I was just asked this question in a group coaching session. If you have a business purpose for your Facebook Live video, there are three things you can do besides looking down and awkwardly reading a few names out loud as people join in:
1) Start your content. That’s right… actually start on time, especially if you pre-announced that you would be starting at 10:00. Start exactly at 10:00. If people feel like they missed something, they will go back and watch the recording afterwards. And it’s not such a bad thing to drive your audience to the recording so they can get a second impression or share with others, is it?
2) Give your audience something relevant to do. I was just presenting to a group of Doterra Holistic Health coaches, and one of their leaders uses a great opening exercise in her live broadcasts. She simply asks participants to type in where they live. It gives her valuable information about the audience and acts as a conversation starter as well. Your survey question could also reveal attitudes or problems that your product solves. Or just use a fun topic to get the energy flowing, like “Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?”
3) Interview a participant. Invite someone on the “show” as your guest…someone the audience will identify with. As people log in, they will arrive at various parts of their story and be intrigued that you are talking to one of their peers. It positions you as an expert who cares, and fills the awkward void with something relevant before the official program begins. If you can’t arrange for someone to join you live, read an email from them instead.
As you know, people show up on time to business meetings that have a history of starting on time. Respect the people who show up first by giving them special value. Don’t start off with annoying pleasantries and low energy. Smile, make eye contact with the camera, and launch into it!
We’re waiting.
