Want to save time and money? Try videoconferencing instead

Videoconferencing first appeared in 1958 at the famous Brussels World's Fair. Using two telephones, they managed to connect two people who weren't in the same room. It was revolutionary at the time—some even imagined it was the end of the world.

This technology was quickly abandoned despite its extraordinary nature. It resurfaced in the 2000s with what is now considered an ancestor: skype.

The real boom happened in March 2020, when national lockdowns were declared across Western Europe. Remote work became mandatory, and videoconferencing became the go-to solution for meetings from home.

All of this is part of Sales enablement

What is a videoconference?

It's a conference where participants from different locations communicate via audio and video. The main goal of videoconferencing is to help people connect, no matter where they are. For a successful videoconference, you need a few tools.

The English word is videoconference, which is also translated into French as vidéoconférence or visioconférence, with the latter being more common.

Why is it used?

It uses computer, audio, and video connections to bring people together. Videoconferencing can be used for team meetings, webinars, product demos, job interviews, and more. From managing remote teams to closing international business deals, videoconferencing has become essential for companies of all sizes and industries. This means successful businesses and agencies must provide clients and employees with a high-quality videoconferencing solution—the pinnacle of remote work and communication.

Companies no longer have to subject clients or employees to poor interactions. With HD video streaming and clear, noise-reducing audio, the best videoconferencing technology can transform your business operations by bringing an in-person experience to your digital meetings. Today, there are excellent videoconferencing tools like:

• Google meet
• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams
• cisco webex

What do you need for a good videoconference?

Here are some of the most commonly used videoconferencing equipment:

• Screens: laptop, desktop monitor, TV screen
• Microphones and cameras: built-in microphones and webcams, USB microphones and webcams
• Speakers: built-in computer speaker, external speaker, VoIP conference phone
• Internet connection: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Videoconferencing software: videoconferencing tools and apps

Different ways to hold a videoconference

Depending on your needs, you can choose from different types of videoconferencing systems:

• Telepresence videoconferencing system: multiple screens or monitors are used to make everyone feel like they're meeting in person.
• Desktop videoconferencing system: all hardware and software are integrated into a computer or laptop.
• Room-based videoconferencing: the technology is built into the room itself.

No matter which type you choose, there are many use cases for videoconferencing systems. They help you connect with colleagues, clients, and potential employees.

Main uses of videoconferencing technology:

• Team meetings
• Webinars
• Product demos
• One-on-one training and support
• Job interviews

1. Team meetings

Tired of being left out, talked over, or misunderstood in digital meetings? Basic videoconferencing isn't always suited for a productive business meeting environment. A front-facing camera can't capture a whole conference room full of people.

A standard microphone also won't deliver loud, clear sound to the other side of the conversation. Your team's time is too valuable to keep repeating themselves. The information discussed in meetings is too important to risk misunderstandings due to poor sound quality. Your remote colleagues deserve the same experience as your in-office team—so give it to them!

A 360-degree videoconferencing device with high-resolution cameras and quality audio recording equipment can instantly upgrade your team's digital meetings and level the playing field for both remote and in-person teammates.

2. Webinars

The whole point of a webinar is to provide high-quality visual and audio input. Your viewers are watching because they need the information you have. If your video doesn't support HD visuals or doesn't capture enough of your space, your viewers become listeners. If your audience wanted just audio, they'd pick a podcast. Likewise, if participants can't understand you, you're limiting your ability to engage with them.

When you remove the audio aspect from your presentation, you're competing with a vast pool of visual and audiovisual content. To deliver a complete audiovisual experience to your webinar participants, you need the right equipment, or you risk missing out on potential leads or current clients.

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3. Product demos

Every aspect of your business is represented in your products. Think of all the brainstorming sessions, design work, and hours of manufacturing that went into launching your merchandise. Now imagine a failed sales pitch—all that hard work wasted because you didn't have the right videoconferencing equipment to truly showcase your product. This scalable solution can also save your company money if virtual demos can replace costly on-site visits (or at least partially).

4. One-on-one training and support

Whether you're onboarding a new employee or providing real-time support to a key client, every digital interaction your business conducts can be either choppy and unproductive or as smooth and effective as an in-person meeting.

The difference lies in the videoconferencing technology you invest in. Without high-quality equipment, your business can't provide top-tier communication 24/7, anywhere, anytime between teams and clients. You'll also expand your talent pool for support roles by offering remote positions that can be done from anywhere.

5. Job interviews

The typical hiring process can be tedious. Every day you go without your new hire, you lose not only that role's productivity but also the productivity of all interviewers involved. High-quality, instant communication solutions like videoconferencing tools and technology allow current team members and potential hires to conduct quick yet substantial interviews. Companies with remote capabilities hire new talent 33% faster than those without remote flexibility.

Remote meetings are not only convenient, but with videoconferencing technology, interviewers can pick up on key visual cues just like in an in-person interview.