How to Cultivate an In-Person Experience Online

How to Cultivate an In-Person Experience, Online

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We are deep into the online boom that came with the COVID-19 pandemic and while most of us have mastered the mute/unmute, lighting, angles and sound of our video conferencing connections, thanks to all sorts of meetings from classes to book clubs to webinars to family gatherings, we might still want to fine-tune the details of how we connect to our online clients.

If you have ever led an online client session, you will likely remember your first time. The multitude of issues that could arise, the tech, the equipment, the internet bandwidth worries and the pets running amok in either yours or your clients’ home - we have learned to navigate these issues with some grace and aplomb throughout 2020. If you still find yourself stumbling through the start of an online class, or you feel like something is missing when you connect to your clients over the internet, we have some tips in this article to help you out.

Be Ready

Be early with your setup and testing so that you are not flustered or preoccupied as the class begins - your clients will sense that quickly. Be relaxed and confident as you greet your clients.

Welcome

Just like you would in an in-person class, greet each person as they join your online space. Acknowledging each person makes them feel seen and connected, both to you and the other members of the class.

Time to Chat

If you like to encourage more connection, you could set aside time before or after class for chat. This can be done formally, by letting everyone know this will happen, or informally, by allowing your participants to enter the meeting prior to you so they can hang out and chat. Lockdowns have had a huge impact on mental health, and for some this online contact might be the only discussion they have all day, so holding space for that connection might be beneficial to your clients.

Accessibility

Be sure that your clients have everything they need for the class, don’t plan a session that requires equipment they likely won’t have to hand.

‘See’ Everyone

Offer modifications or praise to your clients specifically. If their video needs adjusting so you can see them, just ask (it is probably part of your insurance terms that you can see what clients are doing to keep them safe). When a client knows you can see them, it has multiple benefits - they are more committed to the class, they will try harder (as they would in-person) and get more out of your session if they are being observed and it holds their attention better.

Be You

Bring your own flavor to the class by sharing your humor, some joy or a story about your day so far. When all participants are on mute and you can’t hear their feedback, it can take some practice for this to feel natural but the authenticity of you is what will build your following.

Make Eye Contact

Be sure to look in the camera, throughout the class, and smile as if you are looking into your client’s eyes. The person on the other side can see you looking directly at them and will feel supported, noticed and held by you.

Observe the Time

Respect everyone's time in class by beginning and finishing on time. If a class regularly runs over the clients may get frustrated, worry throughout the session that they can’t make their next commitment after your class, or turn up late to class as you are setting a parameter for timekeeping lapses.

Expect the Unexpected

You have a window into all your clients’ private homes, and unexpected things might happen inside them. If you see something you weren't expecting, ignore it if you can and move on, and consider addressing it privately after class with the client if you feel you need to. You also could find yourself stumbling over a tech issue or a late arrival, but try to take any interruptions in your stride and continue teaching.

Connect Outside Class

Follow your clients on social media, support them, cheer them on and catch up with them after class if you have any concerns - did they log off very quickly, did you see them struggle with a movement? Check in via email and ask for feedback when you can; your clients opinions are valuable for fine-tuning your classes and it will make them feel valued in your community.

Build Community

Think of ways to connect clients to each other - could you start a Facebook group, or host an online community event for them? In a time of isolation, perhaps your clients need connection and more community and support.

For more tips on how to nurture your clients, check out our recent article here.

At OfferingTree, we’ve been supporting our users to get online with Zoom integration, online video libraries and memberships in your platform, and we are updating our features every week, with the guidance of our user base. Visit OfferingTree.com to learn how our system can help you achieve your goals.