Why Your Zoom Background is Costing You Clients (and What to Do Instead)

ziemteam
4 days ago
2 min read

If you are a teacher or working a 9-5, you’ve probably spent the last few years mastering the art of the "virtual background." Whether it’s a blurry living room or a digital office, we use them to protect our privacy and hide the laundry pile behind us.

But in a recent meetup inside the NMI Connection Creator Academy, Marta shared a powerful lesson she learned at a Digital Nomad Summit in Spain that might make you rethink your next video call.

The "Hidden" Cost of Privacy

Marta highlighted a massive realization from speaker Tim Dim: When you hide your background, you might accidentally be hiding your trustworthiness.

Think about it from the client's perspective. When you use a heavy filter or a fake background:

The "Glitch" Factor: You move your hand and it disappears. You turn your head and lose an ear. It’s distracting and pulls the focus away from your message.
The Trust Gap: Subconsciously, the person on the other side wonders, "What are they hiding? Is it a mess, or are they just not being real with me?"

Turning Your Space Into Your Sales Pitch

Marta’s "golden nugget" for creators is simple: Authenticity builds trust faster than a fancy digital filter ever will.

If you want to gain a client’s trust immediately, try these three tips Marta shared:

Stop Hiding: If you don't have a dedicated home office, don't sweat it. A blank, solid-colored wall is better than a digital one. It ensures your hands, face, and movements stay clear and professional.
Use Your Environment to Connect: A real background (like a bookshelf or a clean room) gives people a glimpse into your life. It starts conversations. It makes you a human, not just a floating head.
Community is Business: Marta shared how one "random" call led to her meeting a collaborator in Spain, which led to life-changing workshops. When you show up authentically, people realize who you are and start coming to you for your services.

The Power of the "Random" Connection

Marta’s biggest takeaway wasn't just about Zoom settings—it was about showing up.

She encouraged everyone, especially remote workers and those transitioning out of a 9-5, to lean into community platforms like Skool. Unlike other social media where you "kill time by swiping," these communities are for learning, applying, and earning.