Online meetings allow you to join a meeting with a client at any time, whether you are at home, in a café or on the go. This is a great advantage for those of us who work remotely, and makes it easier to be more inclusive in the workplace. It allows those incapable of traveling due to medical, childcare or financial limitations to participate in meetings.
Virtual meetings have the advantage of beginning and stopping at the same time. Typically, the agenda will be distributed ahead of time, attendees will pre-read the material and have the possibility to ask questions prior to the meeting. This can lead to shorter meetings and more productive discussions. It also reduces unnecessary distractions like table talk and interruptions. Utilizing tools such as audio and video conferencing software, wireless technologies or conference call applications can help ease the technical challenges that occur during an online meeting.
However, it’s important to note that face-to meeting face-to-face can be beneficial in certain areas. This is especially applicable to more nuanced topics that require the interpretation of body speech, tone and pauses. These are signals that are difficult to recognize in virtual meetings. Also, for more in-depth training or demonstrations, an in-person setting is typically more effective. Online meetings are often the best option for subjects that do not require much interaction.