As data costs have fallen, video conferencing has become an even bigger part of many businesses. This versatile software type can be used to network individuals within a single office, or individuals from different locations throughout the world. It's considered by many to be an effective way to manage remote teams, and is easy to deploy. Most systems have compatible video conferencing software available to them, from the ever-popular Windows through even Linux and Android. These five uses of video conferencing software might be a little bit out of the box, but they'll help you to get the job done efficiently.
Consulting With Other Employees in the Office More Quickly
It's happened to all of us; you've got something you need to review with someone three or four floors down, but you know if you get out of your seat and go down there you'll lose at least 30 or 40 minutes. There's the propensity for time-wasting all along the route you'd need to take. Instead of wasting time physically leaving your desk, ask to video conference in with the individual at a time that suits you best. Or, telephone them and ask them to conference with you for a moment. This has a two-fold effect; it saves time, as you no longer need to leave your work, and it personalises the interaction with your co-workers.
Creating Global Teams
With today's global industry, global work teams are becoming entirely common. In some cases, entire companies are created with no brick and mortar base. Remote teams can find many benefits in video conferencing software programs; it's possible to create virtual meeting spaces. Whether you meet only once every two weeks, only reactively, or regularly every morning, you'll be able to connect with your team members whenever you like. This is also a useful way to network various departments across long distances, allowing you to station a call centre in an affordable location while offices may be elsewhere.
Creating Virtual Work Spaces
A great adjunct to creating global team meeting spaces, video conferencing can be used to create virtual work spaces. By having always-on monitors available, you can both monitor and interact with others through the video conferencing system. A quick note: this method can and does use up extensive amounts of bandwidth, so it probably isn't the best option for those on limited bandwidth options. If you're unlimited, it's a perfectly reasonable choice.
Offering Clients an Easier Way to Meet
Few people have the time required to book off a whole afternoon for a single appointment. It can be frustrating for your clients to tell them that they need to take more time off to come and see you. Instead, offer them video conferencing for any meetings that don't need to be held directly in person. If they have questions, offer a video meeting. As before, this will help to personalise the experience while cutting down on time wasters.
Consult With Experts
It's not unusual for businesses to need to consult with people outside of the company from time to time. Whether this is a consultation with the accountant to determine a budget for an upcoming project, or a consultation with a contractor who is to upgrade your work floor, video conferencing is a great way to ask quick questions. It can also be used to interview contractors before hiring them to ensure that they will suit the needs of your business. Essentially, any time you need to meet with someone briefly, video conferencing can assist you.
Interview Potential Employees
Most businesses have a two-step interview process; they speak with the potential employee, and then meet with them in person for a more extensive conversation about their suitability. A great deal of time can be pared down in situations where businesses need to hire a high number of employees when they interview via video conferencing. This can be an effective way to interview for large businesses like call centres or offices. It's even possible to test skills through video conferencing with the use of additional shared-screen software.