Choosing the right solution for your small business
With the advent of widespread remote working, collaboration has become more complex. Instead of gathering in a physical conference room, meetings are now virtual. How do you choose the right solution for your small business and give your teams the tools they need to succeed?
Unproductive meetings are a waste of time and energy. When conducted remotely, they have the potential to be even more disorienting. The right video conferencing solution can make meetings productive again.
5 things to look for in a video conferencing solution
Before purchasing a conferencing solution for audio/video calls and meetings, there are a few questions to answer. Take a close look at each of your potential solutions to see if they support these must-have features.
1.in-browser functionality
Many video conferencing solutions require users to have an account or download an app. It’s just another hoop to jump through and another connection to remember. Look for options that support in-browser use and have quick availability instead.
When you can simply invite people to a meeting with a quick email and they can go directly to the meeting by clicking on a link, you reduce the wait time for people to find their login or request a new password, or download and launch an app .
Cisco Webex Meetings has a fast, browser-based interface, providing easy access for desktop users. Your participants can also participate via a tablet, phone, or other standards-based video conferencing system. The goal is to provide unparalleled video quality from wherever your team member is located, on whatever device they choose to use. You can easily customize the meeting layout for better viewing and usability.
Best of all, there are no downloads or setup required and users can easily join meetings over the phone with the Call Me feature. You can schedule, start and join new meetings right from your toolbar for added flexibility and convenience.
2. collaboration features
The ability to actively share and collaborate during a conference can enhance video calls and teamwork. Look for solutions that enable the following features:
Screen sharing. Being able to show, not tell, can streamline training processes and make it easier to follow up with groups when showing how to use a new tool or application.
File sharing. Dropping a document into your meeting for everyone to access saves time and effort compared to creating and sending an email with the file or link attached.
Instant messaging. Having a built-in chat allows participants to ask questions without interrupting the flow of a presentation and helps keep a record of participation.
Webex Meetings facilitates screen sharing, file sharing and real-time chat during video conference calls to foster collaboration and build stronger teams.
3.text-to-speech capability
Being able to review what happened during a conference call can give your video conferences a lasting organizational impact. Look for features such as audio/visual recording, closed captioning, real-time transcription and note taking. Being able to share a past video conference with someone who missed it is easier than trying to recap it later.
Webex Meetings can record each conference, provide closed captions, facilitate note taking and provide accurate transcripts that you can download, save and share as needed. When you need to review an older conference, you can use targeted keywords to search the transcripts for sections that interest you.
4.cost vs. value
While cost is certainly a factor for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), it should not be the deciding factor when choosing how to handle your video conferencing call needs. Not all options are created equal, and it’s better to pay a little more for a video conferencing solution that meets the needs of your team.
- Quality. Read reviews and see which solutions are regularly praised for clear audio and smooth video streams.
- Resolution. Does image quality suffer on some devices? You need a solution that doesn’t just work on computers or mobile devices.
- Security. How are your calls encrypted? Who manages the text-to-speech feature and provides recordings, transcripts and closed captions?
- Support. When you run into problems, waiting in a queue or emailing a support team is not a viable solution. You need help that is available and accessible in real time.
Webex Meetings video conferencing provides clear audio and high-resolution video, as well as in-house encryption, recording, captioning and transcription for a secure experience. The support team is always available to resolve any potential issues with you in real time.
5. integrations
How well will the video conferencing solution integrate with the tools you already use? Ask the following questions when considering adding videoconferencing to your suite of small business solutions:
Can you seamlessly merge your contact list, email client and calendars to make meeting invitations easier?
Will you be able to easily access files from your preferred file sharing and storage locations?
Is the solution compatible with Microsoft and Apple tools and applications?
What about chat and communication platforms?
Can you use the video conferencing solution in your preferred small business CRM platform?
Being able to continue to use the other solutions your team is familiar with will make video conferencing easier and more intuitive.
Video conferencing can give your small business a strong strategic advantage. Contact Us!
