Executive
I find that I am distracted with the camera on for a product demo - if they are a current client (although I have a face for radio) I will turn on the camera.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
interesting, so off for prospects but on for customers?
SADNESS4ME
0
Key Account Executive
If their camera is on - mine is on. I flail my arms and fidget my pen when I sell so I try to hide my neurosis 
Kermit
2
BDM
Interesting one this, on one hand, if you were meeting in person you wouldn't have the option to make yourself invisible. On the other hand, you're at home and sometime even the people on the other line don't wanna see your dog shitting on your living room floor behind you.

Ultimately, I think it should be changed depending on the nature of the call. Sometimes it can feel extremely uncomfortable when you start off with your camera on and the other person has there's off though.

Ffs, digging a whole here. I will now cease my rambling
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
haha that's why this is such a commonly discussed topic.  I appreciate the input here!
SamHirsche
2
Team Lead, Digital Sales
Even if the prospect isn't on video, I always feel way more engaged and on top of it if I'm on camera. 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
2
HMFIC
Good way to hold yourself accountable in the conversation.  Love it.
All_Out_Of_Gum
2
CRO
If it was a real face-to-face meeting you wouldn't be able to sit there with a bag over your head. I mean.... you would. Not sure about the impact on the close rate, though. Definitely camera on.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
I agree, just treat it like you would a face-to-face meeting.
Hocael
Fire Starter
2
Partner Manager
Camera on, and professional attire. Dress like you would if you were meeting them in person. With the camera on, you become a real person.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Agreed.  Show them you're taking the meeting as seriously as you would on-site
ringthebell
2
Sales Coach
Absolutely have the camera ON during discovery. When the buyer can look into your eyes, they have a much better chance of connecting with you and trusting you, critical to closing. But then turn it off for the demo so they focus on the product.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Yeah good call about turning it off during the demo.  I do that sometimes.  Other times I leave it on throughout to keep myself honest.  Thanks for the input.
ringthebell
1
Sales Coach
I used to as well, the only issue is that some people will focus on you and your facial expressions more than the product and the solutions. So it gets dicey to leave it on. I do recommend that after the demo, for the recap/next steps you turn it back on so there is a strong finish.
Unsubscribed
Fire Starter
2
Account Executive
Please have your cameras on. Not only do I believe it helps a sale, but it humanizes a process that can be too computerized and non-social. 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
good point
Unsubscribed
Fire Starter
2
Account Executive
Man do I miss the days of Harry in the bleachers broadcasting a summer game and getting a cold one handed to home from the fans. 
Lellyronny
2
Head of Sales
Always have it on out of respect for the prospect. Dress smart as if I was sitting in their boardroom pitching 
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
I think it just gives you more confidence to be dressed well and on camera.  Great input.
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
1
Senior Account Executive
I prefer if it were off but it builds rapport.
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
0
HMFIC
Absolutely. Can’t tell if someone laughs at your corny jokes if their camera is off and they’re on mute!
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
0
Senior Account Executive
you can know if it's a courtesy smile or if you're actually funny.
Trinity
WR Officer
1
BusDev
I prefer it on even if the other party has it off
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
1
HMFIC
Eventually if you do it enough times in consecutive meetings they’ll end up turning it on eventually. You ever see that happen?
Trinity
WR Officer
0
BusDev
Yes, they eventually do. It doesn't really bother me if they don't have it on. 

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