Working remotely has been shown to improve employee morale, improve diversity in the workplace, and even benefit the company's bottom line since employees are more productive. There are some logistical situations to consider, though, such as choosing the right meeting platform for you, your employees, and your clients to use to communicate.
Browser Platforms
If your business is small enough that you don't need to hold a lot of virtual meetings, then you can likely get away with using a browser-based meeting platform. These platforms work right in Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser that you use without requiring you to download additional applications or software. While there are many types with a variety of features, most of them have the same key components, such as allowing people to connect via their web browsers or from other devices. They often also allow you to share files, upload a virtual office background with a logo, collaborate on documents, view chat logs, and more.
Virtual Meeting Platforms
Businesses that rely on a lot of face-to-face conversations likely need to kick it up a notch by downloading virtual meeting platform software. These applications often are able to accommodate a larger number of people in a meeting at one time, let you share your screens, allow for a custom office background, and more. There are many different options on the market and each one has its own advantages, disadvantages, and price points.
Ease of Use
From the moment you begin the onboarding process for using a new meeting platform, it's important to consider its ease of use. After all, you run a company and likely don't have a lot of extra time to figure out difficult applications or to help your employees and clients figure them out. It's important to try several different options before deciding which one you think will best meet your needs. If you have trouble figuring something out, other people will, too.
Even after you decide on a tool, it's a good idea to begin the onboarding process for your team members and clients well before you are ready to hold an actual meeting. This way, you can provide hands-on training as needed, answer questions, and fix any other issues that may come up well before it's time to get down to business.
The Right Features
No matter how well-made a platform is, it won't work for you if it doesn't have the features you need to run your specific type of meetings. Common features to consider include text chat and screen-sharing functionalities. This way, people can ask questions or make comments without disrupting the flow of the meeting, plus they'll be able to share their screens as needed so that everyone stays on the same page. Depending on your needs, you may also want engagement features, such as the ability to take a live poll or provide a feedback survey after the meeting. Other possible features to consider include automation options, sponsorship opportunities, and customized pages.
Whether you simply need a platform that provides options for free Microsoft Teams backgrounds or you need something more robust, spending time researching will help you ensure you have what you need when meeting day comes. Start your search early for the best results.
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