If you’re a small business owner, you know that one of the keys to success is to work smarter, not harder. Video conferencing software helps small businesses to do just that. It powers collaboration, productivity, and even improves your bottom line by saving on travel costs and overheads.
In this blog, we’ll look at some of the benefits of video conferencing for small businesses, what to look for in video conferencing tools and some features of popular programs. Let’s get started.
Benefits of Video Conferencing for Small Business
Small business owners know that time is of the essence. Having the ability to bring people together quickly and easily can make a big difference in customer service, decision making and management.
Video conferencing can play a significant role in helping your small business to function well, stay connected and reach out to prospective partners and clients. The following are some specific benefits your small business can enjoy when it uses video conferencing:
- Reduced travel costs
- Face-to-face meetings from anywhere
- Document sharing
- Expert training with screen sharing
- Improved team communication
- Easier hiring interviews
- Improved company culture through human interaction
What to Look For in Video Conferencing Tools
Choosing the right video conferencing tools can make all the difference in your company’s communication. Some video conferencing tools can be cumbersome and difficult to use, while others can be too expensive on a small business budget.
When looking for a video conferencing program for your small business, consider your specific needs and the needs of your employees, partners and clients. One of the biggest frustrations people have with these tools is difficulty joining a meeting or staying connected, so ensure your chosen program has a reputation for reliability and includes comprehensive software support.
Also, look for next-generation tools that fit the way you do business now and into the future. Your platform should accommodate your requirements now but also be flexible enough to grow as your requirements do. Some video conferencing tools have been around for many years and haven’t adapted to the way people work today. Seek tools like CommuniCloud with modern features like dial-out, call transfer, sub-conferencing capabilities and customised layouts.
Popular Video Conferencing Tools Compared
Video conferencing has gained popularity as more businesses realise the many benefits it can provide. The following is a comparison of some of the more popular options available today.
Zoom
With Zoom, you can schedule meetings and invite others to join them, share your screen remotely and create webinars. With a Business Plan ($19.99/mo/host), you can have an admin dashboard, a vanity URL, company branding, LTI integration and dedicated phone support.
You can purchase additional cloud recording storage as well as an audio plan, which allows you to add global Toll-free and local dial-in for premium countries. Therefore, your participants can call in from any device without having to pay for the call. These add-on features are only available if you have at least one Pro host. Zoom has a wide range of functionality but these features often come at a premium.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting allows you to chat with people both inside and outside your company and to launch meetings using popular apps. It has a Smart Meeting Assistant feature, which lets you search through and share transcripts of your recorded meetings.
This video conferencing tool doesn’t have a free package, but you can try it free for 14 days before you make a purchase. You can save on your subscription by paying annually instead of monthly, and your subscription includes one-click meetings, HDFaces video conferencing, built-in audio, and one-click recording.
Skype for Business
With Skype for Business, you can invite people to your meetings with a personalised URL, set up your meetings and join from any device, share your screen or files during meetings, send instant messages during meetings, upload PowerPoint presentations, draw on a shared whiteboard.
Skype for Business is part of the Office 365 package, so subscriptions also include apps for Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and OneDrive. Subscription prices depend on the number of users you include. While Skype for Business features some new updates, the technology has been around for some time.
CommuniCloud
Many small businesses are choosing CommuniCloud as their video conferencing solution. Our software gives you unmatched interoperability that works seamlessly with your everyday applications, and you’ll love the multi-video support and crystal clear audio.
CommuniCloud allows you to create customised layouts, to dial out if you need to reach someone who isn’t already in the meeting, and to create smaller break-out sessions within a larger meeting. You can get a free account, which includes live chat support, unlimited meeting duration and screen and document sharing. If you want to host larger meetings, record your sessions or use other features, you can purchase a subscription. CommuniCloud offers everything a small business needs in terms of video conferencing, and it’s agile enough to be used in many different capacities.
The number of small business owners utilising video conferencing to help with many aspects of their operation is rapidly growing. To learn more about CommuniCloud, or to start your free trial, get in touch with us today.