Face To Face Or Virtual Business Meetings

Worldwide companies are starting to make the transition to the world of virtual meetings which are proving to be more time and cost effective, eliminating the need for hiring venues, hotels and travel expenses. During these tough economic times this method can seem like a very attractive option but can virtual conferencing deliver the same level of communication and interaction that face-to-face meetings do?


There are many advantages to working in the virtual world. Web conferencing can allow your company to arrange team meetings, conferences and deliver training to work associates around the globe at a fraction of the cost of live meetings. Meetings can be more frequent and focused encouraging better communication patterns and the exchange of ideas from various areas. The software used for virtual meetings can deliver Powerpoint presentations and file sharing directly to participants laptops allowing them to absorb the information at their own rate and save it for future reference, eliminating the need to waste paper on print outs. Users can text other participants with questions and feedback, which can be useful for networking and developing good working relationships.


Virtual meetings can encourage better communication patterns between different areas of a business and allow users to consult with their colleagues in any part of the world to exchange new ideas, feedback and deliver training at a fraction of the cost. Virtual platforms allow users to distribute Power Point presentations directly to user laptops, allowing participants to absorb information at their own pace and save it for future reference without the hassle of print-outs or projectors. Text chat or proprietary PDAs can be used to interact with other participants in a conference which can be useful for networking and developing new ideas.


Will online conferencing eventually supersede face-to-face meetings? Personal meetings are essential to build good working relationships, exchange visions and ideas for the future and develop the personal ties that builds trust between colleagues, partners and clients. If a team is going to be working together in the virtual world on a regular basis having an initial meeting to "break the ice" can help define a teams purpose and build up a rapport that will help participants communicate in the virtual world.


Can virtual meetings eventually replace face-to-face exchange altogether? For the development of new partnerships and the exchange of visions and new ideas there is no substitute for personal meetings. In order to develop trust and cement bonds the personal meeting is still an essential component in creating and maintaining good working relationships. Rather than superseding live interaction the hybrid of the virtual and real world will create a true global workplace without borders in the 21st century.