8/13/2025-Make ’em turn on their cameras!

Yes, sometimes ya just want to yell, "TURN YOUR F’ing CAMERAS ON!" (Hmmm, maybe that would work…?) Of course, there’s a better way to ask for "ECE" (eye contact engagement), but either way, if you don’t ask, you won’t get.

Sometimes, you summon the courage to ask buyers to turn on their cameras; sometimes, you don’t.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Don’t settle for de facto behaviors from your buyers! Give them a good reason why they should turn it on. But definitely ask.

Today, experiment with some lines that may get cameras turned on in your video pitch meetings. (If you’re settling for a video meeting versus a F2F, then you must ask!)

Try levity:
"Hey everyone, literally there is cat poop, dirty laundry, and toys all over this room I’m in, but I’m just gonna ignore it and focus on how good it is to see you. Would it be possible to actually SEE YOU?"

Or something more tempered…and personal:
"I pledge to make this meeting engaging and valuable…and who knows, maybe a bit fun too! What helps me is when you turn your camera on…I feed on it."

Today…create your line…and start using it. You can’t fall off the floor!

Yesssss, this 3-minute sketch comedy clip of a video meeting is cliche…but it is very funny!

It’s a good reminder that you should always push for in-person pitch meetings with your customers.