Monthly video series highlights published pest control content

Photo: The Pest Posse

Although the coronavirus pandemic made video meetings and training a necessity, The Pest Posse had been providing a weekly video series geared to pest management professionals (PMPs)
for years.

Now, the Santa Clara, Calif.-based company has partnered with Pest Management Professional (PMP) on a monthly video series airing on its Pest Posse TV channel.

Today’s PMP currently airs each month. It features Foster Brusca, producer of Pest Posse TV and trainer for Pest Posse Academy; Culley Christensen, founder of The Pest Posse and trainer for Pest Posse Academy; and Diane Sofranec, senior editor of PMP.

Launched Aug. 28, 2021, Today’s PMP provides updates on what’s happening in the pest control industry, highlights from articles that appeared in PMP magazine, and looks at new products geared to pest control. Also featured periodically are popular Pest Posse TV segments “What’s in Your Truck” and “What’s in Culley’s Truck.”

Since 2017, The Pest Posse has offered online and in-person training and consulting to help small to medium-size pest control companies gain skills and knowledge that will help them grow. Pest Posse TV is free to members and provides tips, techniques, product reviews, industry updates, and training via video. Check it out at ThePestPosse.net.

8 ways to look good on video

1. Get in position. Place your video camera so it is at your eye level. Too high, and viewers will see too much of your ceiling. Too low, and viewers will see up your nose. Test the position of your camera before you go live.

Logo: The Pest Posse

2. Use adequate lighting. You want viewers to see you, so make sure your room is not dark. Avoid sitting directly in front of a window (move next to it instead). The brighter the room, the better, so turn on the lights or open the curtains.

3. Speak up. Sit close enough to your computer’s microphone to ensure you will be heard. Better yet, use ear buds with a built-in microphone to help eliminate background noise. Speak clearly and slowly. Use the mute button when it’s not your turn to talk, and consider writing “UN-MUTE” on a sticky note posted prominently on your computer.

4. Stay focused. When it’s your turn to talk, look at the camera instead of the image of yourself on your computer screen. When it’s not your turn to talk, pay attention to what the speaker is saying. Refrain from checking your phone or looking around the room.

5. Add interest. You may think your only option is sitting in front of a blank wall or closet doors, but get creative. Go to a room with interesting art, bookshelves with books and mementos, or windows with a pretty view. Consider positioning yourself (and your computer and camera) at an angle so viewers can see the depth of your space.

6. Tidy up. Depending on where you are sitting, viewers will be able to see your messy desk, dirty laundry or unmade bed. Look around and consider hiding from view anything that doesn’t make you look neat, organized and professional.

7. Look professional. Don’t take a work-related video call while wearing a casual T-shirt — or worse, your pajamas. If you wear a uniform, you already look professional, but make sure it is clean (unless the call is a follow-up to explain the work you just did for a customer). If you do not wear a uniform, a clean and unwrinkled polo or button-down shirt will show you mean business.

8. Eliminate distractions. Mute your cell phone, and turn off the ringer on your desk phone. Turn off notifications on your computer so they don’t ping while you’re speaking. Find a place where you can talk uninterrupted. Close the door to your room, and put up a sign asking for privacy. If there’s no door, let everyone around you know not to disturb you.