31 | 👀 Time for Your Background Check: Credibility Starts With What's Behind You

“When was the last time you had a background check?” Nope—not that kind. Today, we take you through a powerful and eye-opening conversation about virtual backgrounds and how they affect trust, focus, and credibility in your online meetings. From soothing beaches that betray your professionalism to animated waterfalls that literally make your audience want to run to the bathroom, this episode uncovers the brain science behind virtual distractions and what it means for your virtual presence. Whether you’re using Zoom, MS Teams, WebEx, ON24, or Scoot, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and a brand-new lens on how your background impacts how you're perceived and received.   ✅ Quick Takeaways: The DOs: Use clean, simple, static backgrounds Test your lighting and camera angle beforehand Wear clothes that contrast with your background Make your face the focal point The DON’Ts: Avoid low-res or pixelated backgrounds Skip motion, animation, or “cute” themes in serious settings Don’t over-brand your space (your face > your logo) Never rely solely on auto-blur   📌 Pro Tip: "Virtual backgrounds can be a fun touch—but there’s a fine line between clever and awkward.”   🎉 Big News! We’re launching our first-ever public Group Virtual Office Audit 📅 LIVE on July 15 at 9:00 AM PT 🎟️ Get early access: www.virtualofficeaudit.com    This 30-minute, 7-step process is designed to help you audit your own setup and show up in 2D like the professional you are.   📂 Resources Mentioned: LifeWire article on virtual backgrounds, cortisol, and trust Our Virtual Background Checklist (coming soon!) Free “Go Live” Checklist – available with your Virtual Office Audit purchase   👀 Want More? Send us your before and after shots—we’d love to feature your transformation in an upcoming episode! [email protected] 🔗Kimberli Gilbert Linked-In 🔗Kathy Gadinas Linked-In 🔗Everything Webinar