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Online conferences through webcams and microphones have become more and more commonplace, mostly due to the huge boom in people working from home or forming start-ups. Yet many companies and individuals are still failing to embrace this change and are sticking to the regular board room. There will always be some advantages to meeting in-person, but failure to adapt to online conferencing software could leave some companies behind, cause them to miss opportunities, and lose out on a better way of working. Here are just some of the reasons why the IT industry prefers virtual meetings and how they can be of benefit in your office:

Saves Budget

Business 2 Community says that video conferencing used to be seen as the more expensive option when it was less common and therefore equipment cost more than it does today was more difficult to use. Today, the opposite is true.  A monthly subscription to a business video conferencing system for IT purposes eliminates the need for work-related travel or office space. Since cloud based systems can be used on devices that people already own and use regularly, there are typically no additional costs involved. Some people have even been cancelling their landline phone services as they can make affordable video calls through their smartphones instead. The money can instead be re-invested back into the business or put into more important areas. Even if you do need to buy new computers or webcams for the purposes of online meetings, it is only a one-off cost that will pay for itself in no time at all.

New Opportunities

Not only does this technology save money, but according to smallbusiness.co.uk, it also returns on its own investment. By allowing companies and individuals instant access to collaborators, clients, customers, and new employees from anywhere in the world, it opens up networking opportunities in ways never possible before. Before, landing a deal with a large international client used to involve flying them into your office and paying for their accommodation and entertainment. Today, it can all be done through video calls almost instantly. The ability to hire a remote team also means that recruitment isn’t limited to the immediate area.

More Energy Efficient

IT professionals are incredibly conscious of their environmental impact and will go to great lengths to ensure that they and their corporations will reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. Video conferencing has gone a long way to help with this. The reduction in carbon emissions from travelling to the office for meetings or even flying internationally is substantial, with the additional benefit of reducing the amount of traffic on the roads.

Improved Work/Life Balance

The reduction in car travel is good news not only for the environment. For years people have been frustrated with the daily commute to the office and having to spend hours of each day stuck in traffic, which was time they could have been spent with family, pursuing leisure activities, or building a residual income. They have also been frustrated once they do arrive at the office to find that a large part of the work day involved checking piles of e-mail or sitting through pointless meetings. Almost all employees who have switched to working from home, even for just a few days each week, say that it has improved their work/life balance significantly, improving their mental health and allowing them more time to spend with loved ones. Video conferencing has been largely responsible for this change, as people not only eliminate the need to travel to the office every day but also the need to spend days or weeks at a time away from home on business trips. Some people have even used it to replace their e-mail, freeing their work day up for more important tasks.

Improves Technology Further

Virtual meetings haven’t just taken off thanks to improvements in the technology field, they have been largely responsible for these improvements themselves. More and more companies and individuals are upgrading to faster internet suppliers to improve the quality of their calls and investing in better computers, mobile devices, and projectors for seminars. This helps them not only during their meetings but in all other areas of their professional and personal lives too, keeping them on the cutting edge of new technology that will help them to keep up with their competitors and stay in business during difficult economic times. No longer do they have to worry about constantly dropped internet connection or blurry images during their video calls.

While there will always be some advantages to in-person meetings and the office environment, IT professionals and employees of all departments have been finding that online conferencing has numerous advantages and has greatly improved their lives and enterprises. If you haven’t already, try it for yourself and feel these advantages for yourself.

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

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Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

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As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking. 

No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.

  • Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
  • Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
  • Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
  • Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.

Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.

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Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

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Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.

Decor:

The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.

Music:

The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.

Service:

Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.

Atmosphere:

Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.

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Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

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Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career. 

Do Your Research 

Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself. 

Take A Strong Career Test

A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.

Think About Finances and Legalities 

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights. 

Create a Business Plan 

Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers. 

Start Networking 

Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line! 

Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.

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