LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with professionals, building your network, and growing your business. One useful LinkedIn feature for connecting with contacts is LinkedIn Video Calls. With LinkedIn Video Calls, you can easily schedule one-on-one video calls with your connections right in the LinkedIn platform.
Video calls allow for more personalized and engaging interactions than messages or emails. They enable you to have face-to-face conversations to build relationships, discuss business, conduct interviews, and more. Read on to learn how to schedule a video call with your LinkedIn connections.
Find the Video Call Feature
The LinkedIn Video Call feature must first be enabled for your account. To check if you have access to LinkedIn Video Calls:
- Go to your LinkedIn homepage and log in to your account
- Click on the My Network icon at the top navigation bar
- Select “Video calls” from the left menu
If you see the option to “Schedule a video call” on this page, then the feature is enabled and available for your account. If not, you will need to request access to LinkedIn Video Calls.
Enable Video Call Access
If you don’t yet see the video calling option under My Network, here’s how to request access:
- Go to your LinkedIn Settings
- Under Account Preferences, select Feature Previews
- Toggle on the switch next to “Video Calls”
LinkedIn states that it may take up to three business days to review and enable video calling access. Once approved, you will receive a notification and can start scheduling video calls.
Schedule a Video Call
Once you have access to LinkedIn Video Calls, you can schedule a call with your connections by following these steps:
- Go to your connection’s LinkedIn profile
- Click “More” next to the Message button
- Select “Schedule video call”
- Pick a date and time for the call
- Click “Confirm” to schedule the video call
You will see pending video calls under the “Video calls” tab in your LinkedIn account. The person you are calling will receive a notification to accept the scheduled video call.
Tips for Scheduling
- Give at least 24-48 hour advance notice when scheduling calls to give your connection time to prepare and confirm the meeting.
- Use the video call description box to share an agenda or talking points so your connection knows what to expect.
- Schedule calls during normal business hours when possible.
- Keep the call between 15-30 minutes long.
Joining Video Calls
To join a video call that has been scheduled with a connection:
- Go to the Video calls page in LinkedIn
- Click “Join” next to the upcoming video call
- Make sure your camera and microphone are enabled
- Click “Join call” to enter the video call
You will see the other caller’s video window open and can start your conversation over video.
Tips for Joining Calls
- Test your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection ahead of time.
- Make sure you are in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Have your talking points or agenda handy.
- Dress professionally as you would for an in-person meeting.
Conducting a LinkedIn Video Call
Once you are in a LinkedIn video call, keep these tips in mind for having an effective conversation:
- Greet your connection and exchange pleasantries first.
- Remind the other caller of the purpose and agenda for the meeting.
- Take turns speaking and avoid interrupting each other.
- Make eye contact by looking into the camera as you speak.
- Speak clearly at a moderate pace and volume.
- Avoid distractions and stay focused on the discussion.
- Wrap up by recapping any action items and next steps.
- Thank your connection for their time before disconnecting.
Following basic video call etiquette helps ensure your conversations on LinkedIn are productive and beneficial for building relationships.
After the Video Call
Your responsibilities don’t end when the video call does. Follow up a LinkedIn video meeting by:
- Sending a message thanking them for the call.
- Sharing any notes, links, or files discussed.
- Connecting them to other relevant contacts.
- Providing feedback or follow up information requested.
- Following up on any action items or next steps.
- Scheduling additional video calls or in-person meetings.
Following up after video calls helps strengthen your connection and continue building an ongoing relationship.
Troubleshooting LinkedIn Video Calls
Although LinkedIn Video calls make connecting easy, you may run into some technical difficulties. Try these troubleshooting tips if you have issues:
Can’t hear the other caller?
- Make sure volume on your device is turned up.
- Check headphones/speakers are plugged in or connected.
- Refresh call window or rejoin call.
- Use a different browser if on a computer.
Video keeps freezing or glitching?
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Try turning off camera to use audio only.
- Limit bandwidth usage by closing other tabs and apps.
- Try a wired ethernet connection instead of wifi.
Can’t start or connect to call?
- Double check date, time, and accepted call status.
- Refresh browser or restart your device.
- Update your LinkedIn app or reinstall if necessary.
- Check LinkedIn status page for any reported issues.
If problems persist, you may need to reschedule the call for another time when technical issues are resolved.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Video Calls make it quick and convenient to have face-to-face meetings that strengthen relationships with your professional network. With the tips above, you can easily schedule, join, conduct, and follow up on video calls right within LinkedIn.
Video calls add a personalized touch to build better rapport. Use them to pitch clients, conduct interviews, discuss opportunities, and more. Enable the feature and start connecting visually with your LinkedIn network today.