Skype is a popular telecommunications platform that has been a staple in the business world for several years. Skype's impressive features have made it the go-to tool in professional and personal settings for many years, from instant messaging to video conferencing. However, recent reviews of Skype revealed the dismay and frustration of many virtual business owners over the app's performance. Skype seems to be heaped with one issue after another, from its slowness to its spotty video and audio quality.
If you're working with a virtual assistant, you know that this unreliable performance from Skype equals liability in the business. You wouldn't want to compromise important meetings over a tool's technical issues. Thankfully, you've got plenty of other options.
Check out these four web conferencing platforms specially designed for virtual teams:
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing medium that we typically use for audio conferencing, video conferencing meetings, webinars, recording meetings, and also live chat.
Zoom Meetings are the basis of Zoom, and the term refers to video conferencing sessions using the platform that permit remote and co-located meeting attendees to communicate frictionlessly. Since you don't need to have a Zoom account to attend Zoom meetings, you can even meet with customers or conduct consultations or interviews with remote candidates effectively.
This is the best way to test out Zoom, or if you work solo or with only one or two other people in the exact place as you and do the brunt of the appointment scheduling and corresponding. With the accessible version of Zoom, users can hold an infinite number of meetings, but group meetings with multiple participants capped at 40 minutes in length.
Meetin.gs
Remote staffing has many benefits, but it has a few drawbacks too. One of these is the challenge of scheduling a meeting that suits every team member. Fortunately, the makers of Meeting.gs made sure to resolve this problem.
This web conferencing tool promises to make scheduling as easy as possible, even with attendees scattered worldwide. With Meetin.gs, you can let your virtual employees book with you through calendar integration. Meeting agenda and attendance can also be accessed on mobile devices, making it the go-to app for entrepreneurs on the go. Other helpful features include editing documents together and tracking ongoing projects.
WebEx
WebEx is an excellent meeting platform for teams with more than ten members. WebEx is quickly becoming a popular Skype alternative with its ability to host 25 users and display six webcams simultaneously.
Apart from enjoying unlimited virtual meetings, users of WebEx can also take advantage of its notetaking. Whiteboarding and easy file sharing features. You can integrate WebEx with other business tools such as Google Drive, Jira Software, and Box.
Twiddla
Content creation is a crucial part of the business. Often, virtual companies work with content creators located on different parts of the globe. While this ensures diverse ideas and expansive talent, brainstorming for virtual content teams could be a challenge.
If you're familiar with this dilemma, Twiddla is here to help. This web meeting tool enables users to browse the web together, share screen captures and graphics, and document meetings. On top of these, Twiddla's functionalities can be enjoyed without sign-ups, plugins, or downloads.
Join.me
Another web conferencing channel that's quickly gaining popularity, Join.me has commonly known by users as easy to use and highly functional. Widely liked for its One-click Screen Share feature, Join.me provides toll-free voice functionality, customizable meeting backgrounds, and personalized URLs.
These features make it easy for virtual teams to segment meetings, track projects, and boost productivity in every web conference. Join.me can be used on desktops and mobile devices with the same quality performance.
Don't tolerate Skype if it has fallen short of your expectations – especially when you can use these four web conferencing platforms for your next staff meetings. Make sure that your business tools are as dynamic and high-impact as your team.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to essential shifts in the way organizations work over the last years. Video conferences have replaced in-person sessions because they bring greater comfort that drives efficient and cost-effective partnerships.
Research has shown that showing good visuals to the audience is key to understanding knowledge more quickly than any other type. The human brain functions image 60,000 times faster than text.
In addition, according to another research, "…auditory recognition memory arrangement is markedly inferior to visual recognition memory." Therefore, adding video to an audio-only meeting makes it easier for participants to recognize and understand the Meeting's key takeaways.
A collaborative post with
Catherine vanVonno, the President and CEO of 20four7VA, a trusted remote staffing company. She oversees the overall growth and success of the company, leads the short and long-term strategies, and manages the company's finances. She also directs the management team regarding daily operations, brand management and marketing, client relations, strategic planning, and business development.
