The camera itself is the least important piece of the puzzle. Most $100 webcams work fine in the relatively low-resolution world of video conferencing. The secret is in the positioning. We don’t want to look up your nose or see you sitting way across the room. The most flattering shots are taken from around eye-level and have you filling the frame (somewhat close to the camera). This is the No. 1 thing most advisors need to improve.

Most of us face a computer during a video conference and the lighting usually suffers. A little bit of lighting directed at your face will raise your video quality immensely. Consider a small computer-attached light like this one to get you started.

What will we see behind you during the conference? It could be a bookshelf, a conference room, or an open-concept office, but make sure it looks presentable.  Try and avoid a window as your background—the brightness outside doesn’t usually show well. 

Ideally, you don’t have to use a headset (it’s impossible to look cool in a headset). Oftentimes your webcam will come equipped with a microphone. Make sure you’re close enough to it. If needed, invest in a USB microphone to make sure the audio quality is pristine.

If you’re going to share your screen, be prepared. You want to have all the windows pulled-up in advance to make sure your presentation is seamless.  There’s nothing worse than watching someone else fumble through screens and log-ins when trying to make a point.