Online meetings—or virtual meetings held using an internet browser or computer application—are increasing in popularity across organizations large and small as they seek to connect geographically dispersed teams, increase productivity, and reduce travel costs. A deeper understanding of online meetings can help you and your team hold more successful virtual meetings and improve collaboration.
Online meetings happen via a web browser application or software downloaded on a computer or mobile device. With online meeting software, users can connect with one another via virtual meetings, also known as web conferences or video conferences.
In most cases you only need a computer or mobile device equipped with a microphone, online meeting software, an internet connection, someone to meet with who has the same components, an agenda, and BOOM—you have an online meeting.
Of course, you can expand the functionality of your virtual meeting if you choose to adopt sophisticated collaboration offerings like web conferencing or video conferencing, both of which fall under the “online meeting” umbrella. Web conferencing enables users to share their screens, poll attendees, digitally whiteboard, and more during meetings. Video conferencing adds a real-time video component into the mix to help further foster team building and add face-to-face communication to virtual meetings.
Aside from day-to-day check-ins, planning sessions, and debriefings, online meetings can a beneficial pivot from traditional in-person or standard audio-only get-togethers. Training is growing in importance, with nearly 77 percent of companies using virtual training to provide professional development for their employees. E-learning is also popular, as are webinars and conferences. The possibilities are as almost as endless as your work-from-home wardrobe (yoga pants again?).
The online meeting marketplace is saturated with vendors offering solutions for teams of all sizes and budgets. For companies big and small, the features you need from your online meeting software are universal, no matter the budget.
Selecting the right online meeting solution for your organization is the first step in holding more successful meetings. With better technology in place, it’s possible to improve team collaboration, maximize your time together, and keep projects moving forward.
Here are seven tips for running a successful online meeting:
Using an online meeting solution is no different than any other technology your team adopts. It’s important that your team picks up best practices along the way and assesses how the tool is working for you. In the end, online meeting software and other collaboration solutions should help you eliminate information silos by connecting team members who need information. If it’s not meeting that criteria, examine how you can improve how your team works together.
Learn more about Cisco products and solutions related to online meetings.