I web commute sometimes. I also work with remote employees, partners and clients. I'm always amazed at how easily we can overcome geography at work these days. But there is one thing that bugs me about not working with people in person. I like the personal exchanges. I like the water cooler talk and the jokes. That being said, I've learned some creative ways to keep it personal in an online meeting or Web conference.

Here are my 5 tips to help you keep it personal:

1)    Start every meeting with personal questions first -When meeting online we have a tendency to get right down to business. We forget that we're talking to actual people and not machines at the other end of the meeting. Make it a point to ask at least 2 non-work questions before diving into the material. You'll notice that your online meetings will be more productive and enjoyable.

2)    Put up a personal picture as your desktop wallpaper - I have 3 colleagues who have pictures of their kids as their desktop backgrounds. Why does this matter? Because every time they start to show me something on their screen I see their kids. This always inspires me to ask how they're doing and I remember that I'm talking to a human being. The pictures make it personal.

3)    Ask more specific questions - In larger online meetings people are often hesitant to answer your questions. When you ask something generic like, "Any questions?" you're likely going to hear crickets. So make your questions more specific. Try, "Mark, how do you think this will impact sales in Q4?" Online meetings require very specific questions to drive conversation.

4)    Do your research - Part of my job is working with industry "thought leaders" and external consultants. Before every kick-off meeting with a new partner I do research. All this really entails is a Google search with the person's name but it's amazing to me how few people actually do this. I'll start off meetings by saying "Jim, I loved the Webinar you did last week. We're facing the same challenges in our organization." Sites like LinkedIn, blogs and Twitter also make it easy to research your meeting attendees.

5)     Stand up - OK, so not every workspace makes this appropriate (I'm 6'5" so if I stand in my cubicle people tend to stare) but if you're working from home it should be fine. This is more of an online presentation tip but bear with me. When you present in person you stand. Standing gets your blood flowing and your hands moving. Most importantly, it comes through in your voice. Your meeting attendees will feel more of your enthusiasm and will respond to you as a person. Try it out. I stand up during all my Webinars.

Make your online meetings more personal. You'll find that the meetings become more enjoyable and more productive. Any other tips out there for keeping it personal at a distance?

Photo by: GaetanLee

Eric Bensley is a contributor to workshifting.com. He works in Product Marketing at Citrix Online and focuses on engaging new customers with content. This includes white papers, Webinar speaking engagements, podcasts, and eBooks. You can follow him at www.twitter.com/ericbensley