Video Conferencing Helping Businesses for Better Future
There are many aspects to consider when you think about the future of your business. Investments in equipment, staff, and other ventures must be carefully planned and executed in a fiscally responsible way that ultimately supports your company’s longevity. Every business’s needs are different, but the one thing every enterprise has in common is that keeping the future in mind is essential. It’s simple to get bogged down in the day to day routine, so here are four simple tips about how video conferencing is one of the best investments you can make.
- Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is necessary, and it’s as simple as that. While this may seem obvious, it’s also some of the most useful advice, and many small businesses don’t take it to heart. Whether you’re a entrepreneur with a startup or a seasoned professional with a medium size company, planning ahead and thinking about investments is essential for your long-term success.
A major aspect of this type of planning is communication tools. Integrating video conferencing into your current business communication model now is the ideal time, since the industry is at its peak in terms of mobile capability. Not only for mobile devices, but also in terms of literal mobility. One of the most useful communication tools a company and its staff can have are the kind that can travel, are transportable, and easily adaptable. The current systems available from such companies as Bluejeans offer a wide range of different collaboration tools by Blue Jeans that can evolve at the same rate as your company. Due to the fact that much of modern, cutting edge video conferencing works by basing data in the cloud, you’re not bogged down by dinosaur equipment as technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
- Innovative Uses for Creativity
Getting that extra edge over the competition all boils down to creativity and innovation, but it’s always a challenge finding how to most effectively bring out these traits in your employees. While there are traditional ways to brainstorm, like word association charts or meeting to verbally toss around ideas, going out on a limb to try something different gives you a one up on your competitors. For example, Inc.com suggests roleplaying as a way to develop new solutions by two people adopting roles as the client and a customer. Stepping into someone else’s shoes and getting a sense of perspective can be extremely eye-opening, and there’s no better way to do that than a face-to-face video conference. Embracing technology that can facilitate these types of exercises and foster creative thinking is a great long-term investment.
- Looking Good While Cutting Costs
Beta News points out that video conferencing is not only good for internal communication, but also for your company’s image. Using alternate methods to reduce travel not only saves you money, but also reduces your carbon footprint and makes you look environmentally responsible, according to BetaNews. It’s a trend that’s gained increased popularity in the past decade, and it makes you look great to your customers and clients. With all the recent coverage about global warming, the issue has taken center stage in news media as well as pop culture. Making a point that you’re conducting your business in ways that are economically sustainable is a great perk to also saving money, and nothing is more important than emotional associations with a brand.
- Keeping It Professional, but Also Personal
Interpersonal connections are what make the world go round, and that includes in business. While maintaining a professional countenance at all times with clients is a must, Mashable points out that there’s always a personal side to professional connections. It’s also essential to maintain that face-to-face feeling with clients and colleagues which is easily achievable through video conferencing. Seeing another person makes clients feel like they have a more substantial connection with you than just text on a screen. Adding that human element goes a long way in establishing long-term relationships that continue to grow. Being face-to-face not only allows you to keep up relationships, but you’ll also be investing in a form of technology that reminds you of the importance to do so. It’s easy to rely solely on e-mail, and sometimes it takes a little motivation to make sure your clients remember your actual face.
There are certain types of technology that come and go, or even become outdated. Video conferencing, on the other hand, doesn’t fall into those categories since face-to-face communication will never go out of style. Automated phone lines and online services are supposed make customers’ lives easier, yet they complain about not being able to reach “an actual person.” The need for that fundamental human interaction will always be present in business. Investing in a flexible video conferencing system that’s also designed to evolve with your company is the way to a better, brighter future.