Businesses around the world are constantly asking themselves the question, “How do I communicate better with my employees and my customers?” Businesses aren’t alone in this struggle either. It is part of the human condition to struggle with effective communication. We all want to be heard and understood, but in a world full of distractions, we often fail. Communication isn’t easy, especially when you are not even in the same room as the other person. Luckily, thanks to advancements in technology, communication in the business world and beyond is improving thanks to video conferencing.
Video conferencing is significantly improving communication in the business environment. Here are a few of the ways it is making a positive impact for businesses trying to share their message both internally and externally.
Visual Cues
Unlike past conferencing solutions that only allow a few phone lines to connect and communicate simultaneously, video conferencing enables participants to see each other. This simple change has opened up a world of better communication by providing non-verbal visual cues visual cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language. These visual cues enhance understanding, empathy, and overall engagement during the conversation. They also help people feel more connected. Instead of talking to a microphone while staring at a wall, participants talk can see the other person in real time. It simulates the experience of being in the same room together which is imperative for building trust and comradery both between coworkers and clients.
Real-time Collaboration
What started with hand-written letters and telegrams before moving to phone calls has evolved to real-time communication. Gone are the days of waiting to hear back for a time-sensitive response, now video conferencing is providing instant feedback regardless of the participant’s physical location. It enables teams to work together on projects, share ideas, brainstorm, and provide instant feedback, fostering a sense of unity and productivity.
Enhanced Engagement
In tandem with visual cues, seeing participants’ faces and reactions can help keep everyone engaged during meetings. Rather than staring a a wall, it minimizes distractions and encourages active participation. Individuals are more likely to pay attention and contribute when they can be seen by others. It also helps end exclusionary meeting practices common in conference calls where one side can mute themselves and have an entire side conversation the remote participant is unaware of. Seeing people face to virtual face helps everyone stay engaged in one conversation at a time.
Global Reach
Since video conferencing works for anyone with the right hardware and an internet connection, geographical barriers have been virtually eliminated allowing businesses to connect with partners, clients, and colleagues around the world. This global reach enables teams to meet quickly and easily reducing travel costs, and expediating decision-making processes. When it comes to expanding business worldwide, reaching global markets with the right message is easier than ever.
Flexibility and Convenience
Since video conferencing allows you to connect online anywhere that has a strong internet signal, work can be more flexible and convenient than ever. Some people enjoy taking a workcation. That means they work while travelling using cafes and other coworking spaces wherever they can find them. For those less adventurous, participants can join a meeting from their car on their way to an appointment without missing a beat. If a meeting is only going to take a few minutes, it also saves people extensive travel time while helping solve the same problem they would have done in person.
Scheduling
Scheduling important meetings is also quick and easy to do when platforms are integrated into calendar platforms. Take a quick look at a coworker’s calendar to see if they are available. Then schedule a meeting with a link to the virtual meeting room.
Document and Screen Sharing
Most video conferencing platforms support document and screen sharing. These features enable participants to present slides, share important documents, or collaborate on shared files in real-time. This feature improves information sharing, collaboration, and productivity during meetings.
Record and Playback
Many video conferencing tools offer the option to record meetings. This allows participants to review the discussions later or share them with absent team members. Keeping a record of an important discussion can save a lot of time in future discussions.
Personal Connection
Above all, video conferencing helps people build and maintain personal connections among team members, even when they are physically apart. When people feel connected and care about each other, they have a better chance of communicating well. That is the goal for any business.
To learn more, read our blog, “Video Conferencing for Business”.
If you need help designing a video conferencing solution for your workplace, contact OEC today for a free consultation. We want to help you look and sound your best no matter who you are working with.
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