In recent years, more people than ever have learned to use virtual meeting tools. They’ve allowed people to connect in new ways. Workers can be separated yet still collaborate with each other easily. Virtual meeting platforms have fueled the remote work revolution, giving companies the ability to hire the best talent from anywhere. So which platform is the best for your needs? Here are a few of the top options.
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Zoom
Zoom has emerged as one of the top virtual meeting platforms and for good reason. It is easy to use and very accessible for a wide variety of people, regardless of what type of device or operating system they are using. Tools such as a chat feature and recording options make it great for collaboration.
You also have the option to use free Zoom office backgrounds. This gives everyone a chance to have a unified setting for the meeting and reduces worry about how an individual’s home office setting may look.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform that is part of the G Suite by Google. It allows users to connect with each other through high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and real-time captions. Google Meet is also integrated with other Google applications, such as Google Calendar, making it easy to schedule meetings. It offers a free version that allows users to hold meetings for up to 60 minutes.
Meet offers advantages to companies that already use Google tools and products since all of the programs will integrate nicely with the other software you are already using.
Microsoft Teams
Another option that has emerged as a popular choice for virtual meetings is Microsoft Teams. This program is a bit different since it combines a lot of features in one platform. It has video conferencing, chat, file sharing and collaboration tools in a single system. This allows team members to work together both during video meetings and afterward without leaving the system. You can also make use of virtual office backgrounds to designate different roles for everyone in the meeting.
Make the Most of Virtual Meeting Platforms
With all of these options, there are a few best practices to help your team get the most out of them. Start by giving everyone time to explore the features of the program you choose to use. This includes practicing with chat tools, file sharing and learning how to create a custom Zoom background with logo that can be shared.
It’s also a good idea to establish meeting protocols and practices. Consider whether you want everyone to use their cameras, if you need a way to call on speakers and other rules to make sure meetings are smooth. Finally, be patient and prepare for a few growing pains as everyone gets acclimated to life with more virtual collaborations.
Taking the time to embrace virtual meeting platforms can transform the way you and your colleagues work, so don’t hesitate to get started. Find the system that works for you, customize your backgrounds to create a unified feeling and get to work.
