Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, society has been shifting towards globalization. For businesses, closing the gaps created by physical distance was always a priority, and emerging technology allowed them to do just that.
Digital business tools were gaining traction because of the cost savings and operational efficiencies technology provided. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated that process by making these tools an immediate necessity for businesses, as opposed to something to research “down the road”.
Today, technology has filled the space created by social distancing and allowed many businesses to overcome current environmental limitations and provide services to their customers.
One of these digital tool titans –whose rein shows no sign of slowing down –is video conferencing. There is no question this platform has helped countless businesses and their teams meaningfully connect and effectively transition to a socially distanced workforce. Consequently, there is also no question that this technology has permanently reshaped how businesses will operate as we rebuild and move forward.
Here is how your team can leverage virtual video calls and conferencing tools:
How Your Team Connects with Each Other
The business world moves quickly, but not as quickly as the pandemic has. For the foreseeable future, precautionary measures to protect individuals will persist even as we slowly move business operations back into the office. These social distancing measures will discourage in-person contact and make large group gatherings virtually impossible.
This means things like in-person team huddles, company announcements, and traditional meetings will be a thing of the past. It is also likely that smaller gatherings (stopping by a colleague’s desk with questions, prepping the lunchroom for your Friday potluck, etc.) will be discouraged.
Video conferencing tools give the space to host all types of intraoffice correspondence –ranging from formal business activity down to the little interactions that influence company culture. Although it may be a bit awkward to have individuals within the same building call-in to a virtual meeting room instead of walking to the physical conference room down the hall, executing interactions in this way will allow your organization to remain compliant with social distancing measures without disrupting workflow.
How Others Engage With Your Brand
Now more than ever, client check-ins are needed between businesses. Unfortunately, out of an abundance of caution, you may find your clients, business partners, and prospects wary to meet in person, or that their company has limited any unnecessary foot traffic into their building. These practices will impact things such as on-site events, recruiting and onboarding, client meetings, etc.
Although face-to-face interactions are on the decline, it does not mean brand engagement nor your relationships with our clients must slip; when leveraged properly, these digital meeting spaces can actually improve your business’ engagement strategy.
Simple things like turning a check-in phone call into a face-to-face video meeting and setting up virtual lunches and/or happy hours go a long way in the minds of clients. On the recruiting side of brand engagement, video tools are easily incorporated into the interviewing and onboarding process through virtual interviews and webinar sessions for orientation and training.
Why Virtual Meeting Rooms Are Here to Stay
Over the past few months, our lives have all been affected by changes to the economy, social activity, and global health; we all have been adversely impacted from these changes, so much so that we fail to see some of the positives that have grown out of this time of adversity.
Beyond the cost and time savings associated with traveling to in-person gatherings, virtual meetings provide far more versatility and flexibility to its users and allow businesses to connect with their audience on a larger scale and in a more timely manner. Now that most businesses have seen these benefits first-hand, it is likely these tools will be integrated into long-term operation procedures, and not merely pulled out in times of crisis.
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Conclusion
For businesses, the versatility and agility needed to adapt to a changing business landscape have given way to innovations that have reshaped how consumers and business partners engage with your brand, as well as how your team operates daily.
By understanding the versatility of the platform, you and your team will be able to leverage the virtual space to grow your business and effectively connect with your customers.