I have learned one simple yet powerful rule after conducting hundreds, perhaps thousands, of first meetings as a founder:
I will only do first meetings on camera. No exceptions.
Phone calls are completely off the table for initial conversations.
Table of Contents
The Connection Factor
Without seeing someone, it is almost impossible to truly connect.
I will even cancel a meeting if someone makes a last-minute request like “can we just do a call?” or “I will be driving.”
The difference is remarkable. I cannot count how many times I have jumped on a Zoom with someone I had never met before, and by the end, we are laughing, trading stories, and already brainstorming collaboration opportunities.
That simply does not happen on a phone call.
Visual Impact
When you can see someone’s face, everything changes. You can:
- Notice their reactions
- Feel their energy
- Build trust faster
- Understand each other better
- Actually feel the conversation
Human Connection
Business is still fundamentally human at its core.
Spending 30 minutes seeing the actual person behind the email or LinkedIn profile is always time well spent.
That is why for first meetings, my camera is always on.
Connection beats convenience every single time.
Conclusion
Video meetings create genuine connections that phone calls simply cannot match.
The visual element transforms first meetings from basic conversations into opportunities for authentic relationship building.