How To Effectively Use Video Conferencing For Small Businesses

Considering how video conferencing tools and technologies are changing the way businesses connect and work, it’s wise to make sure you adapt and that your team does the same. Review the following tips on how to make your video meetings a success:

Measure the room

If you’re using video conferencing solutions to connect to different huddle rooms, then be sure to pick a room with the right size and enough space.

Some need more room for all the equipment. Trying to cram as much of the equipment you need into a tiny space could damage your systems and lead to glitches or problems that could delay, if not put an end to, your meetings.

Check those room measurements and check it it’s the right one for your online conferences or if you need to switch to another one.

Check for technical support

Different video conferencing software options come with different manufacturers. Find out what kind and quality of technical support the company offers. Buying a system is hardly worthwhile if the company isn’t going to extend any technical help and support if you run into problems or issues.

Look for lowlight performers

These days, as cameras improve, bad lighting isn’t as huge a problem as it used to be. Look for cameras with a fast F stop. That means it can be sued under low light conditions, so even if you’re logging onto that meeting on the go, in a shadowy corner or spot, your camera can fix the lighting to make the meeting go so much smoother.

Some are a great option for backlit situations, where you can’t find any other spot than one with the light source behind you.

Settle on a winner

The best tools make the work go smooth and easy. One way to achieve that is to go for reliable products. Choose established names in the industry to make sure you get systems that won’t let you down. BlueJeans video conferencing systems offers you a great many features, making it the go-to option for a lot of companies out there looking for a winning video conferencing solution.

Look for hidden charges

Some options come at a cheap price and that could be tempting to consider. However, before you opt for one, be sure to check for hidden fees and charges. For instance, if they charge quite a bit for maintenance and technical support, all those could add up to an astronomical cost. Know what the pricing covers before you buy that system. And factor in maintenance or support fees as well. That’s going to make it a bit easier to determine which options aren’t the right one for you.

Pick the right spot

As much as possible, pick the right spot. At home, set aside an area in your office video calls. If you want a professional space, clear it up of any clutter and keep personal items out of sight. That way, you can always present a professional environment. Pulling off those meetings should go so much easier without any of those clutters distracting the rest of the people in the meeting.

Lock your door

If you have pets or kids at home and you’re going to be in a meeting, lock your door. If you don’t, you could end up like Professor Robert Kelly. Kelly was weighing in on the ramifications of the impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye on a live interview with BBC, CNN reports, when his children literally waltzed into the room. A bit of havoc ensued. The video has since gone viral. If you don’t want to provide a similar entertainment for your team, keep that door locked.

Check the camera

Be sure to explore different camera angles to see which one works best for you. You wouldn’t want to provide your work colleagues with a view down your blouse or up your nose. By checking the camera angles in advance, you won’t have to be bothered by bad camera angles.

Be engaging

Don’t bore the rest of the participants. That’s always one of the reasons why meetings fail. Don’t lecture. Engage them. Interact with your audience. Ask them questions, their opinions and viewpoints. Call them by name whenever possible. All those things going to help you connect better to the rest of the participants in the meeting.

Put in guidelines

If you want to be sure your meetings go with greater efficiency and effectiveness in the future, then you’ll need to set up guidelines to handily let everyone in your organization handle video calls and conferences. This should provide them with key points to ensure their meetings improve.

With these tips, you’ll be making the most out of your online meetings much, much sooner rather than later. So, what are you waiting for?