#1 The Zoom Mistake That’s Quietly Eroding Your Credibility (and How to Stop It)
You’re spending 588 hours a year on Zoom. Here’s how to ensure they’re not quietly costing you credibility.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” — Will Rogers
Did you know it takes milliseconds for others to judge your credibility on Zoom?
A recent study from Durham University revealed that people make instant judgments about your trustworthiness and competence based on your Zoom background.
Zoom backgrounds significantly influence credibility:
📚 Bookshelves: Signal expertise and reliability.
🌿 Plants: Convey warmth and competence.
🚫 Personal clutter: Quietly erodes professional trust.
🎭 Novelty backgrounds: Make you appear less credible.
In one study, professionals perceived individuals with bookshelves or greenery as smarter and more credible than those with personal clutter or quirky backgrounds.
I swapped my casual kitchen backdrop for a clean bookshelf setup.
🫛Your 80/20 Tweak: Before your next Zoom call, ensure your background features either a clean bookshelf or subtle plants. This small adjustment instantly elevates how others perceive you.
To your success,
Nii
P.S. Friends don’t let friends use virtual beach backgrounds. Your credibility deserves better.
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