Still holding important meetings via teleconferencing? It may be time for an upgrade. Teleconferences first started in the early 1960s, and while communication via phone has certainly changed since then, the implementation of teleconferences has not changed much at all. Sure it gets the job done and allows you to communicate with people regardless of where they are geographically, but it is the 21st century now, and there are better solutions out there. That solution is web conferencing. Web conferencing allows users to take business meetings to the next level by utilizing audio, video conferencing, and content sharing.
1. Web conferencing is more personal.
Let’s face it, hearing someone’s voice on the phone is ok, but it cannot compare to seeing a person “face to face”. Web conferencing allows users all over the world to virtually “meet” each other thanks to the use of webcams and video streaming technologies. In fact, most businesses who have made the switch have noted that conversations fare better because they can make eye contact, read body language, and establish a more meaningful connection.
2. Participants can engage throughout the meeting.
How many times have you been on a teleconference and wanted to get your two cents in, but one person was dominating the conversation? Before you know it the meeting is over and you never found your opening to share your ideas. Almost every web conferencing platform has features that are designed to engage all participants throughout the duration of the meeting. Widgets such as polling, surveys, Q&As and chat allow each person to share their ideas, participate, and feel like they have a say in the conversation.
3. Web conferencing platforms are very affordable.
If you are nervous about investing in web conferencing software, you will be surprised at how many affordable options there are out there. For instance Zoom is an online video conferencing platform that has packages starting at $14.99 per month. Skype for Business, Adobe Connect, and WebEx are some other platforms that have very affordable packages. Prices will vary depending on the platform you choose, features you want, and the audience size you need. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all the options out there, we are more than happy to help guide you towards a web conferencing solution that fits your business needs.
4. Users can share important visuals or work documents simultaneously.
Web conferencing platforms allow users to share slides, videos, spreadsheets, and more to enhance your conference. Some web conferencing systems also have screen-sharing and whiteboarding capabilities. Whiteboarding is a feature on video conferencing platforms that allows participants to share a document and edit, and annotate it collaboratively similar to a physical whiteboard. When you are trying to explain complex problems or ideas to a client or coworker, these types of web conferencing tools are invaluable. In short, these features allow participants to collaborate together far more than a simple teleconference ever could.
Nowadays it is extremely important for businesses to stay ahead of the competition. This often means finding new ways to increase efficiency. If your business is still holding meetings via teleconference, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient web conferencing platform. Want to learn more about how web conferencing can help your business? Contact Worktank at 1.877.975.8265 or complete our contact form to get the conversation started.
